ECIPLESHIP for Passionate Christ-Followers

A group of us recently worshiped at the First Baptist Church of Para, Brazil (in the city of Belem). This is actually one time that the name really means something–it was THE FIRST Baptist Church of all of the state, Para’, Brazil. It was founded by a member of the Swedish Baptist Churches in the US — the group that is now called Converge Worldwide.

Eric Nelson was a simple farmer in Kansas, but felt called to be a missionary in Brazil. He was not accepted by the Theological Seminary at the time, but convinced that God still wanted him to go. With a radical faith and zeal for the Lord, he left everything he knew to embrace a life he knew nothing about. He arrived in Belem, Brazil in 1891 and began sharing his faith with others, eventually establishing the first protestant church around. Eventually, Eric Nelson became known as the “Apostle of the Amazon” by starting and strengthening churches all along the Amazon basin. He lived on a simple boat and brought the gospel of Jesus to people who had never heard it before. What an impact one man can make when called by God, compelled by God, moved by God and empowered by God.

This godly woman was a friend of missionary pioneer to Brazil, Eric Nelson.

This pioneer missionary’s life is not so far removed from us. We also had the opportunity to meet a woman who actually knew Eric Nelson. When she was a girl in her early teens, Pastor Nelson would often stay in her family’s home when in Belem. She told us about his simple life, his uplifting personality, and his undying fervor for the Lord. Yes–Eric Nelson is not an idealistic legend, but a radical nation-changing leader.

I was reminded of how much God can use one sold-out person to impact our world. I’m still convinced that God is searching the earth for people who are gripped by God and gritty for God. Eric Nelson sure was. I want to be that, too.

I’ve been reminded in recent days how fragile obedience can be. I’ve heard again of friends who have fallen away from Christ–of leaders who have become “disqualified.” My heart aches. My anger rises up. The enemy relishes these kinds of victories and often uses them to win a few more on the fringe. Christ is “crucified again” and His name is dishonored among those who need to know Him most.

Choosing to sin doesn’t happen when you have a bad day. We don’t “fall into sin.” This isn’t some unfortunate accident. It occurs when you have failed to “guard your heart, for from it flow the springs of life,” Proverbs 4:23. We begin living for self rather than Christ when:

• Our relationship with God becomes a religion we practice
• Our study of the Word becomes a duty we perform
• Our service to Christ becomes a responsibility we carry out
• Our prayers to God becomes lists we address
• Our connections to fellow believers becomes activities devoid of authenticity
• Our giving in the plate becomes more platitude than gracious attitude
• Our free time becomes more ours than Christ’s

Do you get the idea? An authentic and inauthentic Christ-follower can look pretty much the same on the outside, but there’s a world of difference on the inside.

I love what Psalm 119:104-105 states:

¹⁰⁴ Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life. ¹⁰⁵ Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

When I initially look at these verses, I consider how I can get the Bible into my mind, heart, and life. Yes — true. But it’s more. You see, this is the way GOD speaks to us most often. These are not ink splats on pages, but the living active life-changing voice of God. When we read the Word, we need to do more than get the information into our heads, but actually let God speak in order to transform our minds and hearts. This is miraculous stuff! This has the power to change lives! Every day!

When we become weak on the inside, it results with insane choices on the outside.

God wants to revolutionize your soul again today. He wants to destroy the sin nature and all of it’s opposition to God. He wants to make you strong in the Lord in and in the strength of His might. He wants to make us warriors who never defect to the other side simply because it’s easier.

Press on, brothers and sisters. Listen closely, obey completely, honor Christ unquestionably.