True Discipleship
True discipleship in the Bible embodies a deep commitment to following Jesus Christ, characterized by a transformative relationship with Him that leads to obedience, service, and a life reflective of His teachings. The concept is vividly illustrated in Luke 9:23, where Jesus says, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." This directive emphasizes self-denial, sacrifice, and the daily commitment required of a disciple. True disciples are called to live out their faith actively, engaging in practices such as prayer, studying Scripture, and participating in community, as seen in Acts 2:42-47, where the early church devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship.Moreover, true discipleship involves bearing fruit, as indicated in John 15:8, "By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples." This fruitfulness is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work in a believer's life, leading to actions that align with God's will and purposes. Ultimately, true discipleship reflects a life transformed by the grace of God, marked by both inward change and outward expression of love and service to others, fulfilling the Great Commandment to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39).
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Jesus Predicts That One of the Twelve Should Betray Him and Another Deny Him John 13:18-38
By R.A. Torrey0JHN 13:18R.A. Torrey explores the profound sorrow of Jesus as He predicts the betrayal by Judas and the denial by Peter, emphasizing the deep love Jesus had for both despite their impending actions. He highlights the significance of Jesus' foretelling as a means to strengthen the disciples' faith in His identity as the Messiah. The sermon also reflects on the nature of true discipleship, which is marked by love for one another, and the importance of recognizing our own weaknesses in faith. Torrey urges listeners to consider their own hearts and the potential for betrayal, while also acknowledging the persistent love of Jesus even towards those who would forsake Him. Ultimately, the message calls for a deeper commitment to love and faithfulness in following Christ.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-13 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald82325:41GEN 4:4GEN 6:22HEB 11:3HEB 11:7In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of faith and its connection to the creation of the world. He explains that faith is understanding that God spoke and the world came into being, which aligns with scientific principles. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of faith in the lives of believers, particularly at the time of death. He encourages Christians to be content with their temporary existence on earth, knowing that everything ultimately belongs to them as children of God. The sermon also touches on the story of Cain and Abel, highlighting the need for an atoning sacrifice to approach a holy God.
The Captivity of the Righteous Part 5
By Phil Beach Jr.301:14:39ISA 53:1MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 22:37LUK 14:26JHN 12:43JHN 21:22ACT 4:32PHP 3:191PE 3:3Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the importance of finding true satisfaction and peace in God rather than in worldly concerns, particularly for young people who often fret about their future. He encourages them to devote their hearts fully to God, assuring that if they seek Him first, everything else will fall into place. The sermon highlights the need to prioritize following Jesus over seeking the approval of others, as true discipleship requires a willingness to lay aside personal ambitions and societal pressures. Beach also addresses the dangers of being captivated by health, wealth, and family, urging believers to seek freedom from these distractions to fully embrace their relationship with Christ.
"What Do We Mean by Accepting Christ?"
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 10:37LUK 14:26JHN 1:12ACT 16:31ROM 10:9A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical nature of truly accepting Christ, arguing that it is a matter of life and death. He critiques the common phrase 'accept Christ,' noting that it is not found in the Bible and can lead to a false sense of security among believers. Tozer insists that genuine acceptance of Christ involves a revolutionary, complete, and exclusive attachment to Him, transforming one's life and priorities. He warns against a superficial faith that lacks true commitment and calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to be in a saving relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, Tozer urges listeners to examine their hearts and ensure they have truly accepted Christ in a way that reflects a genuine discipleship.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-03 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald90824:41MAT 6:19In this sermon on Matthew chapter 6, verses 19 through 34, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not placing too much value on earthly treasures. Instead, he encourages listeners to focus on investing in the work of the Lord and trusting God for their future needs. The speaker shares his personal experience of finding joy in using his money for God's purposes rather than accumulating wealth for himself. He also highlights the concept of laying up treasures in heaven by investing in eternal things and living a life of sacrificial service for the Lord. The sermon concludes with a reminder of God's care and provision for all creatures, emphasizing the need for diligence in daily work while trusting in God's logistics to provide for our needs.
