Podcasts about ajith fernando

In this episode, Ajith Fernando shares the impact of insecurity on Christian life and ministry, emphasizing the importance of finding identity in Christ and the role of community and prayer in overcoming these struggles. Ajith Fernando is the teaching director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after serving as the ministry's national director for thirty-five years. He is also the author of 'Joyful Perseverance: Staying Fresh through the Ups and Downs of Ministry' from Crossway. Read the full transcript of this episode. ❖ Listen to “The Blessings and Burdens of Pastoral Ministry” with Jeff Robinson: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube If you enjoyed this episode be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show! Complete this survey for a free audiobook by Kevin DeYoung!

FINDING POWER OVER ERRORACTS 13:1-12 I.      The Desperate Need: Power in Gospel Outreach A.    Truth decay and the reality of spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18) B.    Handling opposition in evangelism and apologetics C.    Finding spiritual power for the proclamation and defense of the gospel II.     The Spreading Flame: The Acts of the Holy Spirit A.    The birth of the church through the work of Jesus Christ, Lord of all. B.    Jesus: “You will receive power from the Holy Spirit” (Acts 1:8; John 14:16-17) C. Beginning of great gospel adventures—and conflicts (Acts 14:22) III.     Preparation for Ministry (Acts 13:1-3) A.    Prophets and teachers: Spirit-empowered ministry positions B.    Multi-ethnic ministry (Galatians 3:26-28) C.    Fasting and prayer before God and with the church (Acts 2:42; 3:1; 4:24; 6:4; 10:31; 14:23; 28:8) D.    Prayer and fasting in the ministry of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-2; 6:16-18; 9:5) E.    God's corporate call for mission (Matthew 28:18-20; Luke 24:45-49: Acts 1:8) F.    Paul's individual call to mission (Acts 9:1-19; Galatians 1:11-24) His first excursion to the Gentiles G.    Power principle #1: We need a God-ward orientation to discern God's call to mission and to receive God's power over error. H.    Power principle #2: We need the wisdom of the church to discern God's call to mission and to receive God's power over error. IV.     Beginning the Mission (Acts 13:4-5) A.    The importance of Paul's first mission; door opened to the Gentiles B.    Sent out by the Holy Spirit (second reference to the Holy Spirit) C.    Proclaimed the Word of God by the Spirit (2 Timothy 3:14-17; Hebrews 4:12) D.    John was their helper (Romans 12:8; 1 Corinthians 12:28) E.    Power principle #3: We need to proclaim God's word to find power over error. F.    Power principle #4: Behind the scenes helpers are vital for powerful ministry. V.     The Power of Error: Enter the Sorcerer (Acts 13:6-8)     A.    Team traveled a long distance for the gospel; sacrifice (Matthew 10:37-38) B.    Bar-Jesus: Jewish sorcerer and false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:9-14, 20; Acts 8:9-11; Revelation 22:15) C.    Sergius Paulus: intelligent Roman political leader. Wanted to hear the Word of God. This is an open door for the gospel. Considering Sergius Paulus's authority, the mission team probably could not have refused his offer; that adds extra pressure.  D.    Elymas wants to shut the open door for the gospel. Conflict and controversy ensue.  E.    Power principle #5: The power of error opposes the truth of the gospel. VI.     Power Over Error: Enter Paul (Acts 13:9-11) A.    Saul, called Paul (Roman version of the Semitic Saul) B.    “Filled with the Holy Spirit” (third reference to the Holy Spirit) C.    Stared him down with condemning truth. He is a: 1.    Child of the devil (John 8:44) 2.    Enemy of everything right (Matthew 13:39) 3.    Full of deceit and trickery (Matthew 13:19) 4.    Paul's question…not answered by the sorcerer. 5.    Blinded, for a time (Isaiah 44:25-26) D.    Power principle #6: A Spirit-filled and biblical-informed Christian challenges error courageously. VII.     Power Over Error in Evangelism (Acts 13:12) A.    Sergius Paulus was amazed at God's truth and power; he believed B.    Miracles and teaching work together through the Holy Spirit, all backed by prayer and holy living. C.    Power principle #7: God's work in God's way finds power over error, but this does not eliminate hardships and setbacks in our mission (Acts 14:22). VIII.     Finding Power Over Error Today A.    Spirit-led and biblically informed mission generates opposition to its mandate.  B.    Prepare for spiritual opposition as you explain, proclaim, and defend the gospel. C.    Applying these seven power principles today 1.    Find godly fellowship (Acts 2:42) 2.    Seek God in prayer and fasting (Matthew 6:16-18) 3.    Study and share God's Word (Psalm 119; 2 Timothy 3:15-17) 4.    Expect opposition and controversy (Matthew 10:34-39) 5.    Find humble helpers—and be a humble helper 6.    Expose error courageously in God's timing (Joshua 1:6-9) 7.    Expect God to vindicate God's truth, but not without hardships. Recommended reading: 1.    Sharon Beekman, Silencing Satan (Wipf and Stock, 2012). Major academic study by one who understands the demonic world by experience and through study as a Christian. 2.    Mark Bubeck, Overcoming the Adversary (Moody Press, 1984). On spiritual warfare. An updated version is called Warfare Prayer.3.    Ajith Fernando. The NIV Application Commentary: Acts (Zondervan, 1998). Excellent and practical commentary. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this second part of our discussion on discipleship in our multicultural world, we discuss suffering, technology, joy, insider movements, and culturally appropriate teaching methods as we delve into his book Discipling in a Multicultural World (Cross, 2019).Ajith serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. His grassroots ministry has been and is primarily with the urban poor. Learn more about Ajith.Listen to the first part: #191 | How Do We Disciples In A Multicultural World? Pt. 1 | Ajith FernandoTips for those wanting to understand shame:#117 | Defending Shame, Pt. 1 | Te-Li Lau#118 | Defending Shame, Pt. 2 | Te-Li LauTips for sharing the Gospel cross-culturally:#115 | Good News In A Diverse World, Pt. 1 | Jay Moon & Bud Simon#116 | Good News In A Diverse World, Pt. 2 | Jay Moon & Bud SimonLearn more about suffering: #147 | Help and Hope in Your Suffering, Pt. 1 | Mark Talbot#148 | Help and Hope in Your Suffering, Pt. 2 | Mark TalbotAnd other episodes referred to in this episode:#170 | Polycentric Missiology: Everyone to Everywhere | Allen YehSign up for the Apollos Watered newsletter.God continues to grow our ministry, but He calls people like you to help do it! Support the Ministry of Apollos Watered today!

