Spiritual Maturity and the Unveiling of the True Believer

 

Spiritual Maturity and the Unveiling of the True Believer

Spiritual maturity is not the accumulation of religious knowledge, nor is it the ability to speak spiritual language or participate in Christian activity. In the Pauline revelation, maturity is the progressive unveiling of the believer’s true identity in Christ through the Word of God and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

God’s purpose is not merely to bring a man into salvation, but to bring him into the full knowledge of the Son of God, until Christ is formed within and expressed through the believer.

The tragedy Paul warned about is not ignorance in the natural sense, but a spiritual condition where a person is constantly exposed to truth yet never transformed by it.

“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 3:7, KJV)

This condition describes a believer who gathers information but lacks revelation. He hears sermons, studies Scripture, and engages in spiritual discussions, yet remains unchanged at the core of his identity. Truth remains external instead of becoming internal reality.

The Immature Believer: Living Below Identity

The immature believer is not defined by age in Christ but by lack of spiritual formation. Though truly born again, he continues to operate from a carnal or natural mindset.

Paul describes this condition clearly:

“For ye are yet carnal… and walk as men.” (1 Corinthians 3:3, KJV)

The immature believer is still dominated by natural reasoning, emotional instability, and circumstantial interpretation of truth. When trials come, he is shaken. When delays occur, he doubts. When opposition arises, he becomes fearful or offended.

This instability is not a salvation issue—it is an identity revelation issue.

Because he has not yet been established in the finished work of Christ, his life is still influenced by what he feels rather than what God has declared.

Paul further describes this instability:

“That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine…” (Ephesians 4:14, KJV)

A child is not evil; he is simply undeveloped. Likewise, the immature believer is not condemned, but he is vulnerable. He can be easily influenced, easily confused, and easily discouraged because revelation has not yet anchored his inner life.

This is why many believers live in cycles of spiritual excitement followed by spiritual defeat. They are exposed to truth but not yet governed by truth.

The Mature Believer: Established in Revelation

The mature believer is not simply one who knows more Scripture, but one who has been inwardly transformed by revelation of Christ.

Maturity begins when truth moves from information to spiritual reality. The Word is no longer merely studied—it is seen, believed, and lived.

The writer of Hebrews describes maturity as the ability to receive deeper spiritual truth:

“But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age…” (Hebrews 5:14, KJV)

Strong believers are not easily shaken because they are rooted in spiritual understanding. Their lives are not dictated by circumstances but by revelation of Christ’s finished work.

They do not interpret truth through experience; rather, they interpret experience through truth.

The mature believer has come to a settled conclusion in his spirit: Christ is enough, and Christ is his life.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20, KJV)

This is not poetic expression—it is spiritual identity. The mature believer no longer lives from the center of self-effort but from union with Christ.

The Process of Maturity: Word and Spirit

Spiritual maturity does not happen automatically with time. It is produced through two inseparable ministries: the Word of God and the Holy Spirit.

Jesus prayed:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17, KJV)

The Word of God is the foundation of transformation. It renews the mind, corrects thinking, and establishes divine truth within the believer. Without the Word, there is no stability of doctrine or clarity of identity.

But the Word alone, without the Holy Spirit, becomes intellectual exercise. It is the Holy Spirit who breathes life into the Word and reveals Christ within it.

Jesus said:

“He shall teach you all things…” (John 14:26, KJV)
“When he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth…” (John 16:13, KJV)

The Holy Spirit does not merely inform; He reveals. He unveils Christ. He brings the written Word into living experience.

This is how maturity is formed: the Word provides truth, and the Spirit makes truth real.

Transformation of the Mind: The Battlefield of Maturity

The greatest hindrance to maturity is not the devil, but an unrenewed mind. The believer may be spiritually alive, yet still mentally governed by old patterns of thinking.

Paul commands:

“Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind…” (Romans 12:2, KJV)

Transformation does not begin in behavior—it begins in thought patterns. As the mind is renewed, identity becomes established. As identity is established, conduct begins to align with truth.

A renewed mind no longer asks, “What do I feel?” but “What has God said?” It no longer seeks confirmation from circumstances but rests in revelation.

The Purpose of Maturity: Christ Manifested

The goal of maturity is not self-improvement but Christ-expression.

Paul reveals the mystery:

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.” (Colossians 1:27, KJV)

God’s intention is not to improve the old life, but to reveal a new life—Christ living through the believer.