Mistaking Word for Deed
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:16MAT 7:21LUK 6:46JHN 14:15ROM 2:13GAL 5:6TIT 1:16JAS 1:221PE 1:221JN 2:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical distinction between knowing the teachings of Christianity and truly living them out, drawing parallels with the philosopher Epictetus, who valued practical application over mere knowledge. Tozer warns that many professed Christians fall into the trap of mistaking intellectual understanding for genuine faith, highlighting that true wisdom is demonstrated through actions rather than words. He challenges believers to examine their lives and ensure that their faith is reflected in their deeds, rather than simply in their knowledge of scripture.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-11 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald83726:43MAT 6:33MAT 19:16LUK 18:9ROM 6:23EPH 2:8TIT 3:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the workers in the vineyard from Matthew chapter 20. The parable tells the story of a landowner who hires workers at different times throughout the day, but pays them all the same wage. The preacher emphasizes the lesson of not bargaining with God and highlights the envious and greedy nature of the human heart. He also emphasizes the importance of God's grace and how it is better than justice. The sermon concludes by highlighting the caring nature of the employer in the parable and suggesting that Christians should strive to run their businesses with the same compassion.
Cross Evasion: The Subterfuge of Our Modern Christianity
By Art Katz0MAT 16:24LUK 9:23JHN 14:6ROM 12:11CO 1:18GAL 2:20PHP 3:10COL 2:8HEB 12:21PE 2:24Art Katz emphasizes the profound significance of the crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the pivotal event in human history, which has been trivialized and evaded by both the nations and the Jewish people. He warns against the dangers of modifying the truth of the cross into a mere decoration, leading to a Christianity that lacks power and demands. Katz challenges listeners to confront their own evasions of the truth and the implications of the cross, asserting that true faith requires a willingness to embrace the suffering and sacrifice of Christ. He critiques contemporary Christianity for often presenting a domesticated version of Jesus that fails to demand true discipleship. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the centrality of the crucified Christ in faith and practice.
Growing Numbers Do Not Guarantee Increasing Quality
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 7:13A.W. Tozer addresses the misconception that growing numbers in the church equate to spiritual success, emphasizing that true quality in faith and practice is often sacrificed for the sake of quantity. He critiques both the isolationist approach of some Christians who prefer a select gathering and the more popular movement that prioritizes attracting large crowds without offering substantive spiritual nourishment. Tozer warns against the dangers of using gimmicks to draw people in, which can lead to a superficial understanding of the Gospel and a neglect of Christ's lordship. He calls for a return to genuine discipleship that values depth over mere attendance, urging believers to focus on the true message of Christ rather than the allure of numbers.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-14 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald86523:181TI 6:20In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and the dangers of pursuing wealth. He shares anecdotes and quotes from various sources to illustrate his point. The speaker highlights the story of a man who worked tirelessly to accumulate wealth, only to realize the emptiness of his pursuits when faced with his own mortality. Ultimately, the sermon encourages listeners to prioritize their relationship with Jesus over material possessions and to seek fulfillment in Him rather than in worldly gain.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-01 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald1.1K25:28MAT 13:52TIT 2:3In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his past experiences of preaching and teaching discipleship. He acknowledges that he may have started off on the wrong foot by trying to make the audience laugh instead of focusing on the teachings of Jesus' discipleship. The goal of discipleship, according to the speaker, is for the learner to become like their master. He references Matthew 10:25 and emphasizes the importance of disciples becoming like their teacher. The speaker also refers to 1 Thessalonians 2, highlighting the courage and sincerity with which the gospel should be presented. He concludes by introducing Bill McDonald, an experienced Bible teacher, who will be leading a discipleship class.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-05 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald82025:23MAT 5:3MAT 5:6LUK 6:12LUK 6:20In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of world evangelization and how it is often approached in modern Christianity. He criticizes the focus on financial and entertainment committees, suggesting that the message of the gospel should be the priority. The sermon then focuses on the teaching of Jesus to his disciples on a level place, which is similar to the sermon on the mount but with distinct differences. The speaker emphasizes the importance of having a small group of dedicated and obedient followers who love and fear God above all else, suggesting that with such a group, the world could be evangelized in their generation.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-08 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald87523:23MAT 7:17MAT 28:19LUK 6:38LUK 6:45In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character in ministry. He compares a person's ministry to a tree, stating that the fruit it bears reflects its true nature. The speaker challenges listeners to consider what kind of representation of Jesus Christ they are giving to others. He also contrasts the teachings of Jesus with the beliefs of the world, highlighting the need to build one's life on the solid rock of Christ's Word rather than the quicksand of worldly teachings. The sermon concludes with an invitation to request a free tape cassette catalog and a book called "Hunger for Reality" for further spiritual growth.