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WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

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78 <strong>WHEN</strong> <strong>YOU</strong> <strong>CROSS</strong> <strong>CULTURES</strong><br />

can relate well to others. The chapters which follow – on qualities and<br />

qualifications of candidates, orientation of candidates and cross-cultural stress<br />

- also cover the subject of relationships.<br />

8 The Grace of God<br />

Discipleship training exacts energy and effort from both trainers and<br />

trainees alike. Paul laboured hard and was hard on himself. Training in godliness<br />

requires disciplined spiritual habits.<br />

One of the dangers facing those in such training is dependence on sheer<br />

self-effort to accomplish results. The Bible gives a balanced view telling us to<br />

work hard assuring us that it is God who works in us “to will and to act according<br />

to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:12, 13). Paul worked very hard but<br />

acknowledged it was the grace of God that was with him (1 Corinthians 15:10,<br />

11). God’s continual work in our lives is a work of grace. Just as we were<br />

recipients of His grace for our salvation, God continues to pour out His grace<br />

upon us, unworthy though we are.<br />

It is the grace of God that keeps us dependent on God and humble<br />

before Him. In every aspect of discipleship training, God’s grace is at work:<br />

• The Lordship of Christ. It is God’s mercy and grace that propel us to<br />

surrender completely to Christ’s Lordship (Romans 12:1).<br />

• The Word of God. It is the Word of His grace that builds us up<br />

(Acts 20:32).<br />

• Prayer. We approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find<br />

grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).<br />

• Christian character. It is God’s grace that teaches us to say “No” to<br />

ungodliness and to live godly lives (Titus 2:11, 12).<br />

• Fellowship and the Church. God’s grace brings us into fellowship with<br />

Him and with one another (1 Corinthians 1:4-9).<br />

• Spiritual gifts. These are gifts of grace (Ephesians 4:7).<br />

• Relationships. God’s grace enables holy and sincere relationships<br />

(2 Corinthians 1:12). The lessons of grace are innumerable. Personally,<br />

I have kept a folder enumerating some of the lessons of grace. I refer to<br />

this “grace of God” folder from time to time to thank the Lord for the<br />

sufficiency of His grace.

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