This is why Paul labored:

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” (Galatians 4:19, KJV)

The end goal is not a knowledgeable believer, but a Christ-formed believer. One who no longer lives as an independent self, but as a vessel of divine life.

Conclusion: From Learning to Knowing

The journey of spiritual growth is the transition from information to revelation, from profession to possession, from knowledge about Christ to experiential union with Christ.

Immaturity learns about truth but is not governed by truth.
Maturity is governed by truth because Christ has been revealed within.

This is the true believer’s identity: not striving to become something, but discovering who he already is in Christ.

And as the Word continues to renew the mind and the Holy Spirit continues to unveil Christ, the believer is brought into fullness—not of religion, but of life in the Son of God.

 

THE FULL KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST

From Ever-Learning to Living Revelation

The great burden of the Apostle Paul was not merely that believers would gather information, but that they would come into the full knowledge of the Son of God. The tragedy of many believers is that they are constantly hearing sermons, attending conferences, reading books, and collecting teachings, yet remain spiritually weak because revelation has not become reality within them.

1 Corinthians 2:9–14

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”

Paul warned Timothy concerning people who are:

2 Timothy 3:7

“Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 

This is intellectual Christianity without spiritual unveiling. It is possible to know Greek words, doctrines, and systems of theology, and yet not know Christ experientially.

The Pauline revelation calls the believer beyond mental assent into spiritual union with Christ.

Paul prayed:

Ephesians 1:17

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him.” 

Notice carefully: revelation comes in the knowledge of Him.

Not merely knowledge about Him.

There is a vast difference between studying Christ and knowing Christ.

Christianity Is Christ Revealed in Man

One Bible teacher emphasized repeatedly that Christianity is not a religion of imitation but a revelation of divine life imparted to the believer.

The central truth of the Pauline revelation is this:

Christ did not merely die for us.
He died as us.

He was not only crucified on our behalf; we were identified with Him in His death, burial, resurrection, and exaltation.

Paul declared:

Galatians 2:20

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

This is not poetic language.
This is legal and spiritual reality.

The Cross was not merely an event in history.
The Cross was God’s dealing with the old creation.

The death of Jesus was the death of the old man.
The resurrection of Jesus was the birth of a new creation race.

2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” 

The believer must come into revelation knowledge of this reality, or he will continue living as though he were still spiritually defeated.

The Cross: God’s End of the Old Man

Many believers know that Jesus died for sins, but few understand that God intended the Cross to terminate the authority of the old Adamic nature.

Paul wrote:

Romans 6:6

“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed.” 

The Cross was not simply forgiveness.
The Cross was execution.

God did not improve the old man.
God crucified him.

Religion tries to reform the flesh.
The Gospel declares its death.

This is why self-effort cannot produce victory. The flesh cannot perfect itself. Victory comes through identification with Christ.

Many believers live under condemnation because they still identify themselves according to the old creation rather than the new creation.

But the Pauline revelation teaches that the believer’s true identity is now in Christ.

The Resurrection: The Birth of a New Humanity

The resurrection of Jesus was more than a miracle. It was the inauguration of a new order of humanity.

Jesus became:

“The firstborn from the dead.” 

 Colossians 1:18

“And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.” 

The believer is now joined to the resurrected Christ.

Ephesians 2:6

“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” 

Notice the tense:
Not “will raise us.”
“Hath raised us.”

This is present spiritual reality.

The Church has preached too much of a future salvation and too little of a present union with Christ.

The believer is not trying to attain victory.
He is learning to walk in the victory already accomplished in Christ.

The Holy Spirit: The Teacher of Reality

No man can enter this revelation through intellect alone.

Jesus said concerning the Holy Spirit:

John 16:14

“He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.”

The Holy Spirit does not merely give information.
He unveils spiritual reality.

Without the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Bible becomes only literature. But when the Spirit illuminates the Word, truth becomes life.

This is why two people may hear the same sermon: one leaves unchanged, while another is transformed forever.

Revelation is the difference.

Paul himself declared:

Galatians 1:12

“For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” — The Holy Bible

The Church today does not merely need better sermons.
It needs unveiled Christ.

Ever Learning but Never Knowing

One of the greatest dangers in the modern Church is spiritual accumulation without transformation.

People collect teachings the way others collect books.

They move from preacher to preacher, conference to conference, video to video, yet remain spiritually immature because truth has never become revelation in their spirits.

Knowledge alone puffs up.
Revelation produces transformation.

A man with information debates truth.
A man with revelation becomes possessed by truth.

