In Türkiye, where high-quality teaching resources are lacking, SAT-7 TÜRK wants to show that following Jesus is not a theory; it is a way of life that requires full participation.
New live program Practicing Discipleship, hosted by Pastor Cem Erçin and Serli Balık, functions as a workshop where viewers not only learn about the Bible but also understand how to practice it in daily life. The program covers various topics that form a road map, helping Turkish Christians understand how God is calling them to live and how they can apply the Bible’s wisdom.
ACTIVE FAITH
Practicing Discipleship, on air every Thursday throughout Türkiye, recently covered the topic of Christian identity. Questions such as “How should a Christian live?” and “What are a Christian’s responsibilities in society?” were answered by unpacking Bible passages like Jesus’ meeting with Zacchaeus.
Zacchaeus’ choice to give away half his wealth, as Cem Erçin pointed out, emphasizes the kind of open-handed generosity that characterizes those whose hearts have been transformed by the Gospel. Pastor Cem went on to explain that embracing a truly Christian identity involves loving our neighbours as ourselves and giving generously to those in need.
Another episode dealt with the topic of forgiveness. The presenters encouraged viewers to live this out, pointing out that as people who have received forgiveness from God, we are called to forgive others. Like all aspects of Christian faith, forgiveness is not a concept to theorize about; it is a value to be lived out.
LONG ROAD TO FAITH
Most seekers in Türkiye face a long and difficult journey to an active Christian faith, having to work through numerous misunderstandings and negative perceptions that are prevalent in their culture. SAT-7 TÜRK viewer Alican recently shared his journey to faith with us:
“I wish I had come to faith earlier, because we have always been given a very wrong understanding of Christianity and a lot of misinformation,” he said. “I come from a non-Christian background, but after much research and reading, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. I thank the Lord that after I became a Christian, I changed a lot; the Lord made me a completely different person.”
Prayer Points
Would you please pause and pray for the following right now?
- That Practicing Discipleship will help many more viewers like Alican find a living and active faith
- That the resources will bless viewers and help them find love in Christ