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-15 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald80724:221TI 6:20In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a wealthy man named John who lived in a palatial house but was spiritually empty. He had everything money could buy but never prayed, read the Bible, or attended church. On the other hand, there was a poor man named John who lived a humble and faithful life, known as a man of God. One day, the wealthy man received a visit from the poor man, who delivered a message that the richest man in the valley would die at midnight. The wealthy man dismissed it as foolishness but later that night, he received the news of his own father's death. The sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God and finding true joy and fulfillment in Him rather than pursuing worldly possessions.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-02 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald90824:14MAT 5:14MAT 6:19MAT 6:24MAT 6:33MAT 10:34MAT 10:38MAT 16:24In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of security in the world and emphasizes that our only true security is in God. He shares a personal story about his mother losing all their savings during the Great Depression, highlighting the lesson he learned about the fleeting nature of worldly possessions. The speaker then talks about the search for reality in the Christian life, mentioning the courage and sacrificial living of young people in Europe and Asia. He expresses a desire to throw off selfish ambitions and live fully for the cause of Christ, but acknowledges the challenges faced by American young people who have every luxury and convenience. The sermon concludes with a reading from Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus teaches about laying up treasures in heaven rather than on earth.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-07 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald87923:06LUK 6:27LUK 6:35In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of love as a secret weapon in the arsenal of God. He explains that the disciples of Jesus were being taught the principles of the kingdom in order to be sent out for world evangelization. The speaker distinguishes the New Testament sense of love from the love portrayed in Hollywood, which is often lust. He highlights the need for believers to go beyond human affection and demonstrate love even to their enemies, as this is how they manifest themselves as sons of God.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-04 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald86526:40In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that life is more than just focusing on material possessions like food and clothing. He uses the analogy of birds in the air, who do not sow or reap, yet are provided for by God. The preacher encourages the audience not to worry about their future needs, as God knows what they need and will provide for them. He emphasizes that worrying about the future takes away from serving the Lord and reminds the audience that it is impossible to control and plan every aspect of their lives.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-09 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald84822:46LUK 16:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unjust steward from Luke 16:1-17. The parable tells the story of a rich man who accuses his steward of wasting his goods and decides to fire him. The steward, realizing he is about to lose his job, comes up with a plan to secure his future by reducing the debts of his master's debtors. Surprisingly, the master commends the steward for his foresight, not his dishonesty. The preacher emphasizes that the key to understanding this passage is recognizing that the commendation was for the steward's ability to plan for the future, not for his unethical behavior.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-12 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald84623:16GEN 3:4GEN 4:4HEB 11:1HEB 11:3In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of faith and its role in understanding the creation of the world. He emphasizes that faith is necessary to believe in the record that God has given regarding creation. The speaker also highlights the story of Adam and Eve and their decision to believe either God or Satan. He explains that faith comes before knowledge and seeing, and that by faith, we can understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God. The speaker concludes by stating that the influence of a life lived in faith can continue long after one's passing.
Respectable and Dead
By Zac Poonen0LEV 6:13MAT 21:31LUK 11:24JHN 13:35REV 3:14Zac Poonen emphasizes the danger of being spiritually lukewarm, as exemplified by the Church at Laodicea, which was morally respectable yet spiritually dead. He argues that true discipleship requires a fervent love for God and others, rather than merely the absence of negative feelings. Poonen warns that a lukewarm Christian can cause more harm to the cause of Christ than a worldly unbeliever, as they misrepresent the faith. He stresses the importance of actively cultivating love in our hearts, as true disciples are known by their love for one another. Ultimately, Poonen challenges believers to examine their spiritual temperature and strive for a passionate relationship with God.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-06 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald87422:19AMO 6:4MAT 5:3LUK 6:20LUK 6:24LUK 6:27In this sermon, the preacher discusses the Sermon on the Plane, where Jesus shares revolutionary teachings with both the multitude and his disciples. Jesus reveals that he will go to the cross, die for the sins of the world, be buried, rise again, and send his disciples to spread the message of salvation. The preacher emphasizes the importance of world evangelization and challenges listeners to consider how they would organize such a task. He then references Amos chapter 6, highlighting the dangers of being unconcerned and uninvolved in the work of God. The sermon also focuses on the training of the twelve disciples, where Jesus prepares them for persecution and exclusion as they carry the message of the kingdom.
