(Clip) Making Disciples Takes Time
Jackie Pullinger emphasizes that true discipleship requires long-term commitment, love, and patience beyond initial rescue or conversion.
This sermon emphasizes the importance of not just rescuing individuals from difficult situations but also staying to love and nurture them, reflecting God's heart for true justice, mercy, and compassion. It challenges the notion of simply making a difference and instead focuses on the biblical call to make disciples, which requires time and commitment.
Full Transcript
Everybody stops off there for a while, and I get these messages from ladies who truly love Jesus, and they say, we are going to such-and-such Asian country, I won't tell you which one, and we're going to help the girls who've been rescued from slavery for two weeks, and I think, oh God, no. Oh God, no. You see, the first thing our men say, or our girls, we're currently housing between 200 and 300, the first thing they say to visitors is, when are you leaving, in case they get disappointed, and it's one thing to rescue someone out of a brothel.
It's one thing to buy someone's freedom, and it's another thing to stay and love them whole. Grow them up, and be there. Well, that's what your kids had, wasn't it? Not hallelujah, they're born, but God has entrusted this life to me, and I will look after this life.
I will love this child. I will love them better. We have a scripture from Zechariah, which is a one of the captioned passages this week, chapter 8, chapter 7, sorry.
When the Lord is asking the people of Israel, what their fasting and feasting has been about, has it been about them or him, and then he finishes up, this is what the Lord Almighty says, administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the alien or the poor. In your hearts, do not think evil of one another.
Now, it's a very interesting thing that there's a modern phrase, which, forgive me, it may even be on your pamphlet. It may even have been on your publicity material. I'm not sure.
It tends to pop up rather frequently these days, and I came here because it's about Go. A lot of the current publicity materials about mission then put another little phrase afterwards, which is, make a difference. Now, I have a problem with make a difference.
I thought the scripture said go and make disciples, and making disciples takes time. Getting people born is quite quick.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The challenge of short-term mission trips
- The reality of those rescued from slavery
- The importance of long-term love and care
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II
- God's call to administer true justice
- Show mercy and compassion to the vulnerable
- Avoid oppressing the widow, fatherless, alien, or poor
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III
- Critique of the phrase 'make a difference'
- The biblical mandate to 'go and make disciples'
- Discipleship requires time and ongoing commitment
Key Quotes
“It's one thing to rescue someone out of a brothel. It's one thing to buy someone's freedom, and it's another thing to stay and love them whole.” — Jackie Pullinger
“This is what the Lord Almighty says, administer true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another.” — Jackie Pullinger
“I thought the scripture said go and make disciples, and making disciples takes time.” — Jackie Pullinger
Application Points
- Commit to long-term relationships when engaging in ministry or missions.
- Focus on showing mercy and compassion to vulnerable people in your community.
- Remember that spiritual growth is a process that requires patience and ongoing support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Jackie Pullinger emphasize long-term commitment in missions?
Because rescuing someone is only the first step; true transformation happens through sustained love and discipleship.
What scripture does Jackie reference to support her message?
She references Zechariah 7:9-10, which calls for justice, mercy, and compassion towards the vulnerable.
What is Jackie’s view on short-term mission trips?
She cautions that short-term trips often fail to provide the ongoing care and discipleship needed for lasting change.
What does 'making disciples takes time' mean?
It means that spiritual growth and maturity require patience, consistent love, and presence beyond initial conversion.