WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance
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.