Session 11: John 17
By Joseph Carroll3233:03JHN 17:17EPH 5:1Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of sanctification in the life of believers, as illustrated in John 17, where Jesus prays for His followers to be set apart through truth. He stresses that true spirituality goes beyond mere knowledge of the Scriptures; it requires a deep, personal appropriation of the truth that transforms lives. Carroll warns against superficial Christianity and highlights the necessity of loving Christ more deeply to experience true holiness and joy. He calls for believers to offer themselves as living sacrifices, following Christ's example of self-consecration for the sake of others. Ultimately, the sermon challenges listeners to ensure that the truth of God becomes an integral part of their lives, leading to genuine transformation and effective witness in the world.
Pharisees Bind Heavy Burdens on Others
By Zac Poonen0MAT 7:3MAT 11:30MAT 23:4LUK 11:46JHN 8:32ROM 14:132CO 1:24GAL 6:5JAS 3:11PE 5:2Zac Poonen addresses the hypocrisy of Pharisaical preachers who impose heavy burdens on others while failing to uphold the same standards themselves. He shares a personal experience from a youth camp where a speaker demanded excessive devotion without practicing it himself, revealing the inconsistency and burden of such teachings. Poonen emphasizes that true preaching should liberate and bless rather than bind and burden, contrasting the approach of Jesus, who used Scripture to free people rather than constrain them. He warns that many young people are disillusioned with church due to these burdensome teachings, which misrepresent God's Word.
The Meaning of Being Committed to Jesus Christ
By Major Ian Thomas1.2K43:32JHN 2:23Major Ian Thomas emphasizes the profound meaning of being committed to Jesus Christ, urging Christians to evaluate the quality of their commitment. He contrasts the dedication of card-carrying communists with the often superficial commitment seen in the church, highlighting that true commitment to Christ requires aligning with His purposes. Thomas challenges believers to consider whether Christ can trust them as they claim to trust Him, stressing that commitment must be rooted in a relationship with Jesus that reflects His mission. He illustrates this through biblical examples, ultimately calling for a total and absolute commitment to Christ that allows Him to work through believers effectively.
Counterfeit Conversion (3 of 6)
By Winkie Pratney1.9K56:25MAT 13:20Winkie Pratney emphasizes the significance of the Parable of the Sower, particularly focusing on the rocky soil that represents a counterfeit conversion. He warns that many who appear to accept Christ may not have truly understood the depth of repentance and the cost of discipleship, leading to a shallow faith that cannot withstand trials. Pratney highlights the dangers of religious deception in the evangelical church, where individuals may embrace a form of faith without genuine transformation. He stresses the importance of rooting oneself deeply in Christ to endure persecution and tribulation, rather than relying on superficial experiences or societal acceptance. Ultimately, he calls for a return to true repentance and a commitment to the lordship of Christ in every aspect of life.
Normal-or Nominal?
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 7:21JHN 15:5PHP 3:8COL 3:2HEB 12:28A.W. Tozer emphasizes the distinction between 'normal' and 'nominal' Christians, urging believers to evaluate their relationship with Jesus Christ. He defines nominal Christians as those who exist in name only, lacking a genuine connection to their faith. Tozer argues that true Christians are drawn to worship and are captivated by the beauty of Christ's attributes, which affirm His lordship and worthiness of praise. He challenges listeners to reflect on whether Jesus is their most precious treasure, encouraging a deeper commitment to their faith.
The True Discipleship Broadcast-1983-10 True Discipleship
By William MacDonald84324:38MAT 6:24MAT 6:33LUK 16:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from Luke chapter 16, verses 1-17, which presents difficulties for some Christians due to its seeming commendation of dishonesty. The passage tells the story of an unjust steward who was accused of embezzling his master's goods. Instead of being commended for his dishonesty, the steward is actually praised for his foresight in providing for his future. The preacher emphasizes that the future of a child of God is in heaven, not on earth, and encourages listeners to prioritize their eternal future by investing in the work of the Lord.
"Thirteen Theses Nailed to the Evangelical Church Door"
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 4:17LUK 9:23JHN 15:8ROM 12:1A.W. Tozer addresses the Youth for Christ meeting, emphasizing that the evangelical church has strayed from New Testament teachings and is in a state of 'Babylonian captivity.' He presents thirteen theses that call for a reformation within the church, stressing the need for true repentance, discipleship, and the importance of Christ's Lordship. Tozer critiques the superficiality of modern evangelicalism, urging a return to genuine worship and a deeper understanding of salvation. He warns against the dangers of adopting worldly methods in ministry and calls for a revival that leads to significant change rather than mere enthusiasm. His message serves as a challenge to church leaders to reflect on their practices and align them with biblical principles.