This summer, the Philippines Church celebrated its 30 year anniversary. With young men preaching the word, families hearing it and coming together. This church now spans over generations. It didn’t start that way. Watch to see God’s power work with mustard seed faith!
If you are thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, or even if you’re just perusing here, we want to challenge you to consider going to a place that was like the Philippines 30 years ago. In need of more workers, in need of people to go!
Please take the time to read this article. A message coming from a man that inspired many modern missions. If you are thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, this is a really important read.
“The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”
The text contains two thoughts–that in religion, in the question of salvation and of following Christ by a holy life, it is impossible for man to do it. And then alongside that is the thought–What is impossible with man is possible with God. The two thoughts mark the two great lessons that man has to learn in the religious life. It often takes a long time to learn the first lesson, that in religion man can do nothing, that salvation is impossible to man. And often a man learns that, and yet he does not learn the second lesson–what has been impossible to him is possible with God. Blessed is the man who learns both lessons! The learning of them marks stages in the Christian’s life.”
If you’re thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, you may have thought about the obstacles, or the reasons you think it wouldn’t work. In his book “Absolute Surrender”, Murray stresses that we as Christians need to learn this second lesson, that salvation is impossible to man. But thanks be to God! For it is possible in Him.
Every year, the Bible is the most sold and read book in the World. Look carefully and you’ll see the graph doesn’t start from the book shelf, but from the top of most of the books. You might look at this and have a sigh of relief, but there are so many that don’t have this book, and more that don’t understand it. We need to be teachers, trainers and goers!
Prague, and the Czech Republic as a whole, are often considered to be one of the most unreligious places in the world. You will have to do the research to learn what the atmosphere of religion and faith is like in the Czech Republic. Even more important, if you are thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, you will join the church and body of Christ who are fighting to spread the gospel in this city.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place,
Depending on the location, culture, and people, there are different barriers to faith. In some places, atheism and a secular view can stop people from even considering the existence of a supernatural being. Other places may have many gods. In any case, and on a One Year Challenge, it is important to have an answer for why we believe, and to be loving and respectful still. Let William Lane Craig be a good example for us.
Thought provoking. Darren Carlson brings up a topic that is really important for discussion. One of the foundational considerations of the One Year Challenge, is that you have time to become a contributor. Another is that you can be in a place that needs help, but also has the resources to support and help those who come develop and grow.
“Notice how Christ uses that word deny twice. He said to Peter the first time, “Deny himself” (Matthew 16:24); He said to Peter the second time, “Thou shalt deny me” (Matthew 26:34). It is either of the two. There is no other choice for us; we must either deny self or deny Christ. There are two great powers fighting each other the self-nature in the power of sin, and Christ in the power of God. Either of these must rule within us.” ― Andrew Murray, Absolute Surrender
If you’re thinking of taking the One Year Challenge, there are probably a lot of pros and cons you are weighing. There are probably a lot of sacrifices to make. Murray reminds us of Jesus’ teaching, that we cannot serve to masters. This book, although quite short, is full of great teachings that can prepare any disciples spiritual life to grow deeper in Christ.