Does discipleship look the same in every culture? How does it look different? How has globalization made things similar? Is discipleship a program? A relationship? Or both? How do we disciple those who may come from a different background than us? These are just some of the questions that come into our minds whenever we talk about the subject of discipleship in our modern world with special guest Ajith Fernando.Ajith serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring, and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo, most of whose members are recent believers. His grassroots ministry has been and is primarily with the urban poor.Ajith is the author of Discipling in a Multicultural World (Cross, 2019), Acts (The NIV Application Commentary) (Zondervan, 2010), Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God (Preaching the Word) (Crossway, 2012), Jesus Driven Ministry (Crossway, 2007), Reclaiming Love: Radical Relationships in a Complex World (Zondervan, 2013), The Family Life of a Christian Leader (Crossway, 2016), The Call to Joy and Pain: Embracing Suffering in Your Ministry (Crossway, 2007), The Supremacy of Christ (Crossway, 1995), Crucial Questions About Hell (Crossway, 1994), Reclaiming Friendship: Relating to Each Other in a Frenzied World (Herald Press,...

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF JESUS     A. The Jesus question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:13-16) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?”14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?”16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”17 Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven.     B. The danger of false views of Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:1-4) 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.     C. The need to defend the true Jesus (1 Peter 3:15-16) II. THE REAL JESUS: BIBLICAL BASICS    A. Jesus' unique deity         1. Jesus' own words (Mark 2:1-10, 23-28; John 8:58)         2. Apostolic authority (Colossians 2:8-9) 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ.9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority    B. Jesus' true humanity (John 1:14)    C. Jesus as the only Savior and Lord        1. Jesus' words (John 14:1-6)        2. Apostolic authority (1 Timothy 2:5-6)     D. Jesus as the only basis for salvation by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9) 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do (Romans 5:8-10) III. THE JESUS OF THE NEW SPIRITUALITY (NEW AGE)       A. The New Age world view: pantheism (all is God) monism (all is one)       B. The New Age view of Jesus (see 1 John 4:1-6)            1. Enlightened master, guru, adept, yogi, swami            2. Jesus is separate from the impersonal “Christ Consciousness”            3. Jesus is not uniquely God in the flesh--one of many spiritual examples                (see Acts 4:12)            4. Jesus' crucifixion not redemptive (see Colossians 1:22) 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6-8).            5. Jesus' resurrection is not literal (see 1 Corinthians 15)            6. Jesus' second coming is not personal and physical (see Acts 1:1-11)            7. The Bible is not the final authority on Jesus: other sources replace it               (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17)                a. Other supposedly historical documents (Gnostic, etc.)                b. Channeled material (A Course in Miracles)                c. Near-death experiences (Betty Eadie, Embraced by the Light)            8. Esoteric interpretation of Scripture: texts out of context as pretexts for                theological and spiritual error (see 2 Peter 3:15-16) V. DEFENDING THE REAL JESUS TODAY      A. Spiritual warfare and prayer (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Ephesians 6:10-20)      B. Communicating the real Jesus to those who are confused          (1 Corinthians 8:5-6) We know that “An idol is nothing at all in the world” and that “There is no God but one.” 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as indeed there are many “gods” and many “lords”), 6 yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.      C. Defending the reliability of the New Testament (Luke 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16)       D. Counting on the power of Jesus' resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4;           Ephesians 1:18-23)        VI. RESOURCES FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLICAL JESUS Books:  1.    Douglas Groothuis, Jesus in an Age of Controversy (Wipf and Stock, 2002), Confronting the New Age (InterVarsity, 1988), Deceived by the Light (Wipf and Stock, 2002.2.    Douglas Groothuis, On Jesus (Wadsworth, 2003).3.    Ajith Fernando, The Supremacy of Christ (Crossway, 1994).4.    John Stott, The Cross of Christ (InterVarsity, 1987).4.   Booklet: Douglas Groothuis, Are All Religions One? (InterVarsity, 1996). https://www.douglasgroothuis.com/ Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As you look at the church today, you may ache for the church. But maybe you ache because you love…. You love the church and know she can be better than this. And you love Jesus and know He deserves a Bride whose beauty showcases His. We've experienced a season of humiliation and pain, in which the Lord has seen fit to expose our sins and failures. But tragedies and disasters have a way of clearing the mind of clutter and focusing the heart. As we bring this season of Reconstructing Faith to a close, Trevin Wax talks with Tim Keller, Ajith Fernando, and Jen Wilkin–several servants of the church with insight into how we might see renewal in the days ahead. These are constructive voices who want to see the church strengthened and built up. So, together, let's clear the debris and focus on what's central. Let's prepare for the adventure of reconstruction and repair. Episode 12: Season Finale: It's Time to Rebuild Discussion Guide Connect with Trevin on Twitter: @TrevinWax on Facebook

After 35 years as the director of Youth for Christ (YfC) Sri Lanka, Ajith Fernando stepped back to become Teaching Director, giving him the space to write and teach that he'd struggled to find previously. Brought up in a Christian home which highly prized the exposition of the scriptures, it was unsurprising that he would find a model and mentor in the writing of John Stott. However, he has followed his lead in many different ways ever since, including being instrumental in committing YfC Sri Lanka to serving the country's poor with various relief and discipleship programmes. He learned the importance of the simple lifestyle from Uncle John and with his wife Nelun, two adult children and four grandchildren, has made a profound contribution to the mission of the global church. A graduate of Asbury and Fuller seminaries, he has been awarded honorary doctorates by Asbury, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Gordon-Conwell seminary, and Tyndale Seminary in Canada.   Produced by Langham Partnership UKI

