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Conditions of Discipleship (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerWhen Jesus Christ began His ministry, He sought specific qualities in His disciples, choosing men who could deny themselves and bear a cross, as He declares in Matthew 16:24, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me." A Christian must take a firm stand against personal urges that oppose God's righteousness, walking Christ's path and enduring the trials of living in an ungodly world. In Mark 10:21, Jesus tests the rich young ruler with the command to sell all he has, give to the poor, and follow Him, revealing the depth of commitment required. As He states in Luke 14:33, "So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple." Some of His chosen disciples, like Matthew and Peter, had wealth or families, yet they faced the decision to leave everything behind to follow Him. In today's context, while Christ no longer physically walks with us, God still seeks an attitude of willingness to give up everything for the Kingdom, even if total abandonment may not be required. The proof of this willingness lies in our good works, as highlighted in Matthew 25:35-36, 40, where Jesus emphasizes helping others through acts like providing food, drink, clothing, temporary housing, care during sickness, and visiting the imprisoned. Additionally, a disciple must be sensitive to the weaker consciences of others, as Paul warns in I Corinthians 8:10-13, urging restraint in actions that might cause a brother to stumble. This principle of looking out for others' interests, even at the cost of personal rights, embodies the essence of godly love, as expressed in Philippians 2:4.
Conditions of Discipleship (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Mike FuhrerIf our worship of God ends in slavish obedience, so does our salvation! While He wants us to obey, God is not looking for obedient drudges but loyal children.
Parables of Counting the Cost
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn Luke 14:25-33, two parables and an exhortation urge us to forsake all that we have as a mandatory condition for becoming Christ's true disciples.
Called to Follow
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIf there is one great principle of Christian living, it is walking in Christ's footsteps. Sounds easy, but putting it into practice is one of the hardest tasks.
What Makes a True Disciple? (Part One)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaHow does God identify Himself with His disciples today? No miracle manifests itself when He sends His Spirit, but the Spirit begins producing miraculous changes.
The Post-Resurrection Last Words of Christ (Part Three)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsGod has called individuals with different temperaments, giving them a variety of spiritual gifts to work interdependently within Christ's Body.
Remembering Your Vows
Sermon by John O. ReidLike the marriage covenant, counting the cost is the most serious part of the baptismal agreement, not something to be taken lightly.
What Makes a True Disciple? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Clyde FinkleaLove is patient and kind. These are the only two characteristics Paul says love is, defining it positively. What follows is what love does not do.
How to Be a Bad Disciple
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughLooking at discipleship from a negative perspective can help reveal errors in ourselves. Jesus shows four main attitudes that make for bad discipleship in Luke 9.
Being a Christian
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaMicah provides a formula for being a Christian: 1.) Doing justly, 2.) Exercising mercy and 3.) Walking humbly. These demand total commitment, not a pretense.
Life Is Service (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the American mindset does not feel inclined to serve, outgoing service to others yields the maximum joy and fulfillment one can possibly attain.
John (Part Twenty-Three)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn Christ's vine and branch analogy, Jesus presents Himself as the true or genuine Vine, as contrasted to the unfaithful vine (ancient Israel).
Without Me, Nothing! (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsThe first and last words of Jesus Christ in the book of John are to 'follow Me,' directed at His disciples then and now.
Four Warnings (Part Four): Founded on the Rock
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughMixing the solid foundation of Christ's teachings with the sand of worldly philosophies and traditions ends in calamity. We must build on the Rock.