When revelation comes:

• prayer changes,
• worship changes,
• identity changes,
• boldness comes,
• fear breaks,
• condemnation leaves,
• authority rises within the believer.

The believer begins to know:
“I am who God says I am in Christ.”

The Cry of Paul: That Christ May Be Formed in You

Paul’s ministry was not merely to establish churches. It was to unveil Christ in believers.

Galatians 4:19

“My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you.” — The Holy Bible

The goal of true ministry is not dependency upon men.
It is the unveiling of Christ within the believer.

The believer must move:

• from religion to revelation,
• from effort to union,
• from self-consciousness to Christ-consciousness,
• from fear to sonship,
• from striving to resting in finished redemption.

The Finished Work Must Become a Living Reality

The Cross, the Resurrection, and the indwelling Christ must become more than doctrine.

They must become the believer’s consciousness.

When the believer truly knows:

• that he died with Christ,
• was raised with Christ,
• is seated with Christ,
• and indwelt by Christ,

then Satan’s accusations lose power.

For the believer begins to stand not in self-righteousness, but in identification with Christ.

This is the secret of bold faith.

Not confidence in human ability—
but confidence in the finished work of Christ.

Conclusion: The Need of This Generation

This generation does not need another powerless Christianity built only on intellectual agreement.

It needs revelation.

It needs believers who know:

• the Father,
• the Son,
• the meaning of the Cross,
• the power of His Resurrection,
• and the ministry of the Holy Spirit.

Paul declared:

Philippians 3:10

“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings.” — The Holy Bible

This must become the cry of the Church again.

Not merely:
“Teach me more.”

But:

“Holy Spirit, unveil Christ in me.”

For when Christ is truly revealed in a believer, Christianity ceases to be a religion and becomes the manifestation of divine life in human flesh.

Colossians 1:26–27

“Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:
To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:”

Ephesians 3:16–19

“That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.”

 Romans 8:11

“But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”

 

What we must do?

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Colossians 3:1–4

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

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Romans 12:2

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

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Hebrews 10:14

“For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”

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1 John 4:4

“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

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Philippians 2:13

“For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”

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John 17:3

“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”

The GLOBAL FILIPINO DREAM

THE GLOBAL FILIPINO DREAM

From Survival to Global Revival

A Missions Orientation Inspired by International Teams Philippines

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INTRODUCTION

The Filipino Dream Reimagined

For many years, the Filipino dream was simple:

• To leave the country
• To work abroad
• To provide for family
• To survive poverty
• To search for opportunity

For decades, millions of Filipinos crossed oceans carrying:

• sacrifice,
• loneliness,
• hope,
• and responsibility.

The Filipino became known around the world as:

• hardworking,
• adaptable,
• trustworthy,
• resilient,
• compassionate.

But what if this global scattering is not accidental?

What if God is transforming the Filipino dream into something greater?

Not merely:

• to earn dollars,
• build careers,
• or escape hardship—

but to bring light to nations.

The Global Filipino Dream is the belief that God is strategically positioning Filipinos across the earth for Kingdom purposes.

Not just global workers.

But global witnesses.

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I. HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINES

A Nation Prepared Through History

The history of the Philippines is a story of preparation.

The nation experienced:

• colonization,
• suffering,
• war,
• migration,
• economic struggle,
• political upheaval,
• and spiritual influence.

For more than 300 years, the Philippines was under Spanish rule. Christianity became deeply rooted in Filipino culture. Churches were built across the islands, and biblical language became familiar to the people.

After Spain came the Americans, bringing:

• Public education
• English language
• Democratic influence
• Global exposure

Then came World War II, Japanese occupation, poverty, political struggles, and economic instability.

Economic instability later pushed millions of Filipinos overseas.

Over time, the Philippines became one of the world’s largest labor-exporting nations.

Yet hidden within this painful history,
God may have been preparing a missionary people.

The Filipino developed unique qualities:

• adaptability,
• hospitality,
• relational warmth,
• endurance, Resilience
• cross-cultural flexibility,
• and spiritual openness.

Historically, the Philippines became one of the largest exporters of workers in the world.

Millions of Filipinos left home:

• Nurses
• Seafarers
• Caregivers
• Engineers
• Teachers
• Domestic workers
• Skilled professionals

Many saw this only as economic necessity.

But International Teams Philippines challenges believers to see a greater picture:

What if the global scattering of Filipinos is part of God’s sovereign design?

Just as Israel experienced dispersion in history,
Filipinos today are scattered among nations.

