Discipleship is all about
Examine through the Word of God
Experience through the Power of God
Effect through the Presence of God
Engage with the Love of God
Two Dimensions of Gospel
The Gospel of Jesus Christ, has two dimensions in it—
the Gospel of Salvation and
the Gospel of Perfection
—these two provides a holistic view of the Christian message to address both our standing before God (justification) and our transformation in God (sanctification).
Gospel of Salvation:
Key Elements:
Justification: The act of being declared righteous by faith (Romans 5:1).
Deliverance from Sin's Penalty: Jesus' death and resurrection paid the price for humanity's sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
Assurance of Eternal Life: Through faith, believers receive the promise of eternal life (John 3:16).
Key Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."
Emphasis:
The free gift of grace.
The starting point of the Christian journey: repentance, belief, and the assurance of eternal life.
A focus on being "saved" from sin and its consequences.
Gospel of Perfection:
Key Elements:
Sanctification: The process of being made holy through the work of the Holy Spirit (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7).
Deliverance from Sin's Power: Through the Spirit, believers overcome sin and grow in righteousness (Romans 6:14).
Striving for Christlikeness: Believers are called to imitate Jesus in character, love, and obedience (Ephesians 4:13)
Key Scriptures:
Matthew 5:48: "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."
Philippians 3:12-14: "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on... forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."
Emphasis:
The process of becoming more like Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.
A lifelong journey of spiritual growth, moral integrity, and deeper communion with God.
"Christian perfection," often understood as perfect love or a heart fully aligned with God's will.
Relationship Between the Two
Sequential: The Gospel of Salvation often marks the entry point into faith, while the Gospel of Perfection represents the ongoing walk of discipleship and sanctification.
Complementary: Salvation provides the foundation for perfection. Without grace, striving for perfection would be futile, and without growth toward perfection, the fullness of salvation might not be fully realized.
Integrated in Scripture: Many passages (e.g., Romans 6:1-2, James 2:14-26) illustrate the balance between being saved by faith and living out that faith through holiness and good works.
This ministry is dedicated to maintaining a balanced emphasis on both aspects of the Gospel, ensuring that neither is diminished at the expense of the other. Unfortunately, many churches today focus solely on the Gospel of Salvation, which often results in spiritual immaturity, while an exclusive focus on the Gospel of Perfection can lead to legalism.
Who is Not a Disciple?
Not a Disciple - 3 Conditions to Examine: Luke 14: 25,27
25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:
Loving one's own family over God: - Caring Circle
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters
Loving one's own life over God: - Being Circle
— yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.
Loving one's own will over God's Will: - Innermost Being Circle
27 And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
Are you His Disciple? If you believe Disciples are spiritually superior to Christians, keep reading — there's a surprise in store for you.
3 Priorities to Examine: The Parable of the Great Banquet - Luke 14: 15-20
15 When one of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God.”
16 Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’
Prioritizing Possession over Time with God
18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’
Prioritizing Profession over Time with God
19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’
Prioritizing Family over Time with God
20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’
Then Who is a Disciple?
According to John 8:31-32
31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
A disciple is student of Christ - Someone who spends time with the Word of God & Prayer in order to obey His teachings & to know Him better and love to walk with Him more closely.
Disciples are Christians: Acts 11:26
26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
Aren't we now witnessing that not all Christians are truly Disciples. Are you a Christian or Disciple?
Disciples have 3 Objectives:
Continue to Know God's Teachings Better, So that we can Trust God / Obey his Commandments Well. (Knowing Objective Truth)
Continue to Trust/Obey God Better, So that we can Serve Others Well. (Subjective Life Experience)
Continue to Serve Others Better, So that we can bring Glory to God. (Fear & Honor God)
Disciples have 4 Attitudes:
Fear of God (It's not the Knowledge of the Bible, It's all about the Reverence to God)
Humility (It's not "Know it all", It's about "I'm here to learn & unlearn")
Gentleness (It's not "I say & you listen", "It is about "You say & Let me listen")
Patience (It's not "Waiting for the right time to Speak the Truth", It's about the "Waiting for the Work of the Holy Spirit in us & others to reveal the Truth")
This ministry is targeted to challenge & ignite the passion among the believers
To grow in the Knowledge of Christ and
To experience the depth, breadth, width and height of His love & wisdom through His Grace.
What Discipleship is Not?
Discipleship is not a program, course, or book to be completed within a set period. Instead, it is a lifelong journey of commitment and continuous submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of our lives—emotional, spiritual, financial, social, and professional etc.
