“We make disciples!”
| To say you’re a Christian and not know the Word of God is liken to a Marine who doesn’t know how to use his weapon. (Read “He need some milk!”) |
| I have a burden to make disciples. My mission and vision from the Lord is simple. “Gather Sheep & Convert Goats” and “Catch, Clean, & Release!” As such, I provoke! I challenge! I expose! I involve! I immerse! (Lol!) My methods and approach can be likened to “throwing people into the deep-end of the pool.” Honestly, within moments of meeting someone new (Christian or non-Christian), I dive right in and immediately begin probing. The following is a very typical conversation for me: Me: Don’t tell me! You’re from… Texas! (I don’t really care where they’re from. Just breaking the ice.) Them: No. Florida. Me: Cool! So, what church did you go to in Florida? (See how I dove right into the god-stuff?) Them: (95% of the time) Such and such church. Me: That’s great! How long have you been on island? Them: Just over a year. Me: Nice! So where do you go to church now? Them: I haven’t found one yet. I’m still looking. Me: Interesting. How many churches have been to? Them: (Embarrassed) Uhh… one or two. Me: Only one or two in over a year??? Sounds like you’re not really looking. Them: (Awkward) Me: But you’re a Christian though, so on a scale of 1-10, what kind of Christian are you? For reference, a 10 is a Christian who’s walking on water and raising people from the dead. Them: (Lol!) Oh, I’m definitely not a 10. Maybe a 7. (For real, most say they’re a 7. Go figure.) Me: Okay. Let’s dig around here. (I evaluate their personal maturity first.) Do you know the Ten Commandments and the Books of the Bible? Them: Uh, not all of them. Uuhh… Don’t kill. Uhh… Genesis and uhhh… Me: Okay. You said you were a 7. This is Christianity 101 stuff, so you sound like 6. Who’s your Pastor? Them: Uhhh… I have one, but he’s back at my home church. Me: Oh man. You sound like a 5. When’s the last time you received communion? Them: Oh wow, that’s been a while. Maybe back in boot camp. Me: Yikes! That was two years ago. You sound like maybe a 4. What’s your Bible-reading time like? How much time daily to you spend in your Bible? What’s your Bible-study life like? Them: Honestly? Not very good. I haven’t read my Bible in some time. I don’t read it regularly. Me: Ooh. You sound like maybe a 3. What’s your prayer-life like? How much time do you spend getting your spirit-man ready for the day? Them: I pray often, I think. Me: Routinely and fervently? Or just random, like over your meal and before you to bed? Them: Yeah. More like that. Me: I see. Dude, you sound like maybe a 2. (I begin to examine their public works, now.) Let me ask you, does everyone need Jesus? Them: Uhhh… yes? Me: Why? Them: (Blank look and increasing discomfort) Me: When was the last time you shared the gospel? Do you even know the gospel? Them: (Rattled) Me: Just a few more questions. Is Christianity the true religion? Them: What?!! Err… I’m not sure what you mean. Me: That’s cool. Are we supposed to judge? Them: Definitely not. Me: Yeah, that’s not true. Are we all God’s children? Them: Yes. Of course. Me: That’s not true either. Hang in there. We’re on third base, heading for Homeplate. (Lol!) With all the confusion in the world right now, are your responses, solutions, and answers more opinion-based or Bible-based? Them: I guess I never thought of it like that before. Me: What’s on your Christian resumé? Can you show me your Christian-works? Them: Probably not much. Me: Are you sure you’re a Christian? Them: Yes. Me: What makes a Christian a Christian? Them: Belief in God? Me: Which God? Them: Wait, wuh? I was raised a Christian. Me: That doesn’t answer the question. The way you were raised isn’t what makes you a Christian. What if you were raised a Nazi? Or a racist? Or an atheist? Or a Muslim? Would that be okay? Them: I don’t think so. Me: Last question. When was the last time you masturbated? (Yes, I ask this.) Them: (Jaw drops. Flush red.) I get it. My initial meeting with folks is quite jarring, confrontational, intimidating, and somewhat offensive. Exposed, these people quickly realize how much they really don’t know, and how dormant and ineffective they’ve been at presenting Christ (the gospel and the Word of God). Practically everyone admits to feelings of exposure, embarrassment, and challenge during our first exchange. (Please know that God took me through that same fire, so I know the embarrassment, pain, and regret of so much wasted time and immature relationship with Christ.) But honestly, these same people go on to also admit that it was convicting, humbling, and challenging in a healthy way, for these same people kept coming back and were literally transformed and discipled in a short period of time. Our people quickly become educated, emboldened, validated, and activated! And, there’s no going back! You can’t unlearn discipleship! As such, I am very intentional about making disciples. My curriculum can be described as “teaching Christians how to be Christians today.” Therefore, I go to great lengths to expose, involve, and immerse. I’m told that my methods are unorthodox (Lol), but I believe these should be the norm. The following activities/exercises are fairly routine in our