But scattered people can become strategic people in God’s hands.

These are missionary qualities.

Acts 17:26 declares:

“And hath made of one blood all nations of men… and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.”

God determines where nations are positioned.

History may not merely be political.

History may also be prophetic.

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II. The FILIPINO DIASPORA

Scattered but Sent

The word “diaspora” means scattering.

In Scripture, God repeatedly used scattering to spread His purposes.

Acts 8:1 says:

“…and they were all scattered abroad…”

Then verse 4 declares:

“Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.”

The early Church did not merely grow through gatherings.

It expanded through scattering.

Today, Filipinos are present in almost every nation on earth:

• hospitals,
• ships,
• universities,
• hotels,
• businesses,
• homes,
• corporations,
• factories,
• digital industries.

Even countries closed to traditional missionaries often welcome Filipino workers.

This creates a modern mission strategy.

A nurse may enter where a preacher cannot.
A teacher may enter where churches are forbidden.
A businessman may enter restricted nations.
An OFW may become a light in spiritually dark places.

International Teams Philippines strongly emphasizes this reality:
The Filipino diaspora may become one of the greatest mission opportunities of modern history.

Filipinos are not merely scattered economically.

They may be spiritually deployed.

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III. PROPHECY

A Prophetic Role Among Nations

The Global Filipino Dream carries a prophetic dimension.

International Teams Philippines often presents the Philippines within the context of prophetic destiny and global missions.

The movement emphasizes that God raises nations in certain generations for Kingdom purposes.

Isaiah 60:1–3 becomes significant:

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come… And the Gentiles shall come to thy light…”

The emphasis is not national pride.
It is Kingdom responsibility.

The prophetic burden is this:

God is raising Filipino believers to become carriers of light among nations.

Not prophecy centered on nationalism—
but on Kingdom responsibility.

Throughout Scripture, God positioned certain people groups strategically in history.

Joseph was positioned in Egypt.
Daniel in Babylon.
Esther in Persia.

Esther 4:14 says:

“…who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Perhaps the Filipino people have also been positioned globally for such a time as this.

Isaiah 60:1–3 says:

“Arise, shine; for thy light is come…”

The emphasis is not Filipino greatness.

The emphasis is Kingdom assignment.

God may use Filipino believers as:

• bridge-builders,
• revival carriers,
• peacemakers,
• disciple-makers,
• and missionaries among nations.

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IV. KAIROS MOMENT

God’s Appointed Time

“Kairos” means God’s appointed moment.

International Teams Philippines teaches that this generation may be a Kairos moment for the Filipino Church.

Why?

Because never before in history have:

• Millions of Filipinos are overseas
• Technology connects nations instantly
• Travel is easier than past generations
• Digital ministry crosses borders
• Nations are more reachable than ever before

This is more than globalization.

This may be divine timing.

Matthew 9:37 says:

“The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few.”

The challenge is not whether nations are reachable. 

The harvest is ready.

The question is:
Will the Church respond?

The challenge is whether believers will respond.

This generation has access previous generations never had:

• instant communication,
• affordable travel,
• online evangelism,
• diaspora communities,
• marketplace influence,
• digital missions.

ITeams strongly emphasizes urgency because opportunities may not remain open forever.

This generation has access previous generations never had.

This is a Kairos moment.

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V. THE GREAT COMMISSION

The Heartbeat of Missions

The Great Commission is not optional.

Matthew 28:19 says:

Matthew 28:19–20 says:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…”

This command was not given only to pastors or missionaries.

It was given to the Church.

The Great Commission is:

• A command
• A calling
• A responsibility
• A lifestyle

But to every believer.

International Teams Philippines strongly teaches:
Every Christian has a role in global missions.

Some go.
Some send.
Some support.
Some mobilize.
Some disciple.
Some pray.

But all participate.

Acts 1:8 is foundational:

“But ye shall receive power… and ye shall be witnesses…”

The baptism of the Holy Spirit is connected to global witness.

Pentecost itself was missionary in nature.

The Gospel was immediately spoken across languages and cultures.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to cross:

• cultural barriers,
• language barriers,
• national barriers,
• and spiritual darkness.

The fire of Pentecost was never meant to remain inside church buildings.

It was meant for nations.

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VI. PURPOSE & BLESSINGS

Blessed to Become a Blessing

God blesses with purpose.

Genesis 12:2 says:

“…and thou shalt be a blessing.”

Abraham was blessed so nations could encounter God.

