The BFG Movement: Restoring the Truth to all Nations
“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, and teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the world.” ~ Matthew 28:19-20
A scripture that deeply resonates with the idea that Truth finds man, since man cannot, by himself, find the Truth is from the Gospel of John:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
— John 14:6 (ESV)
In this verse, Jesus declares Himself as the Truth — a divine revelation that humanity cannot fully grasp on its own but must be revealed by God. It emphasizes that truth is not something that can be entirely attained through human effort; rather, it is encountered through a relationship with Christ, who reveals the nature of God and guides humanity toward spiritual truth.
Another verse that captures this idea is found in the Gospel of Matthew:
“All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
— Matthew 11:27 (ESV)
This passage reinforces that the knowledge of divine truth is not something humans can independently acquire; it must be granted by Christ, who alone knows the Father and chooses to reveal Him to those open to receiving this revelation. Both verses highlight that, ultimately, it is God who finds and reveals Himself to us, illuminating our understanding of truth in ways we cannot achieve on our own.
To truly live by this divine truth, understanding the distinction between the Word of God and the Living Word of God can indeed deepen our relationship with God and illuminate how we are meant to embody His truth in our lives.
The Word of God, as Scripture, provides us with divine guidance, principles, and teachings. It serves as a foundation for moral and spiritual understanding, instructing us in God’s will and showing us a path to follow. By studying the Bible, we engage with God’s words and teachings that apply to all believers.
However, living the truth goes beyond knowing Scripture alone. It involves responding to the Living Word of God—Jesus Christ Himself, who embodies God’s truth in action and love. The Living Word is God’s truth made personal, active, and relational. Jesus is not only a guide but a living presence through the Holy Spirit, actively involved in our journey, prompting us to apply God’s teachings to real-life situations with compassion, humility, and love.
When we internalize the Scriptures and allow Christ’s presence to transform us, the Word becomes living within us, shaping our choices, attitudes, and actions. Living the truth thus means letting God’s truth guide our everyday lives through the relational and dynamic presence of Jesus, moving beyond knowledge to embodying God’s love in our relationships, communities, and purpose.
The Word of God
- Typically, the Word of God refers to Scripture, or the Bible, as the divinely inspired text. In this sense, it encompasses God’s communication to humanity, containing teachings, commandments, prophecies, and guidance. Christians believe the Bible is written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and serves as a foundation of faith and doctrine.
- The Word of God is seen as enduring and unchanging, containing truths and wisdom that have been preserved through time, relevant to all generations as God’s revealed message.
The Living Word of God
- The Living Word of God refers to Jesus Christ Himself. John 1:1 states, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus, as the Word made flesh, embodies God’s presence, truth, and life, making the Word of God dynamic, personal, and relational.
- When described as the Living Word, it implies that Jesus actively works in the lives of believers today, guiding, transforming, and sustaining them through the Holy Spirit. This concept emphasizes that the Word of God is not static but a living presence, continuously revealing God’s love and purpose.
Key Differences
- Scriptural vs. Personal Presence: The Word of God often refers to written Scripture, while the Living Word signifies the incarnate presence of Jesus Christ.
- Static vs. Dynamic: The Word of God as Scripture is unchanging text, whereas the Living Word is active and dynamic, applying God’s truth to present contexts.
- Relational Aspect: The Living Word speaks to a personal relationship with Jesus, who makes God’s truth a lived reality, beyond written words.
In essence, the Word of God is God’s voice through Scripture, while the Living Word of God is His presence made manifest through Christ, continuing to live and work in believers.
Returning to the core teachings of the Gospel found in the BFG Handbook enables us to live out God’s truth through the Living Word, empowering us to make disciples of all nations. By sharing Christ’s message through these foundational teachings, we can inspire others to follow Him. These essential teachings will renew our spirits and empower us to live out our mission authentically. This spiritual transformation, rooted in the teachings of the BFG Handbook, deepens our commitment to living out and sharing the Gospel through both words and actions. It offers a clear guide for taking essential steps toward living out our purpose, aligning our actions with virtue, and providing practical ways to grow in faith and service. By following these principles, we empower ourselves to make meaningful contributions that reflect our calling and inspire others along their journeys.