Discipleship is not driven by a pastor, mentor, leader, or church. Rather, it is self-driven through the work of the Holy Spirit, characterized by a renewed mind and a regenerated heart.
Discipleship is not a checklist of common tasks to be trained on. Instead, it is a continuous and progressive experience of walking with God.
Discipleship is not about achieving spiritual milestones, accomplishments, or comparing ourselves with others. Rather, it involves:
Humbly examining ourselves through the Word of God.
Joyfully experiencing Him through the power of God.
Radiantly impacting others through the presence of God.
Cost of Discipleship
Ground Reality is
Only a few will find & enter into the Narrow Gates: Mathew 7:13-14
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
Only a few True Disciples will enter the Kingdom of Heaven: Mathew 7:21-23
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
Only a few will practice Jesus Teachings: Mathew 7:24-27
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Stages of Discipleship is beautifully explained in Mathew 13 , Click here Kingdom of Heaven
Discipleship has
3 Levels of Faith to Grow
Spiritual Birth
Spiritual Growth
Spiritual Maturity
3 Circles to Experience, Effect & Connect
Being Circle
Caring Circle
Sharing Circle
Sermons to Meditate:
The Narrow Gate & the Narrow Way - Paul Washer
It will cost you everything - Paul Washer
Cost of Not Following Christ - Paul Washer
Only few will find the Life - Zac Poonen
Discipleship Framework
Engaging with a community in a meaningful and transformative way requires intentional preparation and alignment of our inner lives, our relationship with God, and the outward effects of this transformation. The process can be broken down into three essential steps, each of which builds upon the other. Skipping any of these steps risks engaging in a way that is shallow, ineffective, or even hypocritical. Let us delve into each step and its implications:
1. Examine Ourselves:
Before we can authentically contribute to our community, we must first look inward. This step is about introspection, repentance, and self-awareness.
Why It Matters: True engagement begins with integrity. We must confront our motivations, biases, and shortcomings to ensure our actions are not driven by ego, self-interest, or unresolved issues.
2. Experience God
Having examined ourselves, the next step is to turn to God for renewal and guidance. This is where we deepen our relationship with Him, drawing strength, purpose, and clarity from His presence.
Why It Matters: Without experiencing God's transformative power, our efforts may lack the spiritual depth needed to make a lasting impact. God’s presence ensures our actions are rooted in His love and truth.
3. Confirm the Effects:
The effects of our inner transformation must be evident in three interconnected spheres:
Being Circle: Our identity and character. Are we living as people shaped by God’s truth and grace?
Caring Circle: Our relationships with those close to us. Are we expressing God’s love and care in our immediate spheres of influence?
Sharing Circle: Our broader community impact. Are we using our gifts, resources, and opportunities to serve others in meaningful ways?
Why It Matters: Authentic transformation leads to observable changes. If our faith does not produce fruit in these circles, our engagement risks being hollow or performative.
4. Engage the Community:
Only after completing these preparatory steps is it time to step into community engagement. At this stage, we are equipped to serve with authenticity, humility, and a God-centered focus.
Why It Matters: Engaging prematurely, without self-examination, divine renewal, and visible transformation, risks hypocrisy. True engagement comes from an overflow of what God has done in and through us.
Avoiding Hypocrisy:
Skipping any of these steps undermines the process:
Without self-examination, we may act out of pride or ignorance.
Without experiencing God, our efforts may lack spiritual depth and guidance.
Without confirming the effects, we risk presenting a false or incomplete witness to others.
Engaging the community without these foundational steps can lead to actions that are disconnected from our true selves and from God’s purpose. Hypocrisy not only diminishes our witness but also harms the very community we aim to serve.
1. Examine
True Faith is not merely a sure knowledge by which we hold as truth all that God has revealed to us through His Word, but it is also characterized by a heartfelt trust. We hope that everyone will be challenged to read and reread the scriptures to examine whether what we believe aligns with what is written in the Holy scriptures.
Click to Examine
2. Experience
After we examine ourselves, it's crucial to refocus on experiencing personal growth through the power of the Holy Spirit and to realign ourselves to fit into God's plan. Based on our experiences and observations, most believers lack proper understanding in at least one of the following areas, which are essential for growth in grace.
Click below links to Hear and Challenge your current state of faith
Ask yourself 2 pretty serious questions after listening to above sermons:
Do you genuinely experience the things they preach?
Has your life been transformed by the power of the Gospel?