The same principle applies today.

God may bless:

• your career,
• your education,
• your overseas contract,
• your business,
• your profession,
• your influence—

not merely for comfort,
but for Kingdom impact.

The Global Filipino Dream transforms the mindset from:
“Lord bless me for myself”
to:
“Lord use me for the nations.”

Blessing becomes stewardship.

Success becomes mission.

Opportunity becomes assignment.

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VII. DIVINE OPPORTUNITY

The Modern Mission Field

The mission field today looks very different.

The modern world created unprecedented opportunities:

• diaspora missions,
• digital evangelism,
• marketplace ministry,
• online discipleship,
• professional missions,
• tentmaking ministry.

Traditional missions is no longer the only model.

Now:

• teachers disciple students,
• nurses lead Bible studies,
• businessmen plant fellowships,
• content creators evangelize online,
• OFWs become missionaries.

The mission field is now:

• global,
• digital,
• mobile,
• and interconnected.

The nations are more reachable than ever before.

This is divine opportunity.

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VIII. CALL TO MISSION: URGENCY

The Harvest Cannot Wait

International Teams Philippines carries a strong sense of urgency.

Why?

Because millions still have not heard the Gospel clearly.

Romans 10:14 asks:

“…how shall they hear without a preacher?”

Jesus said in John 4:35:

“…lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.”

The need is urgent.

The laborers are few.

The Church must move:

• from comfort to sacrifice,
• from maintenance to mobilization,
• from spectatorship to participation.

Missions is not merely an activity.

It is the heartbeat of God.

The urgency is not driven by fear—
but by love for people and obedience to Christ.

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IX. FINAL CHALLENGE

From OFW to Global Witness

Today, Filipinos are already among the nations.

The question is no longer:
“Can Filipinos go globally?”

The question is:
“Will Filipino believers recognize their assignment?”

You may think:

• “I am only a worker.”
• “I am only an OFW.”
• “I am only a student.”
• “I am ordinary.”

But throughout Scripture,
God uses ordinary people.

He used:

• fishermen,
• shepherds,
• prisoners,
• exiles,
• tentmakers,
• foreign workers.

God specializes in using available vessels.

Isaiah 6:8 says:

“Whom shall I send…?”

And Isaiah responded:

“Here am I; send me.”

The Global Filipino Dream is ultimately this:

To see Filipino believers carrying:

• the Gospel,
• the love of Christ,
• the power of the Holy Spirit,
• and the fire of revival among the nations of the earth.

Not merely surviving globally.

But shining globally.

Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light of the world.”

Perhaps this is your Kairos moment.

Perhaps God has positioned your life for global purpose.

And perhaps the Filipino people are not merely scattered globally—

but spiritually deployed by God.

 

ACCESS MISSION ORIENTATION

International Teams Philippines

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WHAT IS ACCESS MISSION TRAINING?

ACCESS Mission Training is the official entry-level missionary preparation program of International Teams Philippines.

It is designed to:

• Mobilize believers for global missions
• Equip future missionaries
• Introduce the mission culture and philosophy of ITeams
• Prepare workers for cross-cultural ministry
• Train ordinary believers to become effective global witnesses

According to ITeams Philippines, ACCESS consists of two phases:

ACCESS 1

An intensive classroom or virtual mission training introducing:

• The identity of ITeams
• Mission philosophy
• Kingdom vision
• Global missions mindset
• Missionary lifestyle
• Cross-cultural preparation

ACCESS 2

A one-week Southeast Asia mission exposure trip in nations like:

• Thailand
• Cambodia
• Malaysia
• Laos
• Vietnam
• Singapore

This phase allows trainees to experience actual mission field exposure under existing mission teams.

The purpose is not merely information —
but transformation.

ITeams believes that missions is not only for pastors or wealthy Christians.

Ordinary believers can become missionaries through faith, training, and obedience.

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WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

ITeams Philippines About Page

International Teams Philippines believes:

• The Bible is the inspired Word of God
• Salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone
• The Church is the body of Christ
• The Holy Spirit empowers believers
• The Great Commission is for every believer
• The Gospel must reach all nations

ITeams also affirms alignment with:

• The Lausanne Covenant
• The World Evangelical Fellowship Statement of Faith

There is a strong Pentecostal and mission-oriented emphasis:

• Evangelism
• Church planting
• Holy Spirit empowerment
• Faith missions
• Global evangelization

Acts 1:8 becomes central:

“But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me…”

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THE INTERNATIONAL TEAMS STORY

The story of International Teams is a story of faith.

