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Disciples, Missionaries, and the Internet

Disciples, Missionaries, and the Internet

In these strange times the Internet has become a powerful tool in the hands of the Irish Mission. God’s people, directed by the Holy Spirit, are using it to find new ways to Empower members to active discipleship and mission.

DublinDiane Lewis & Pam Petersen

In these strange times the Internet has become a powerful tool in the hands of the Irish Mission. God’s people, directed by the Holy Spirit, are using it to find new ways to Empower members to active discipleship and mission as instructed by the Spirit of Prophecy.

New methods must be introduced. God's people must awake to the necessities of the time in which they are living. (Evangelism, p. 70)

As Adventists, we believe God is ever present. We embrace the reality of the presence of God pervading our every movement. This understanding has been the driving force behind the discipleship emphasis in the North-west district of Northern Ireland. We want to live lives that reflect the presence of God so our communities can experience God in a new light.

Discipleship is not a program. It is a lifestyle. One focused on learning and growing in God’s grace. Grace that transforms one into a disciple maker (a spiritual mentor or missionary). As the truths of God’s word impact our daily lives, we live out the principles found in Scripture. This is what it means to live a principled life in a depraved and corrupt world. 

However, to arrive at this point is not so much about learning doctrine, but growing in grace – daily studying God’s word through the eyes of the cross and applying His self-sacrificial love to each aspect of life. This is discipleship. Our lives will become living sermons, encouraging others to live principled lives while traversing a sinful world.

Alan’s discipleship story

He has embraced discipling and has reached out to his neighbour, Jude. His witness to the love of God and God’s presence in his life has ignited a desire in Jude to learn more.

Alan has embarked on a journey with Jude, helping him learn more about a personal and ever-present God. As they study together, discussing various topics, Alan is helping Jude see that God is relevant in his life today. Jude is excited about his newfound faith.

Other members are also sharing with people around them. 

This is a perfect example of how disciples become missionaries. It is the natural outflowing of God’s love. We just can’t keep it in when our spiritual cups are overflowing!

Discover Truth Ministry

The Discover Truth Ministry is another such example. Several years ago Dublin Ranelagh members began handing out Bibles and Great Controversy books on Sabbath afternoons to passers-by in the streets of Dublin. This small army of Christ has swelled its ranks over the past two years as other Dublin churches have joined. The ministry has recently grown further to include a website, a pamphlet distribution project, and a presence in the counties of Cork, Kerry, Galway and Monaghan.

DiscoverTruth.ie is designed to be a one-stop (free) shop for spiritual enrichment and a veritable mine of resources to be used to reach others. From a branch VOP Bible school to a Free Bible program, a Q&A section, resources for children, Adventist television and radio links, and an extensive resource library of pdf books, online series, and much more!

The Holy Spirit is working through Discover Truth to Empower Irish Mission members. Various opportunities to do the Lord’s work are being provided. Whether it be website development, handing out pamphlets, prayer ministry, manning book stands, or supporting the work with donations of money, time, and talent. And don’t forget about the opportunity to become a Digital Missionary by sharing digital content that has resulted in personal spiritual growth.

It is exciting to see how God is at work in the lives of those around us as our members become active!

Let every worker in the Master's vineyard, study, plan, devise methods, to reach the people where they are. We must do something out of the common course of things. We must arrest the attention. (Evangelism, p. 122)

Dear Worker in the Master’s vineyard, what are you doing to reach the people in your sphere of influence?

Let’s choose to Establish ourselves as disciples of Christ so that He can Empower us to do His work as disciple makers and missionaries.