QUOTES FOR REFLECTION “The Greek word for good used in John 10 is kalos, and it means more than ‘good' as opposed to ‘bad.' It has the idea of ‘beautiful' as well as ‘good.' So a classical Greek scholar, E.V. Rieu, translated the statement of Christ as, “I am the shepherd, the Shepherd Beautiful.” ~Ajith Fernando, Sri Lankan Christian leader “If the church is to prosper and mature, she will need faithful men to lead and care for her. The church will need men who are sound in doctrine, whose lives are guided by the Word of God, and who are willing to defend the truth. The church will need to hold up as its ideal those who model fidelity and love toward God, men who will pour themselves out for the benefit of the Lord's sheep. Men of this mold are gifts to the church from her Lord.” ~Lemuel Haynes (1753-1833), first black person to be ordained a minister in the United States and 30-year pastor in Rutland, VT “‘My sheep know my voice' (John 10:4). Christ's faithful lambs know His voice because they are used to the sound of it. Because they commune with Him often and hunger for the words that fall from His lips, they recognize the tone and rhythm of His precious words. They can tell at once whether He or a stranger is declaring peace. They know His voice because it speaks good to their souls. His word of peace humbles souls, cleanses from guilt, transforms lives, melts their hearts, and endears Christ to them. ~Kris Lundgaard, author and missionary “The messengers of Jesus will be hated to the end of time. They will be blamed for all the division which rend cities and homes. Jesus and his disciples will be condemned on all sides for undermining family life, and for leading the nation astray; they will be called crazy fanatics and disturbers of the peace. The disciples will be sorely tempted to desert their Lord. But the end is also near, and they must hold on and persevere until it comes. Only he will be blessed who remains loyal to Jesus and his word until the end.” “It is only because he became like us that we can become like him.” ~Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906-1945) in The Cost of Discipleship SERMON PASSAGE John 10 (ESV) 9 I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep…. 14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep…. 22 At that time the Feast of Dedication took place at Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple, in the colonnade of Solomon. 24 So the Jews gathered around him and said to him, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, 26 but you do not believe because you are not among my sheep. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. 30 I and the Father are one.” 31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?” 33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, you are gods'? 35 If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— 36 do you say of him whom the Father consecrated and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,' because I said, ‘I am the Son of God'? 37 If I am not doing the works of my Father, then do not believe me; 38 but if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me and I am in the Father.” 39 Again they sought to arrest him, but he escaped from their hands. Psalm 82 1 God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 2 “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, “You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Ezekiel 34 7 “Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 As I live, declares the Lord God, surely because my sheep have become a prey, and my sheep have become food for all the wild beasts, since there was no shepherd, and because my shepherds have not searched for my sheep, but the shepherds have fed themselves, and have not fed my sheep, 9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 Thus says the Lord God, Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require my sheep at their hand and put a stop to their feeding the sheep. No longer shall the shepherds feed themselves. I will rescue my sheep from their mouths, that they may not be food for them. 11 For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out.”

