Radical Transformation:
Break Forth
Rev. Reuben Foncardas
Scripture: John 15: 4-5, Matthew 4:19
Break forth is the last stage of the radical transformation. It is the expected result of a Christian whose life is truly changed from the inside out. It is an outburst of living a lifestyle of loving and serving God. But it has to be proactively sustained.
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1. Abide in Christ (fulfilling the Mandate - Matt. 22:37)
• Breaking forth requires that we focus on the way we ought to walk.
• I cannot give what I do not have. I cannot impart the teachings of Jesus if I have not learned them. I cannot disciple others if I am not being discipled by Jesus. Therefore, my ministry should be an outflow of my intimate walk with God.
• Abiding in Christ will lead to bearing of fruit. If there is no fruit, there was really no abiding that took place.
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2. Advance His Kingdom (fulfilling the Mission - Matt. 28:18-20)
• Breaking forth requires that we focus on the work we ought to do.
• Making disciples is giving, not getting. It requires a God-centred and others-centred attitude. It gives no room for self-centeredness. I must therefore empty myself of selfish desires and motives and replace them with the love of God, my love for God, and my love for others.
Advancing Christ’s kingdom without abiding in Christ becomes pointless and even dangerous because it produces the wrong kind of disciples.
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Application:
1. Ask God to give you someone you can mentor/disciple.
2. Every day, recite I Corinthians 11:1 “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” while imagining that you are telling those words to your mentee/disciple.
