Dr. George Verwer

19 -02-12 

Scriptures are many when we talk about Radical Discipleship. Let’s take simply the first two commandments which are not preached too often. (Mathew 22:37&39) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. Do you think just these commandments are a practical reality 7 days a week in your life?  Do you acknowledge it only on a Sunday which is good or does it impact your life?!

Our call is not only to evangelize but to build God’s Kingdom in different aspects of the society. In the government, in sports, in education (schools and colleges), in arts and in the IT world in this city. Bangalore is one city with wide opportunities for work. The city is considered a top market place known for the IT and all kinds of outsourced jobs done! Radical discipleship is not only for the pastors and evangelist but for people in the market places!

Romans 12:1&2 (Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will) are two important verses that fulfil radical discipleship. 

What does a radical disciple look like? 

1.      Reality of love like in Acts 4:31 (After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly) does not happen without the Holy Spirit! Reaching out to India means reaching out to crores of people. If we’re being gripped by the spirit of fear and not using simple access like free books and DVDs to reach out, it’s due to lack of sincere love for others. Don’t be satisfied with experiences of the Holy Spirit, but preach the word of God with boldness. Don’t allow “dying for Christ” be an exaggerated statement!

2.      Spiritual battles are real! Prayer is where we win many battles, and the Bible teaches us to pray without seizing. Knowing God truely causes you stay not even a day without praying. It’s important for radical disciples to pray. You either evangelise or fossilize(grow old)!

3.      A radical disciple may offend people through sharing the gospel! OM, the Operation Mobilization began with an inspiration from God after a mistake Dr George Verwer made due to which he was in jail. Making mistakes is a part of learning. Do not be discouraged and continue to share the Good News!

4.      A young man i met who was once irritated at the gospel, after accepting Christ, continued his passion for golf. He would finish his game on a Sunday morning and get to church when he once met a “Grace Killer” who accused him of having “a golf game on the Lord’s day! We need to be “Grace Awakened” and not a Grace Killer”!! Let us not to judgemental and legalistic!

Few Pointers To Take Back

·         Associating and partnering with the right people is very important! You encouragement, correction and the one you share your problems with should be the right people.

·         One wrong sentence out of your mouth can cause you more grief than you can ever  imagine!

·         At the end, it’s about You and Jesus! You don’t get to heaven with anything else!!

·         You will never be the same as a result of meeting Jesus!!