Pastor Timothy Lee | How to save the world

No matter how super Superman is, he only saves one at a time. For him to save the world, he will need to save about 1,000 people everyday for about 10,000 years, according to James Kennedy’s calculations. The bible has told us to teach all nations, and for Tabernacle of Joy, the vision is to impact billions of souls. If we want to see God’s promises come to pass, we have to give up our idea of that superman – a super evangelist or a super Christian – will one day save the world. It is just unrealistic.

Here’s how it can be realistic to reach our world. Instead of shirking the responsibility, be a true disciple of Christ. If you can just win one, and impart what you know and have learnt to that person, who will then pass on the same spirit to another, how many years do you think it will take to reach the world?

We did the math: It will take merely 35 years to reach 17,179,869,184 – that’s more than twice of today’s population numbers. That’ll mean that you can possibly live to see the gospel shake the world the right side up as what was recorded in the book of Acts. “Go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:18-20) is God’s formula to reach today’s world population by the billions, and indeed, there’s even mathematical sense to it.

Before we can make disciples by turning sinners to ministers, we must be disciples ourselves. “You can teach from your head knowledge but you cannot duplicate something that you are not.” This line has been repeated over our pulpit again and again, and we are reminded again that the utmost of being a disciple in the 21st century means to be responsible in our own walk with God.

25thOctSermon from Tabernacle of Joy on Vimeo.

Here’s what a disciple looks like in the bible:

1. A disciple is a learner, a student and an apprentice. The word always leads to a change in lifestyle (James 1:22).

2. A disciple continues to grow beyond the starting point by continually putting themselves at the altar. He is not primarily concerned if he is going to heaven or hell after he dies, but wants to establish heaven on earth. (Colossians 1:28-29)

3. A disciple desires to be like their Master.

4. A disciple is passionate about achieving his destiny. When faced with a roadblock, they get better, not bitter. (Philippians 3:12-15)

5. A disciple is willing to enter into close relationships with other people.

6. A disciple is open to accountability and even correction. (Matthew 8:33, Luke 9:55, Proverbs 9:8, 10:17)

7. A disciple makes other disciples.

8. A disciple chooses daily to be a disciple.

Being a disciple is not an easy decision, but Jesus had never cox anyone to be his disciple “for whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it” (Luke 9:24). Count the costs before you make your leap:

1. Am I willing to pick up the cross daily?

2. Will I choose to deny myself and choose God’s plan?

3. Am I willing to let go of my “soul-life”, to stop entertaining and feeding worldly desires – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life – for a higher calling?

4. Will I be okay to surrender my life possessions and share my resources for God’s work?

5. Will I commit to loving God with my whole being?

6. When faced with doubts, trials and resistance, will I keep pressing towards the mark and allow God to work in the process?

If you’re willing to pay the price, welcome onboard the ride of your life, where you’ll lose your life to find it, and leave a legacy with it.