It is built on the conviction that:
God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary missions.

ITeams developed from the burden to:

• Mobilize believers
• Reach unreached nations
• Equip Filipinos for global missions
• Create mission opportunities for ordinary Christians

The movement emphasizes:

• Faith
• Flexibility
• Cross-cultural missions
• Team ministry
• Kingdom expansion

Their vision recognizes that modern missions is changing.

Today’s missionaries may be:

• Professionals
• Students
• Workers
• Business people
• OFWs
• Digital missionaries
• Tentmakers

The organization strongly believes:
The nations are reachable through the scattering of believers globally.

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IT PHILS HISTORY

ITeams Philippines Official Site

International Teams Philippines emerged from the growing realization that Filipinos possess a unique role in world missions.

Over the past 25 years, ITeams has seen Filipino missionaries deployed to many nations worldwide.

The movement developed around:

• Faith-based missions
• Global Filipino identity
• Tentmaking missions
• Mission mobilization
• Southeast Asian outreach
• Church partnership

Historically, the Philippines became one of the largest sources of overseas workers.

ITeams saw this not merely as economic migration —
but as divine positioning.

Instead of asking:
“How can Filipinos survive abroad?”

They began asking:
“How can Filipinos impact nations for Christ?”

This became part of the Global Filipino Dream.

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IT PHILS PROFILE

According to the organization profile:

International Teams Philippines is:

• A non-stock
• Non-profit
• Religious organization

Its purpose is:

• To mobilize
• Equip
• Train
• Deploy missionaries locally and globally

ITeams operates through:

• Global Mission Centers
• Mobilizers Union
• Trainers and Evaluators
• Local and Global Teams
• Mission Workshops
• Mission Trips
• Prayer Networks

Their ministries span:

• Southeast Asia
• East Asia
• Africa
• Europe
• Canada
• Oceania
• South Asia

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WHO ARE WE?

We are:

• A movement of faith
• A global mission family
• A mobilization ministry
• A missionary sending movement

We are believers who answer:
“Here am I Lord, send me.”

ITeams teaches that missions is not reserved for spiritual elites.

God uses:

• Ordinary people
• Available hearts
• Faith-filled believers

The ministry strongly emphasizes:

• Teamwork
• Flexibility
• Kingdom expansion
• Global evangelization
• Obedience to the Holy Spirit

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HOW ARE WE DIFFERENT?

ITeams Philippines has several unique emphases.

1. Missions for Ordinary Believers

The organization strongly believes that ordinary people with little resources can still become missionaries.

2. Faith-Based Missions

The ministry emphasizes radical faith and dependence upon God.

3. Filipino Global Identity

ITeams uniquely emphasizes the prophetic role of Filipinos in world missions.

4. Tentmaking Missions

Missionaries may use professions, businesses, or overseas work as mission platforms.

5. Flexible Mission Strategy

Not all missionaries function traditionally.

Some operate through:

• Education
• Marketplace ministry
• Community work
• Digital ministry
• Professional careers

6. Exposure-Based Training

ACCESS 2 gives actual field exposure instead of classroom learning alone.

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BECAUSE OF THIS UNIQUENESS...

Because of this uniqueness:

• Many believers discover their calling
• Ordinary workers become missionaries
• OFWs become tentmakers
• Churches gain global vision
• Young people become mobilized
• Nations become reachable through diaspora missions

The organization believes:
The Philippines is not merely sending laborers to nations.

God is sending light.

Matthew 5:14

“Ye are the light of the world.”

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WHAT WE DO IN IT PHILIPPINES

ITeams Ministries

ITeams Philippines focuses on:

• Mission training
• Mission mobilization
• Global mission exposure
• Tentmaking preparation
• Church planting
• Leadership development
• Cross-cultural ministry
• Missionary deployment
• Global prayer movements
• Mission partnerships

Activities include:

• ACCESS Trainings
• Mission Workshops
• Global Mission Summits
• Prayer Journeys
• Leadership Forums
• International Mission Trips

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FOCUS MINISTRIES

Key ministry focuses include:

Global Missions

Sending missionaries to the nations.

Tentmaking

Using careers and professions as ministry platforms.

Church Planting

Establishing Christ-centered communities.

Mobilization

Inspiring churches and believers toward missions.

Leadership Development

Training mission-minded leaders.

Marketplace Ministry

Using business and professional work strategically.

Prayer and Intercession

Fueling missions through prayer movements.

