Refining Discipleship

This volume of work may seem to some as being critical, while others may even view it as judgmental, but the truth remains the truth, no matter how we spin it. The truth is that there is a deep flaw in our church system or structure, and this flaw simply cannot be overlooked, dismissed or ignored. It is a discipleship flaw. It is so deeply ingrained in the traditions of the church that, over time, this flaw has faded in the eyes of leadership and congregants. Unfortunately, this is not a flaw that can be dismissed, for this flaw impacts the integrity, function and heart of the church. What is the flaw? For 2000 years or so, the church has created an environment that has not been conducive or healthy for discipleship growth. The structure and the institutionalised nature of the church have created a hostile environment, which has quenched the fire of discipleship. What is sad is how we have dismissed or ignored this critical flaw. Matthew 28 is not just about telling the world about Jesus, but being a disciple and making disciples. We can be doing so much good stuff in churches, including trying to preach sound doctrine, yet if we continue running a church based on a flawed model, then the church remains flawed. We need to urgently and with zeal address the flaw in discipleship, for the flaw has affected the foundation, which impacts the structural integrity of the entire house. God is producing a Bride without spot or wrinkle. He is busy refining and purifying. In the end-time revival, God will address this flaw. In the end-time revival, God is coming to wake up His people, so that we walk again by His Spirit, Glory and in His holy Shekinah fire. As God poured out fire at Pentecost, the Lord comes again with the fire of His Spirit to purify and refine His Bride. And in the purification, we shall again walk in His will, order and truth. Discipleship shall be restored, for God's believers will be activated and mobilised to bring in the end-time harvest as the end-time remnant!

Ps Riaan Engelbrecht is the founder of Avishua Ministries, the vice-president of Lighthouse Ministries International and the station manager of Lighthouse Radio. His ministry deals primarily with the prophetic, but he also has a passion to teach the Truth of the Lord Jesus and His Kingdom for only the Truth of the Lord sets us free (John 8:32). He is also a qualified and seasoned journalist.