Personal Renewal and Faithfulness
- Live the Gospel: The first step in restoring the truth is to live a life rooted in Christ. Personal holiness, prayer, and commitment to the teachings of the Gospel are essential. As disciples, we must embody the truth we seek to share.
- Cultivate a deep relationship with God: Daily prayer, reflection on Scripture, and the sacraments strengthen our own faith, enabling us to better witness to others.
Evangelization with Love and Compassions
- Preach with love: Evangelization begins with love. Jesus called His followers to love one another, and it’s this love that attracts others to the faith. Sharing the truth must always come with empathy, humility, and respect for others’ experiences and beliefs.
- Use clear, authentic communication: Share the Gospel in a way that speaks to people’s hearts. Be clear, concise, and rooted in Scripture, but also be open to listening and understanding where people are coming from.
Focus on the Great Commission
- Go to all nations: Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19-20 to “make disciples of all nations” is at the heart of our mission. This means reaching beyond our comfort zones—sharing the faith not only with those close to us but extending to all corners of society, across cultural and national boundaries.
- Be missionaries in everyday life: Making disciples doesn’t always require traveling far; it can happen in our families, workplaces, and communities. Being a witness to the faith in daily interactions can plant seeds of transformation in the hearts of others.
Teach the Truth of the Gospel
- Emphasize sound doctrine: We must ensure that the message we share is faithful to the teachings of the Church and rooted in Scripture. Clear and correct teaching, grounded in the truth of Christ, is key to forming strong disciples.
- Engage in catechesis: Whether through formal instruction or informal conversations, educating others about the core beliefs of Christianity is vital to restoring the faith. Help people understand the richness of the Gospel and the life it offers.
Interfaith Dialogue and Unity
- Embrace interreligious dialogue: Just as the Second Vatican Council’s Nostra Aetate encouraged dialogue with people of other faiths, engaging with non-Christians can help promote mutual respect and understanding. Dialogue opens hearts to the truth of the Gospel while allowing us to witness the love of Christ.
- Foster unity among Christians: Jesus prayed for His followers to be one (John 17:21). Working towards unity within the Church and with other Christian denominations strengthens our witness to the world.
Empowerment of the Laity
- Equip disciples to share the faith: Every Christian has a role in making disciples. Laypeople, not just clergy, are called to evangelize. Providing training, resources, and encouragement to the laity equips them to share their faith effectively in their own spheres of influence.
- Support leadership development: Invest in the development of lay leaders who can carry the truth of the Gospel into different areas of society—education, business, government, and culture.
Use Modern Tools for Evangelization
- Leverage media and technology: The internet and social media offer unprecedented opportunities to reach people with the message of Christ. Harnessing these platforms to share the faith through videos, podcasts, blogs, and other forms of media can extend the Church’s reach globally.
- Engage youth and families: Restoring the truth for future generations requires a focus on children, youth, and families. Strong youth ministries and family-oriented faith programs foster a lifelong commitment to discipleship.
Prayer and Trust in God’s Power
- Rely on the Holy Spirit: True conversion and discipleship are works of the Holy Spirit. While we are called to sow the seeds of the Gospel, it is God who ultimately transforms hearts. Pray for the Holy Spirit to guide your efforts and to prepare the hearts of those you encounter.
- Be patient and persistent: Making disciples is not always immediate. Trust in God’s timing, and remain steadfast in your mission, even when results seem slow.
Be a Community of Witness
- Foster Christian communities: Discipleship thrives in community. Strong, vibrant communities of faith provide support, accountability, and encouragement. By creating spaces where people can grow in their faith together, we nurture discipleship that multiplies.
- Serve others as Christ did: Service to others, especially the poor, marginalized, and suffering, is a powerful testimony to the truth of our faith. As Jesus served others, we too must serve, showing Christ’s love in action.
Persevere in Faith and Mission
- Be bold and courageous: Restoring the truth of our faith and making disciples often requires courage in the face of opposition or indifference. Stay strong in your faith, trusting in God’s promises as you proclaim the Good News.
- Continue learning and growing: Evangelization is an ongoing process that requires continuous growth. Deepen your own understanding of the faith, be open to learning from others, and allow the Holy Spirit to shape and guide your mission.
By living out these principles, we can restore the truth of our faith, bring the light of the Gospel to all nations, and fulfill the Great Commission to make disciples in every corner of the world.