Diaspora Missions

Reaching nations through overseas Filipinos.

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VISION, MISSION, BELIEF & VALUES

Vision

To see believers mobilized globally to fulfill the Great Commission.

Mission

To mobilize, equip, and deploy missionaries to the nations.

Core Beliefs

• The authority of Scripture
• Salvation through Christ
• Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
• The urgency of global evangelization
• The calling of every believer

Core Values

• Faith
• Obedience
• Flexibility
• Servanthood
• Teamwork
• Kingdom expansion
• Sacrifice
• Global vision

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WHAT IT PHILS “IS & IS NOT”

IT PHILS IS:

• A mission mobilization movement
• A missionary training organization
• A global mission family
• A faith-based ministry
• A sending movement

IT PHILS IS NOT:

• Merely a travel organization
• A tourism ministry
• A networking club
• A business recruitment agency
• A personality-centered movement

The heart of ITeams is missions.

Everything points toward:
“The nations for Christ.”

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FUNDING YOUR MISSION

One of the strongest teachings of ITeams is:
God provides for His mission.

Mission funding may come through:

• Personal work
• Tentmaking
• Church support
• Partners
• Faith pledges
• Business opportunities
• Ministry partnerships

ITeams strongly teaches faith.

The organization often emphasizes:
“Lack of money should not stop obedience to God.”

This reflects the faith-mission philosophy seen in many historic missionary movements.

Philippians 4:19

“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

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MISSIONARY & MINISTRY SUPPORT

ITeams supports missionaries through:

• Training
• Mentorship
• Team structures
• Exposure trips
• Leadership guidance
• Global mission centers
• Prayer support
• Mobilization networks

Missionaries are encouraged to:

• Remain connected
• Serve in teams
• Continue learning
• Develop accountability
• Stay spiritually healthy

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WHAT’S NEXT AFTER ACCESS MISSION PART 1?

After ACCESS 1, participants are encouraged to proceed to:

ACCESS 2

The Southeast Asia Mission Workshops.

This becomes the actual field exposure phase.

After successful completion:

• Membership briefing follows
• Missionary evaluation occurs
• Official acceptance may be granted
• Long-term mission opportunities may open

Then the journey continues into:

• Global mission involvement
• Short-term missions
• Tentmaking assignments
• Church planting
• Mobilization work
• International deployment

As ITeams declares:

“YES LORD. I WILL GO!” 

The Cross: Encounter

 The cross (Galatians 3:13-14, Col 2:14-15)

 

Galatians 3:13-14

¹³ Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 

¹⁴ He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

 

Col 2:14-15

¹⁴ having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. 

¹⁵ And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. 

 

1. Original Mankind

1) God finished the work of creation in 6 days.

2) The world God created was a really good world.

Genesis 1:31 God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

3) God created man in God’s image and gave him blessings and missions

Genesis 1:27 So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

4) Man, as a creature, has been given the authority to rule the beautiful world that God has created.

Genesis 1:28 God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

2. Man had sinned and was separated from God.

1) The first man, Adam, ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge and left God.

Genesis 3:6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

2) As a result of sin, a curse came upon this earth. Poverty, disease, calamity, death, judgment, and eternal punishment followed.

3) People created idols and religions, but it could not set them free from sin and death.

4) There is no true peace and joy in the heart of man who has not met God.

5) People who have not met God are children of the devil and live the rest of their lives as slaves to the devil.

John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

6) Man is judged by God after his death.

Heb.9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment,

7) After death, he is punished by eternal hell.

Revelation 20:14-15 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

3. Jesus' Suffering

1) From the Court of Pilate to the Hill of Golgotha

 (1) Jesus was beaten in the court of Pilate.

a. They whipped Jesus.

b. The whip was made of many strings with hooks of iron and bone.

c. So, if you hit it with a whip and pull it, the body's flesh will fall off.

d. The bones are exposed, and the internal organs of the body are exposed.

e. Many people die or are forever crippled after being whipped.

 (2) Jesus was being ridiculed (red cloth, crown of thorns, reed): The soldiers dressed Jesus in red cloth and put a crown of thorns on his head. And he held a reed in his hand.

a. They knelt before him and mocked him, saying, "Peace be with you, King of the Jews."

b. They covered his eyes and spit on him

c. They took the reed and hit him on the head and said, “Prophesy! Who hit you?”