services: a. When you enter Zebulun, a large, yellow warning sign reads, “Warning! In this sanctuary you will hear the Word of God. You will be responsible for what you hear!” b. As the service starts, we do our “It is written” exercise (take 30 seconds to greet someone you don’t know and exchange a verse of scripture). c. Next is “30-Second Testimonies” of their happenings in the last week. All Christians should have something to say, here. If not, what does that say about your faith? d. Template Prayer: at the close of praise and worship, I present a slide with template prayer of scripture (with blanks for name insertion) so everyone can pair up and take turns to audibly pray over someone. e. Begin the message with “Sword Drills” to get folks literally opening and familiarized with their Bibles, become acquainted with location of different Books of the Bible, race to be the first to find the scripture so they can stand up and read. f. After announcements and tithes and offerings, we take a short transition break where I instruct the people to take 30 seconds to pin and pray over their hometown on our giant US wall-map. g. During the message, I use the Socratic method of teaching (convey a message using questions so the people remain attentive and involved). h. After the message, I conduct some 101 and 201 “Fix Bayonets” drills (role-playing: Christians vs. Critics over current topics and common arguments). i. Conclusion of service, I glean for “Throwbacks” – What about Christ and the Word of God are you taking away tonight? Highlights of the Service? j. Add to this my invitation and expectation for other involvement and presentations such as 3–5-minute 201 topic, ABCs of Scripture memorization, facilitate communion, and mini-sermonettes. This is why our church is called Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC). I am very intentional in expecting, demanding, and producing maturity from Christians, and measuring that maturity in them. From every facet of life today – religion, politics, education, entertainment, finances, relationships, marriage, sex, social issues – I believe raising and releasing genuine disciples into the world is the Father’s will and solution to all the godlessness, confusion, pain, and death. Sure, we lead people to salvation through Christ, and we see them baptized, but the overwhelming majority of our time as missionaries is spent on making disciples. I’ve found that receiving Christ and getting baptized takes moments, but making a disciple takes time. This is where my model of “Catch, Clean, & Release” comes from. It’s what we do. The Commission: Mt 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (vs.20) teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. (Mk 16:15 Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” Ac 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses (martyrs) in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.) The Solution: 2Tim 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. The Problem: Heb 5:11-14 There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. (vs.12) You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. (vs.13) For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. (vs.14) Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong. Sadly, 90-95% of Christians I meet – young and old – have not been discipled, nor are they activated. They have little to no works. Can you imagine what could happen if just 10% of Christians were trained, activated, released, and engaged with the works of God? It would usher in a revival! The disappointing reality is that most churches today are simply not producing disciples. Period. Many of you reading this know this to be true. You know there’s more faith-works you should be trained to do. If this is you, pray for your pastor, talk with your pastor, and help your pastor. You must ask yourself and others, what is the quality of Christians being produced in this ministry? Ephesians 2:10 reads, “No, we neither make nor save ourselves. God does both the making and saving. He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing.” (The Message) You were created for good works. Go do them! – Read “By what authority do you speak?” (Are you opinion-based or Word-based?) – Make a Donation |
| These are the most common objections (excuses) to the gospel. Simply put, the degree to which you can respond with scripture to each of these arguments is the degree to which you’ve been discipled. I challenge you to research at least one argument each day. I promise… you will grow! (Read “It’s your move!”) |
| These issues are religious, political, moral, and philosophical. And, believe it or not, the Bible addresses each of these topics. Please don’t hesitate to contact me for clarification or guidance. (Read “They took my youngest daughter first.”) |
| We planted Zebulun nine years ago (June 2012). I felt led to purchase this giant wall-map of the US. As men and women have come through our doors and been discipled, they’ve had the privilege of pinning and praying for their hometowns. This photo was taken in early 2013. (Read about a Muslim prisoner who rebuked the Christian prisoners because they did not know their Bible very well.) “Tell them about L.A.P.U.P.P., Pastor Nick!” |
