We’ve all heard the saying; ‘Don’t build walls, build bridges’. Like most cliches, though it can be viewed as corny and redundant, it still carries a significant weight of truth. While it is imperative that we build boundaries in our lives and we maintain our doctrinal beliefs, yet it’s crucial that we eliminate any barriers that would keep unsaved people from being drawn to us and receiving our message. Instead, we must become adept at building bridges to those who are separated by the chasm of sin.

In the Great Commission found in Matthew 28:19 Jesus said, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.”

The teaching and baptising part is something that we understand well but perhaps the greatest challenge has been the part where we are ‘to make disciples’. It’s not as easy as going to a stranger on the street and simply saying, “Hey I want you to be my disciple.” It may work but I’ve rarely seen it done.

What we must do is learn to be a bridge builder to those who are unsaved, so that we can bring them to a place of salvation and personal experience with Jesus Christ. The bridge is called ‘Trust’ or ‘Leverage’. A person will not step foot on a bridge to cross to the other side unless they trust that the bridge will hold their weight. In the same way, many people will be reluctant to take a step of faith towards God unless there’s someone whom they trust that could show them the way. Jesus was a master bridge builder in the way He sought relationship before ministry. What a great example to follow.

Developing ‘trust’ must be done intentionally. It may be becoming a friend to someone, inviting them over for a meal and simply sharing life experiences. It takes time to build a bridge but once the trust has been created, at their pace and in their way, our unsaved neighbours, work mates, people we see on the way to work everyday, may begin to cross the gap to Faith. They will do so because they trust you. Be a Bridge Builder today.

1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

It’s hard to believe that we are already half way through 2017 and although it seems to have gone so quickly, yet God has done so many great things at the Pentecostals of Sydney. We have seen nearly forty souls baptised in the Name of Jesus and many lives have been transformed by the power of God. We've experienced some remarkable services with outstanding ministry from our guests such as last week. We rejoice in our great God for his faithfulness and blessings to us!

Mid-year always represents to me a great opportunity to stop and take inventory of how we are travelling as we look back from this vantage point over the last six months and then look ahead for the next. I have seen some great things transpire and accomplished but I’ve also been confronted with my own failures and areas requiring improvement; particularly in my ministry and whether or not I am effective in the Kingdom of God.

One of the best ways that I can take inventory is by revisiting God’s calling and purpose for me, as well as the church. Are we fulfilling what God has called us to do? Is my life structured in a way that is pleasing to the heart of God? These are self inventory questions that must be applied in an effort to track our progress. Another key indicator is whether we are following Christ’s model for building his church and the Great Commission, which is to make disciples of all nations.

This is God’s blueprint to save a lost humanity and I am convinced that regardless of the innovation of our programs and the sophistication of our facilities or the quality of our preaching and music, if they do not incorporate or at the very least, are not the foundation and end result of Discipleship, then they are futile and meaningless. Every child of God is called primarily to disciple others. That means to teach, lead, train, mentor and love into the image of Jesus Christ and ready them for heaven going.

There is no greater cause and this ought to be the heartbeat of every Believer - no excuses (because Jesus will take none). So the question remains; Who are you discipling? If you are not discipling someone, then why not? If you are not interested in discipling, then the heartbeat of God is not in your heart. Talk to us today about discipling souls and teaching Bible studies.

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen. | Matthew 28:19-20