Walk In Grace (Ephesians 4:1-16) A Worthy Walk (4:1-6) For the past three chapters, Paul made a great effort to describe the riches of God's blessings through Jesus Christ: you have been elected and adopted through the blood of the Messiah (1:7), they were made right before Yahweh through the cross (1:7), you have forgiveness sins, you were made alive spiritually and saved by grace (2:4). This is what we call orthodoxy or right belief about the Lord. Yet, it's possible to believe the right things about God and not be in the right relationship with him. This dilemma describes the “cultural Christian,” a person who claims the name of Jesus but does not have a saving personal faith in the Messiah. To this person, Jesus says, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things I say” (Luke 6:46)? If this is you, will you search your heart for the first time in your life? You will never be made right before the Lord by what you say or even do; it's by grace through faith you are saved. True orthodoxy always leads to orthopraxy or right living. Therefore, Paul frontloads the wealth of Christ's grace to urge you to walk worthy of the Savior in grace. When you receive the grace of Jesus Christ through faith, something changes. You become alive for the first time and walk with a different stance. The Bible describes the new stroll of faith as worthy. To be worthy carries the idea of rightness, truth, and weight. You don't live your life to become worthy of the Father's love; you walk worthy because Jesus made you right. Walk because you have received. So, what does a worthy walk look like? A worthy person walks with humility 4:2. To walk worthy of the upward call in Jesus Christ, you must walk with humility and gentleness. Now, if you think this is entirely ridiculous, you are not alone. Humility was uncommon in Greek society, and when the word was used, it always carried negative connotations. But something changed! When Jesus emptied himself and took in flesh in the form of a humble servant, all who are adopted into His holy family by faith clothe themselves with humility. By the second century, humility was a virtue in the Christian community and a point of ridicule from society. Take-Home: Do you walk with humility, not overly impressed with your self-importance. A worthy walk shows the world that Jesus is the most important. A worthy person walks with patience, one of the fruits of the Spirit. Remember, Paul is writing this as a prisoner of Christ in chains. So don't see patience as sitting with folding hands enduring ignorant bliss. On the contrary, Christian patience is an active thing. It conveys the idea of positive endurance rather than quiet acceptance – Ajith Fernando. Take-Home: When you walk with patience, we model the patience of a holy God towards us. Pet 3:9 The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance A worthy person walks with love towards others. Specifically, Paul describes this kind of Christian love as bearing with one another. It's the phrase used to describe putting up with something or someone annoying. Do you know anyone annoying– you know the ones who slurp their drink, text while driving, or grind their teeth? Take-Home: We bear with one another because God's posture towards us is not irritation. God's default posture towards you is love through the blood of Jesus. A worthy person walks with peaceful effort. Walking with Christ takes effort. On the one hand, we already have unity because of the finished work on the cross. On the other hand, we must maintain, with effort, the peace given to us. Take-Home: The peacemaker is willing to risk pain to bring all things together in the bond of love. Jesus did not sit idly in heaven, hoping that you would have peace with God one day. Instead, Jesus, the peacemaker, experienced pain to die on the cross for your sins that you might live in harmony with Yahweh. Maybe you are like me when you hear this and think, wow, how will this ever be possible? Yet, here is an eternal promise: a worthy walk never walks alone (4:4). Seven times, the Word reminds you of your oneness: body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the father. Dear friend, you received eternal hope when you trusted Jesus as Lord through faith. This is the hope that leads you to the obedient waters of baptism, makes you