| This is a recent shot of our wall-map. Thousands of souls have been discipled, activated, and “released into the fields.” (Mt 9:37-38) Read “Did you just call me a sissy?!!!” A true story of a candid conversation I had with a very large Marine. (Lol!) |
| Conducting some “breaking the ice” drills. So many do’s and don’ts to learn here. (Read “Sometimes silence is golden. Other times it’s just plain yellow.”) |
| Agree with us in Prayer: a. For the Brig/Prison: Pray for all the souls (the leaders, the inmates, the guards, and their families). The opposition continues as I received another “no” this week to a simple request to enhance the potential for reaching souls in confinement. Trust me when I say this resistance is devilish. Pray for breakthrough! Pray earnestly for the souls of these men! Pray that we reestablish a godly stronghold over the prison population. Bind up demonic spirits of discord, hate, religion, bitterness, unforgiveness, shame, condemnation, laziness, indifference, procrastination, and pride. And loose a spirit of salvation, discipleship, forgiveness, humility, exposure, healing, deliverance, peace, restoration, unity, and cooperation! b. For continued increase at ZCDC (Churchplant). Pray for the constant “fishing” that must be done, as Camp Schwab is highly transient and we must continually gather replacement folks. Approximately every six months we rebuild with new faces. Not many ministers here are called to this kind of work. The silver lining here is that we get to rapidly disciple and equip men and women and release them into the fields! Pray for my strength, wisdom, and resources as we gather new souls on Camp Schwab. We are called to gather sheep and convert goats. Pray for mature, Qualified Families and Permanent Personnel to co-labor with us in this northern-most, remote area of Okinawa. c. For Zebulun Worship Team. Our worship leader is back and rebuilding the team. Pray for the release of Spirit-filled, prophetic, powerful praise and worship! d. For our Believers to walk in increased discernment, wisdom, maturity, power, and works, that they are properly discipled, and that they bear much Kingdom fruit, now! Many of our people are fasting for the first time. Pray for them to learn to command their flesh-man to serve them. e. Pray against retaliatory, unclean spirits from On-Base and Off-Base. Bind up demonic spirits of control, division, envy, strife, competition, lust, and fear. And loose a spirit of unity, peace, love, maturity, discipleship, and faith among Believers. f. For our current schedule (finances, resources, wisdom, strategies, and strength): – Sun: Share/Report Christians In Action ministries – Mon: Radical & Relevant (R&R) @7pm – Wed: Brig Christian Fellowship (BCF) @7pm – Thu: Publish Think On These Things Newsletters – Thu: Publish YouTube Videos (Channel: YahwehHasASon) – Fri: Sexual Integrity & Restoration (SIR) @9am – Sat: Zebulun Christian Discipleship Center (ZCDC) @6pm – See Facebook Live Ministerial Videos – Make a Donation |
| If you’ve benefitted from any of these outreaches, please help us to continue ministering to souls. Make a Donation: https://cinami.org/missionary/guerra-nick-sandy/ |
| Last year, Sandy and I were hamming it up with a week of “Funky 70’s Throwback” videos! (Lol!) This was so fun! Sandy… girl… you fulfill me! (Read “Nick, what do you want to do?” A true story about God speaking to me about a major crossroad Sandy and I had to negotiate.) |
| In closing… Saints, thank you for your prayers. They are effective, they are empowering, and they are precious to us. We thank you, greatly! Real talk. Pray for a brother. I am exhausted. Week in and week out we make disciples, we minister, and we counsel. FYI, I’ve always been a low intake, high output kinda guy, but as I’ve gotten older… Well, you know. Anyway, it’s been a few years since we took a break, so pray for us as we look to “turn it off” for some much needed rest and recovery. We’d like to go to the US, so please pray that God make a way for us through the strict Japanese COVID travel restrictions and requirements. Also, whenever I do take time off, I have the challenge of finding qualified, available ministers to stand in the gap and conduct these ministries. (Four different ministries every week). So, please pray for that also. Regardless, we press on and fight the good fight to which God has called us. Lives continue to be challenged and changed for His glory, and we can always use your assistance. Please consider partnering with us through your monetary donations and support. Financial gifts and contributions can be made online through Christians In Action. Or, you can mail contributions to the address listed below. I declare that you fully know that God has given you the ministry of reconciliation! (2Cor 5:18) <*{{{{>< In His peace, Pastor Nick & Sandy Guerra Contributions can be sent to: Dominic Guerra (Acct# 426) c/o Christians In Action, Missions International PO Box 25093 Fresno, CA 93729 ▪ Please ensure Acct #426 is annotated on your contribution so the funds can be allocated correctly. ▪ Please share/forward these newsletters at your discretion. Make a Donation |
| — Our Mission & Vision — “Gather Sheep & Convert Goats!” “Catch, Clean, & Release!” |