Knowing the right answers or knowing what we should say is not the same thing as really believing or experiencing the things being preached. As disciples, we diligently seek from God what he has freely given. In addition to believing the essential truths about the gospel, disciples experience the transforming power of God's grace. The Scriptures speak of Christ and His Spirit dwelling within His people. We go from being spiritually dead, to spiritually alive - Ephesians 2:1-10.
As we grow in grace all true disciples will learn to love the things that God loves and hate the things that God hates.
Click to Experience
3. Effect
After experiencing enough personal spiritual growth, Lets examine interplay of effect between the
Being Circle,
Caring Circle, and
Sharing Circle.
These 3 highlights the holistic approach to spiritual and relational well-being as modeled in Scripture. These circles interact to reflect the comprehensive transformation that faith brings to every dimension of life: the inner self, family dynamics, and community relationships. Let’s expand on each of these dimensions:
Being Circle:
As we read in 1 Thessalonians 5:23
"May God Himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."
The Being Circle focuses on the individual's sanctification and alignment with God. It involves:
Thirsty Soul – A soul longing for communion with God, seeking Him as the source of ultimate fulfillment. This reflects a deep yearning for His presence and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Contrite Spirit – A humble and repentant heart that acknowledges its need for grace and forgiveness. This posture ensures intimacy with God and ongoing spiritual growth.
Undefiled Body – Physical purity and holiness in one’s actions, using the body as a vessel to glorify God. This extends to stewarding physical health and refraining from behavior that dishonors Him.
Together, these elements form a holistic approach to personal sanctity, creating a foundation for the other circles.
Caring Circle:
As we read in Joshua 24:15
"But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
The Caring Circle highlights relationships within the family and the commitment to live out faith in the closest circle of human connection:
Love Relationship Between Spouses – A Christ-centered marriage rooted in mutual love, respect, and selflessness. The covenant of marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, serving as a model of sacrificial love.
Obedient Children – Children who honor their parents, as instructed in the Fifth Commandment and reaffirmed in Ephesians 6:1-3. Their obedience reflects a well-ordered family life rooted in godly principles.
This circle demonstrates how spiritual principles influence and shape the household, making it a haven of love and devotion to God. The family becomes a testimony of faith to the world.
Sharing Circle:
As we read in 1 Corinthians 13
"And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love."
The Sharing Circle extends beyond the self and the family to encompass relationships within the broader community of faith and beyond:
Love Toward Others – Practicing agape love, which is patient, kind, and not self-seeking. This love transcends personal interests and embodies Christ’s command to love one’s neighbor as oneself.
Serving Through Gifts in the Fellowship – Using spiritual gifts to edify the body of Christ, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12:4-8. These gifts are given not for personal gain but to serve others and glorify God.
This circle emphasizes outward-focused living, demonstrating God’s love in practical ways, fostering unity, and advancing His kingdom.
The Interconnection:
From Being to Caring – A sanctified individual radiates God’s love and holiness, influencing the family dynamic and serving as an example for others within the home.
From Caring to Sharing – A spiritually strong and loving family becomes a beacon of light to the community, extending the love experienced in the home to others.
From Sharing to Being – Engaging with the broader community of faith and exercising spiritual gifts encourages personal growth and accountability, feeding back into the Being Circle.
These circles are not isolated but are deeply interconnected, each enriching the other. Together, they create a life that is wholly aligned with God’s purpose, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in personal, familial, and communal contexts. This holistic approach ensures that every sphere of life becomes a reflection of God’s glory.
Click to see the Effect
4. Engage
A Call to Authenticity:
Engaging with the community is a sacred responsibility. By following this progression—examining ourselves, experiencing God, and confirming the effects—we ensure that our actions are genuine and impactful. This process reflects the heart of true discipleship: to be transformed by God and to share that transformation with others in love and humility. We can't make a difference when we're alone; it's God's plan for us to work together as a group. The idea of coming together to impact others and glorify God reflects a strong sense of community and shared purpose. Working together despite our differences can lead to powerful outcomes, especially when unified by Holy Spirit and a common goal to Glorify God. When true followers of Christ fellowship in one spirit and mind, the effect is powerful and transformative.
God's Presence: Matthew 18:20:
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
Great Joy: Psalms 133:1:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Great Comfort and Encouragement: Philippians 2:1-4:
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
Faith encourages us to act out of love, even in times of uncertainty, strengthening our resilience and bringing others closer to God's promises.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.
Finally place our trust entirely in God rather than relying solely on our understanding while serving others. Engaging in faith means yielding control to Him and trusting that He will lead us where we need to go. Amen!
Click here to Engage others
If you are moved by the Holy Spirit then Click here to Connect
May the Good Lord Bless You!!