one with every other believer, and unites you with the Godhead– Spirit, Son, and God the Father. Take-Home: A redeemed person never walks alone. Walk worthy of the calling you have received. A Wealthy Community (4:7-16) When every person saved by grace begins to live out their holy calling in a common world, we begin to see truly how wealthy we are in the riches of our Savior. Paul describes the wealth of Jesus in this way, “grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.” A saving grace is a grace that saves sinners and is given to all who believe in Jesus as Messiah. This is the grace spoken of earlier, “For it is by grace you are saved, through faith.” Did you know there is another sort of grace? We can call this grace, as described here, as service grace. This is a heavenly kindness that equips the people of the Lord to serve. Take-Home: The grace of Jesus that saved you is the same grace that sustains and sanctifies you. God's graces don't end at your new birth; it carries you every second of your abundant life. Jesus' service grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. So when you give your life to Jesus, the spotless Lamb measures out to you a unique spiritual grace to accomplish what His spiritual gift in you requires. Take-Home: In Christ, you have everything you need to accomplish God's holy purpose in your life and the world. Did you know that Jesus is the best gift-giver the world has ever known? Every single Christian has been given a gift through his service grace. Twice Paul reinforces the blessings of Jesus (4:7, 4:8). Next, the NT names some of these gifts through the church's history: apostles (those who had a historical connection with Jesus), prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. But the gifts didn't end with the five offices in the early church. You see, from the very beginning, the Lord raised leaders to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. My grace gift as a pastor is to encourage your grace gift in Jesus. The church finds itself most like Jesus and most effective when every person called by the Father uses the gifts God has given her and him. God's church is not a hierarchy; it's a living organism, a body growing into the image of our Savior. Take-Home: What service grace has the Lord given you? This is the beautify of God's diversity. You have a unique spiritual gift that no one else has to make a difference. The Lord richly pours out his grace upon His people so that we (plural) may grow to look more like Jesus every day. We grow to look like Jesus when we all exercise daily grace by speaking truth in love. Literally, this phrase calls us to “truthing in love.” No reference is made to speak. Truth becomes hard if not softened by love, and love becomes soft if not strengthened by truth. Take-Home: Are you truthing in love today? The wealth of Christ's grace is displayed when you live out His sustaining grace in your life in this beautifully diversified kingdom called the church. We are to be like the man who said, “Jesus has done too much for me; the rest of my life is a P.S. to his great work!” So What? How is your walk today? We walk worthy because Jesus walked to the cross. He emptied himself of his glory in humility and took on human flesh. With patience, Jesus calls us to confess our sins, and He is faithful and just to forgive you and cleanse you – every single time. In love, He united you to the Father through his atoning death on the cross. Through the resurrection, we have peace with God; we are made right forever and never have to worry about our eternal status. Jesus has done too much for me; I will walk worthy of the calling for the rest of my life. Are you displaying the wealth of His service grace in your life? Do you know the measure of Christ's gift to you? Are you exercising the service grace given to you? “Jesus has done too much for me; the rest of my life is a P.S. to his great work!” We take seriously the call to serve our Savior. Why? Because you will never be satisfied until you exercise the measure of his grace and gifts in your life. We receive his grace and gifts because he gave up His life. The love of Christ is broad enough to encompass all mankind, long enough to last for eternity, deep enough to reach the most degraded sinner, and high enough to exalt him to heaven.

