We welcomed twenty-five new members into the Taipei International Church family last Sunday. That is an occasion for rejoicing. TIC is growing in numbers. That is good. A healthy congregation should be growing. However, the mandate of Jesus is to "...make disciples" (Matthew 28:19-20) not just church members. A vibrant congregation will not be satisfied merely to fill up the church pews with churchgoers. The goal is to form people into the image of Christ. Christ enrolls his followers in a spiritual course of change and growth. How does this occur? It occurs when people attach themselves to their master in order to learn his thoughts and pattern their lives after his life. It is not an easy thing to be a disciple. Disciples attend upon the ways of their master. In most every congregation of Christians, there are many attendees and constituents, but precious few disciples.  I have to examine my own life and see if I am a disciple. Do I treasure what God treasures, or is my heart elsewhere? Am I concerned with what concerns God? Sometimes, I am afraid I do not measure up. The Good News is that God loves us and chooses not to abandon us even when we are less than faithful disciples. If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful. But how much more blessings there is to strive with our intellect, affections and our will to please our Lord. God’s steadfast love frees us to get up repeatedly and press on.  

 
Pastor Kim