 (3) Jesus carried the cross
: According to Roman custom, the sinner was to carry the cross, his torture frame, and go to the place of execution.

a. The cross was so heavy that Jesus fell.

b. The soldiers forced Simon, a man from Cyrene in North Africa, to carry the cross of Jesus.

2) On the cross

(1) Wine mixed with gall: When they arrived at Golgotha, the soldiers offered Jesus wine mixed with gall to relieve his pain, but Jesus refused it.

(2) Jesus was crucified
: Next, they crucified Jesus (Matthew 27:32-35, Mark 15:21-25, Lk 23:26-33, John 19:17-18).

a. The Bible does not explain the detail of the process.

b. In general, a crucified person was dying from hunger, exhaustion, or the chill of being naked.

c. On the cross, even breathing was hard. If he wanted to breathe for a short moment, he had to strain his nailed leg, but then would feel great pain and lose all strength in his body.

(3) Jesus was being ridiculed (casting lots for clothes, ridicule of robbers):

When the Son of God was hanging on the cross, the soldiers cast lots for his clothes, and the women watched from afar.

a. Jewish leaders laughed at Jesus saying that he could not even save himself.

b. Jesus asked John to take care of his mother.

c. He confirmed salvation to the dying thief on his left side.

 (4) Jesus cried out
: When darkness came and the darkness ended, Jesus cried out and died.

Mark 15:33:  At noon, darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon. 
34: And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”)

a. The Cry of the Forsaken

•Some people got it wrong and they thought Jesus was calling Elijah.

•This was the 'cry of the forsaken'.

•His death was more than just the fulfillment of messianic prophecies, it was a genuine cry from the depths of humanity.

b. The cry of pain

•Jesus himself was astounded by how deep the pain of the cross was.

•In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus began to feel the suffering of the coming cross.

He prayed in deep agony until his sweat turned to blood.

- He asked his disciples to pray, but even they didn’t.

-He cried out praying, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me!"

-but in the end the Lord prayed, thoroughly submitting to the will of his father.

-The Lord decided to obey the Father's will for him on earth.

- And he prayed, “Yet not my will, but yours be done!”

- The Father's will was for him to drink from the cup.

c. The Pain of Being Separated from God

•At the cross, Jesus personally experienced the curse.

 (5) Jesus was Separated from the Father
: On the cross, the Father and the Son were actually separated.

a. This is what the Father and Son chose

b. It was for our sins.

 (6) Thirst of the forsaken

a. At the cross, Jesus said, “I am thirsty!”

b. His thirst was beyond physical thirst and he longed for all humanity to be set free from sin and pain.
c. He did not hesitate to drink the last drop of the water of affliction, and drank from the cup of wrath.

d. He suffered because of our sins.

 

4. The Power of the Cross

1) The problem of human sin was solved.

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace

2) The cross of Christ solved the problem of the curses on mankind.

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”

3) The cross of Christ broke the power of the death and death.

Hebrews 2:14-15 Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.

4)Jesus’ death on thee cross solved the problem of human death and opened the way to eternal life.

John 11:25-26 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

5) We receive the blessing of peace and healing through the cross of Christ.

Isaiah 53:5 But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.

6) To those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

John 1:12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God

7) When we pray in Jesus’ name, God answers us.
John 16:23-24 In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

8) Through the cross of Christ, we are protected by the angels.

Acts 12:11 Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.”

Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

9) We received a new mission through the cross of Christ.

Matthew 28:19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

 

Conclusion

The cross of Christ is the way to solve the Original problem of mankind.

Through the cross, sin leaves and righteousness comes

Through the cross, all the curses leave and blessings follow.

Through the cross, poverty leaves and rich follows.

Through the cross, all sicknesses leave and health follows.

Through the cross, the punishment leaves and the reward follows.

Through the cross, shame leaves and glory follows.

Through the cross, the devil leaves and the angels follow.

Through the cross, we go to heaven.

Hallelujah!

Ministry 1/ Proclamation

1. I became a child of God through the cross.

2. I became righteous through the cross.

3. I became healthy through the cross.

4. I became rich through the cross.

5. I received grace through the cross.

6. I was blessed through the cross.

7. I have been commissioned to share this cross to the whole world.

8. I will enter the glorious heaven.

9.I will receive an eternal reward in heaven.

Hallelujah! amen!

 

Ministry 2.

Video/Passion of Christ

Ministry 3.

Prayer Ministry – Bring all your sins to the cross, confess them. And crucify every curse in your life to the Cross.

Psalm 32:5

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Ministry 4.

Praise God for his victory on the cross