Our mission at the Military Christian Fellowship of Canada includes disciple building; helping people live daily as individuals whose words and actions glorify God. It is a mission that all followers of Christ are called to participate in and should be the primary focus of our existence. A disciple’s daily life exemplifies their belief in Jesus, their desire to want to know and follow His truths, and leads to an urge to share God’s truth with others so they also want to become disciples. At the MCF we want to help all followers live as Paul shares; so that “whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, do it all for the glory of God” 1 Corinthians 10:31. We want to guide, coach, and support members of the military community to draw close to God.
Why do we want to do this? Frankly, we want to be in God’s will. We know God created us for His glory. We want to help others realize that our existence is a product of God’s love. People are drawn to God and have been given a hint of His existence as Romans 1:20 shares “we can see God’s hidden qualities, eternal power and divine nature” and we want to help those seekers understand God’s expectation and desires for His creation. We want our military brothers and sisters who do not know or understand God’s promises for them, to be introduced to Jesus’ truths. We want their families to join them in becoming heirs to God’s kingdom and experience a life of hope. We want our military believers to step up and become disciples who live daily with contagious enthusiasm and joy.
Followers often speak with God about their purpose or His plan for their life but somehow can’t seem to accept the idea that God would be honoured if each day they showed signs of being a disciple, signs such as participating in activities that draw them closer to Him. Disciples love God with everything they are such that, by God’s grace, they become more Christ like through a life of faith and obedience. It is not a bystander’s status and requires more than weekly worship. It is a life that glorifies God such that observers become aware of God. A disciple worships God, is confident in Jesus’ truths, and walks in the power of the Holy Spirit; they experience the fruits such as love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control “Galatians 5:22-23”. A disciple of Christ demonstrates love for God and neighbour, seeks knowledge in scripture, lives in a lifestyle that honours Christ, prays, and shares with others that a life in Christ is a lifestyle worth seeking.
Our desire at the MCF is not outside God’s will but is a response to be obedient to Him. In the near future we will introduce guides to help disciples on their journey as well as practices to encourage them to be disciples makers. In the mean time ask yourself the following: “Can you identify some characteristics of a Christian disciple in your life? Are there some characteristics of Christian disciples that you struggle with?” Based on your response, examine your prayer life, your scripture reading and study practices, and your willingness to seek to love God and neighbour more. Ask God to help you be the disciple that He created you to be. Prepare yourself to be part of the mission of the MCF, the mission of all Christ followers, the mission to take the gospel into your world and make disciples.
“Now all has been heard;
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”
here is the conclusion of the matter:
Fear God and keep his commandments,
for this is the duty of all mankind.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13