Bücher von Riaan Engelbrecht

The word disciple in Greek is transliterated mathetes (literally, the learning one) and is derived from the verb manthano which means "to learn". It means "one who learns instruction from another¿, or a disciple is likened to an apprentice who learns from his master tradesman. Thus, a disciple is a person who not only gains knowledge from the teacher but also acts upon it. A disciple therefore follows and a disciple learns from the Teacher. The disciple never replaces the one true Teacher or takes the role of the teacher. Jesus remains our Teacher and our Lord. This study series of two parts into discipleship explores what it means to be a disciple, within the context of the Great Commission of Matthew 28.

There is a clear and intentional onslaught against the spiritual 'gates'. This has been revealed by the Lord. This is not an attack for the 'now' but an attack that has always existed. This is an attack that is escalating, intensifying and becoming more vicious than ever before. It is an attack to lead people away from God, thus an attack to destroy the person. And we are talking here about the 'gate' - entry point - of nations, of cities, of homes, of families, and our very lives. A gate is a strategic point. It is a point of legally 'controlling' what goes in and goes out of the 'city'. The enemy is laying siege to gain entry, for once he has entered through the 'gate', he comes to steal, to destroy and to kill. The Lord has shown the enemy has come like an assassin, like a thief and as a destroyer. We need to guard the gates of our spirit, soul and body to abide in the Lord, in His truth and will. Only then shall we overcome the lies, the onslaughts, and the forces that seek to destroy us.

The spiritual war is real, make no mistake about this reality. War is defined as a state of armed conflict between different countries or different groups within a country. The spiritual battle can be defined as a war for there is a conflict between the Kingdom of God and the already defeated yet functioning kingdom of the devil. The volumes of work "The Spiritual War" and "Arise Army of God" forms part of the deliverance series, and it explores what this war is all about, how to engage in it and how to be effective as a warrior of God. Truth is, we are all involved in this war, unintentionally or intentionally, as believers or non-believers. As gravity affects all on earth, so does the spiritual war impact our lives daily from the rising to the setting of the sun. Let us be equipped, empowered and trained in knowledge to understand the war and its manifold ramifications on humanity.

The word disciple in Greek is transliterated mathetes (literally, the learning one) and is derived from the verb manthano which means "to learn". It means "one who learns instruction from another¿, or a disciple is likened to an apprentice who learns from his master tradesman. Thus, a disciple is a person who not only gains knowledge from the teacher but also acts upon it. A disciple therefore follows and a disciple learns from the Teacher. The disciple never replaces the one true Teacher or takes the role of the teacher. Jesus remains our Teacher and our Lord. This study series into discipleship explores what it means to be a disciple, within the context of the Great Commission of Matthew 28. Jesus provided us with the blueprint on how to be a disciple and how to make disciples. It has always been God's intention for us all (as followers of Christ) to be disciples, to do the work of a disciple (in the Spirit of God) and to make disciples. Through discipleship - God's Way - the eternal Kingdom is effectively and purposefully established and multiplied on earth.

God only wants the best for us. After all, any parent only wants the best for their children, so why would it be different when it comes to our relationship with God? God's intentions towards His children have always been good, pure, glorious and wonderful. Only the best says God for His children. God's plan and purpose for us are the BEST, and this transcends every aspect of our lives, be it our spiritual journey or our journey through life. The VERY BEST God has in store for us will glorify God, exalt His Kingdom, and it will give meaning to our existence. It is the best that will prosper us in spirit, soul and body. If we truly seek God and His plan above all, we then seek His Kingdom and righteousness. And for those who seek His Kingdom with devotion, will be rewarded for the rest shall be added (Matthew 6:33 - spiritual, physical blessings and favour). As we love God, His plan for our lives shall unfold, be revealed and shine as a glorious light in the darkness. The good news is that it is never too late to come into alignment with God's plan. Never.

The two volumes of work on A Dangerous Church explore the call of God for the Church to take up her rightful identity as being a light-bearer, a carrier of God's glory, the deliverer of God's message of hope and the guardian of God's Gospel on earth. As a church, we are supposed to be dangerous to the kingdom of darkness, to lies, deception, spiritual corruption and chaos. We are dangerous for the One whom we serve is greater than the one in this world! David struck and Goliath fell. Just so, the church is dangerous to any form of an idea, thought or teaching that exalts against the Kingdom of God. We are dangerous because the truth still sets us free. Joshua marched around Jericho and the walls fell. We are dangerous to every spiritual, emotional and psychological stronghold because God is real, alive and remains the hope of glory unto all. It is time for the church to become dangerous says the Lord. Let us be dangerous in our love. Dangerous in our faith. Dangerous by our walk in the supernatural. Let us be dangerous in our hope that with God all things are possible. The church is supposed to be radical. Supposed to be bold. Supposed to be fearless. Oh yes, and very dangerous!

Can the church of today truly be united in doctrine? This is a burning question it seems of late, and one of pressing urgency. For most, the answer will be a resounding 'no'. We are after all divided on so many things regarding doctrine, just consider the debate around the Trinity, predestination, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the Law and grace. Granted, we will be divided on some things, which are fine, but such things as we will mostly find are religious. This is Churchianity stuff - like what clothes to wear, the kind of music to play, the décor, use of titles and clergy structures. Thus man-made traditions. Why quarrel over things that have no bearing on the Kingdom? Jesus was not proclaiming the good news of a denomination or a church but the everlasting and eternal Kingdom. One fears, however, that we have settled for division regarding doctrine, thus the truths of the Kingdom. And we use the adage that we should settle on agreeing on disagreeing. And yes, as children of God we can still work together because of doctrinal differences, but maybe, just maybe, the church is falling into a rather strange trap of delusion and deception, and this trap is accepting division as being the norm and the status quo. Has the church not been lulled into a false sense of peace, thus no longer pursuing doctrinal unity but instead pursuing agendas to prosper personal beliefs?