My first guest of the year is Ajith Fernando. Ajith was National Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka for 35 years and since his retirement from the post has continued as a mentor to the organisation and young leaders. In our conversation we talk about his leadership journey, including the early influence of … Continue reading The Leadership Journey Podcast: Ajith Fernando →

Today — April 27, 2021 — marks the 100th anniversary of John Stott's birth. John Stott was a respected preacher, best-selling author of more than 50 books (including seminal classics such as Basic Christianity and The Cross of Christ), servant of the global church, and the founder of Langham Partnership — a global ministry that trains and resources biblical leaders in 130+ countries. This special episode commemorates John Stott's impact on three global Christian leaders whose lives and ministries he personally impacted (Ajith Fernando of Sri Lanka, Matius Ho of Indonesia, and Rosalee Ewell of Brazil). You'll also hear from Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Southern California, who shares special reflections and remembrances on his friendship with John Stott.

Ajith Fernando is teaching director (and former national director) of Youth for Christ, Sri Lanka—a ministry he led for 35 years. In addition to teaching and preaching, he spends his time mentoring and counseling younger Christian leaders and pastors. Ajith is passionate about discipleship and working among the urban poor. He's a sought after speaker, frequenting stages at Urbana and Lausanne gatherings, as well as pulpits of churches around the world. As dear friends and respected theologians, Ajith and Chris discuss lessons gleaned from decades of ministry, how the church in Sri Lanka has grown despite a decades-long civil war, and what lessons Christians in the west might learn from their Sri Lankan sisters and brothers.

Scholars get it wrong, flyover country gets it right, and Sir William Ramsey gets an education. *** NIV Application Commentary on Acts by Ajith Fernando

If the faith doesn’t work on Monday morning the faith doesn’t work at all. My next guest, Dr. Ted Kitchens, who has been my spiritual director for over 20 years. He’s taken the complicated and mysterious Bible and given it life by distilling the useful elements and giving them handles for me to hold onto.He led the church from a handful of members to around 12k members so he knows a thing or two about scaling an organization. Ted was the senior pastor of Christ Chapel for more than 35 years, tenaciously preaching the Bible with Monday-morning relevanceHe has a master's degree from Southwestern Theological Seminary and Dallas Theological Seminary, where he later returned for his Ph.D. Listen in while I draw out some helpful principles that you can apply to your life and business. You’re going to appreciate his leadership style.Useful Links and Book Mentions:Christ Chapel Bible ChurchGood to Great in God's Eyes by Chip IngramThe Supremacy of Christ by Ajith Fernando

"Fistball Inside” is the podcast magazine of the International Fistball Association. IFA President Joern Verleger and Secretary Chris Oberlehner analyze every week the latest news from the world of Fistball. This is the second edition of the podcast recorded on the 4h August 2020. Special guest of this edition is Ajith Fernando. The 35-year-old has won two World Championships, three European Championships and two The World Games titles and announced his retirement from the German DFBL - Deutsche Faustball-Liga national team after 61 international matches. Send us your questions or feedback about our IFA Podcast by Monday evening at the latest to podcast@ifa-fistball.com

John 9 This episode highlights an Evening Celebration sermon, given in 1999 by Sri Lankan preacher Ajith Fernando.He introduces us to Jesus' presence and power from John 9, and applies this to the urgent call God gives to us to serve Him.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica. 04 Jan 2017

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Is it Gods will for all Christians to be wealthy a timely sermon by Dr.Ajith Fernando Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools in. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Ajith Fernando serves as Teaching Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after being National Director for 35 years. These days his main responsibilities in YFC are counseling, mentoring and teaching staff and volunteers. With his wife Nelun he is active in a Methodist Church just outside Colombo. Ajith has a wider counseling and mentoring ministry with Christian leaders and workers and a teaching ministry in conferences and theological schools in. Ajith is an award-winning author of 16 books and several booklets and articles, and these have been published in 20 different languages. The Call to Joy and Pain was awarded the Christianity Today Book of the Year Award for church and pastoral leadership. Deuteronomy: Loving Obedience to a Loving God was released by Crossway in May 2012 and Reclaiming Love by Zondervan in April 2013. Acts in the NIV Application Commentary was published in 1998 by Zondervan. Ajith serves on the translation team of a New Sinhala Bible done by Biblica.

Happy Family - Ajith Fernando ( May 20th, 2014 ) @ YFC devotions.

Sex and spirituality - Ajith Fernando Dr.Ajith Fernando @ yfc staff retreat 2019.

