Pastor Derek Hong from Church of Our Saviour, Singapore spoke about how to be disciples of Christ in heart, mind and skin in the 5th annual Pastors’ Appreciation & Anointing Gathering (PAAG) at Emmanuel Christian Assembly, Taiping, held on 25th till 27th of August.
Organized by Rev Dr Bernard Teh (DD), Senior Pastor of FGA Taiping, PAAG was birthed in year 2012 to appreciate, anoint and refresh pastors and full-time ministers. Since its inception, which drew over 160 pastors and full-time ministers, God has been faithfully providing for this expanding ministry ever since. All glory to God!
To be a disciple of Christ, we are called to have a heart of a child, the mind of a scholar and the skin of a rhinoceros.
#1 Develop the Heart of a child
To have a heart of a child is to have childlikeness and not childishness.
The heart of child predisposes them to love, joy and peace. Children are known for their curiosity and wonder, quick forgiveness, acceptance of differences in people, and good will of not intending harm. A relationship that is alive with God leaves us wanting more!
#2 Develop the Mind of a scholar
The term ‘disciple’ means a pupil or an apprentice, derived from the Greek word ‘mathetes.’ More than transferring of information, discipleship involves ‘imitating the teacher’s life inculcating his values, and reproducing his teachings.’
Discipleship is a lifelong process, one that does not stop after attending a theological school.
According to Pastor Derek, there are three kinds of knowledge including cognitive knowledge, relational knowledge, and revelational knowledge.
Revelational knowledge comes from direct encounter with truth. For example, apostle Peter’s knowledge about Jesus as the Son of the Living God is a revelational knowledge (Matthew 16:16-17). Jesus said to Peter, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).
We do not realize how powerful the Word of God is. Mary Kay, a global cosmetic brand, was founded based on only one bible principle, which is the golden rule in Matthew 7:12 – ‘do to others what you would have them do to you.’ The reason Israel became a mighty nation is because their constitution was built directly on the Word of God.
#3 Develop the Skin of a Rhinoceros
It is important to be thick skinned for Jesus. Scripture already tell us that we will be insulted for our faith (1 Peter 4:12-14). Yet, do not be ashamed of your faith but praise God that you bear His name (1 Peter 4:16). Develop a skin so thick that no offense stays long in your heart, especially when a fault is pointed out in us. Most of us prefer listening to good news but bad news are equally important to mold and transform us.
Conclusion
With a heart of a child, a mind of a scholar, and skin of a rhinoceros, we become effective disciples for Jesus Christ in this world who needs to know Jesus. Let us be good stewards of the good news that has been entrusted to us.
For more information on Pastors’ Appreciation & Anointing Gathering (PAAG) in Taiping, please email Pastor Bernard Teh at fgatpge@gmail.com.
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