Ajith Fernando discusses the critical importance of personal discipling relationships for every Christian. He shares why he thinks there's a discipleship crisis in the church today, even among pastors and church leaders, how to think about the value of structured discipleship programs, and common mistakes to avoid when entering into a discipleship relationship.

Winsome Witness in Secular Settings

Truth, Witness, and Civility

Winsome Witness in Secular Settings

Winsome Witness in Secular Settings

Truth, Witness, and Civility

Affirming the Truth of Jesus in a Pluralistic World

Truth, Witness, and Civility

Affirming the Truth of Jesus in a Pluralistic World

Affirming the Truth of Jesus in a Pluralistic World

Ajith Fernando and Graham Hill discuss Jesus-driven ministry, reclaiming friendship, and sharing the truth in love. The GlobalChurch Project, podcast episode #58. Ajith Fernando is an inspiring spiritual leader, who has spent his life serving among some of the most vulnerable and marginalized people in the world, and who shows us what true servant leadership looks like.This podcast (and its associated video) was made possible through the generous sponsorship of The Refuge – Oran Park Baptist Church.Ajith Fernando is the teaching director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka after serving as the ministry’s national director for thirty-five years. He and his wife, Nelun, are active in a church ministering primarily to the urban poor, and his ministry includes counseling and mentoring younger staff and pastors. He is the author of seventeen books published in nineteen languages. Ajith lives in Colombo, Sri Lanka, with his wife, and they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Stephen's speech (and his life) have come to an end. As he points out the blasphemy of his accusers (who had themselves accused Stephenof blasphemy), Stephen also points out the glory and power of Jesus. See what his last words have to say to us, and how they connect Stephen to Jesus. Also, hear Chris discuss a bizarre tattoo, offer a whistle interlude, and forget the name of Ajith Fernando. Sorry, Ajith. Your commentary is really good. You deserve better.

In this episode, Kenny interviews author and international speaker Ajith Fernando about the importance of Christian leaders having a healthy family life. Anyone involved in Christian ministry knows how challenging it is to balance ministry and family responsibilities, but it is essential that we master this balance. Mr. Fernando provides us with a healthy and God-centered understanding of family that can help us cultivate to a flourishing home. Mr. Fernando was the National Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka for more than 35 years; today serves as their Teaching Director. He has also traveled extensively worldwide training and counseling leaders within the Youth for Christ movement. Mr. Fernando has written 16 books and many more booklets and articles, published in 20 different languages worldwide. Get a Copy of Ajith Fernando's Newest Book: The Family Life of a Christian Leader Follow Ajith Fernando and Check out his Resources: www.ajithfernando.com

In this episode, Kenny interviews author and international speaker Ajith Fernando about the importance of Christian leaders having a healthy family life. Anyone involved in Christian ministry knows how challenging it is to balance ministry and family responsibilities, but it is essential that we master this balance. Mr. Fernando provides us with a healthy and God-centered understanding of family that can help us cultivate to a flourishing home. Mr. Fernando was the National Director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka for more than 35 years; today serves as their Teaching Director. He has also traveled extensively worldwide training and counseling leaders within the Youth for Christ movement. Mr. Fernando has written 16 books and many more booklets and articles, published in 20 different languages worldwide. Get a Copy of Ajith Fernando's Newest Book: The Family Life of a Christian Leader Follow Ajith Fernando and Check out his Resources: www.ajithfernando.com

Ajith Fernando Lecture: "What is our Passion? Jesus in a Pluralistic Culture"

Ajith Fernando will be looking at Missionary Basics – Key Foundational Movements in Acts.

Ajith Fernando will be looking at Missionary Basics – Key Foundational Movements in Acts.

Join us for our Wednesday evening session where we will be led in worship by Melanie Johnston.

Ajith Fernando will be looking at Missionary Basics – Key Foundational Movements in Acts.

Ajith Fernando will be looking at Missionary Basics – Key Foundational Movements in Acts.

Ajith Fernando will be looking at Missionary Basics – Key Foundational Movements in Acts.

Join us for our Sunday evening session with worship led by Alistair Hamill.

Join us for an evening of celebration and praise as we look back at 75 years of the Bangor Worldwide Missionary Convention. Worship will be led by Alistair Hamill and the New Irish Choir & Orchestra.

A conversation with Timothy George and Ajith Fernando.

A conversation with Timothy George and Ajith Fernando.