The King's Church International Audio Podcast

The Cost of Discipleship

"Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me." Following Jesus is more than attending church or agreeing with Christian beliefs. Discipleship is a daily decision to align our lives with Christ—allowing His teaching to shape our thinking, decisions, relationships, and purpose. Jesus consistently challenged people to count the cost of following Him. Discipleship requires commitment, surrender, and obedience, but it also leads to transformation, freedom, and a deeper relationship with God. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, author of The Cost of Discipleship, famously wrote: "When Christ calls a man, He bids him come and die." Jesus invites us into a new life, a new identity, and a new purpose. 1. DENY YOURSELF (Luke 9:23) Self-denial is not about self-hatred; it is about surrendering control of our lives to Christ. Instead of allowing our desires, emotions, or personal ambitions to lead us, we choose to follow God's will. Galatians 5:17 reminds us that there is a constant struggle between the flesh and the Spirit. Paul identifies the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19–21, including jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, division, and impurity. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit produces: Galatians 5:22–23 "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." True freedom is found when we surrender our lives to Christ. Self-denial is not losing something valuable—it is gaining something far greater. 2. TAKE UP YOUR CROSS DAILY (Luke 9:23) In Jesus' day, the cross was not a symbol of hope but of death and complete surrender. To take up our cross means choosing God's way above our own every day. Discipleship requires action, not simply agreement. It may involve: • Reading and applying Scripture consistently • Dealing with unhealthy habits and attitudes • Forgiving others and addressing conflict • Sharing our faith boldly • Taking responsibility for God's calling on our lives The word "daily" is significant. Following Jesus is not a one-time decision but a lifelong commitment. Matthew 16:25 "Whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." When we die to self, we discover the life God intended for us. 3. FOLLOW JESUS (Luke 9:23) Jesus did not simply say, "Follow my teachings." He said, "Follow Me." Following Jesus means making Him the centre of every area of life—our relationships, work, finances, decisions, and priorities. John 10:27 "My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." John 8:12 "Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." Matthew 4:19 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will send you out to fish for people." Following Jesus means: • Trusting Him completely • Obeying His Word • Walking in His footsteps • Living for His glory As we keep our eyes on Christ, He leads us into purpose, growth, and spiritual maturity. Hebrews 12:1–2 "Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus." THE COST AND REWARD OF DISCIPLESHIP Jesus is not asking us to simply improve our lives—He is inviting us to surrender them completely. Discipleship requires self-denial, daily surrender, and wholehearted obedience. Yet Jesus never asks us to give something up without offering something greater in return. John 10:10 "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." The challenge for every believer is simple: Are you willing to follow Him? Jesus is not looking for admirers or spectators. He is calling disciples who will trust Him, follow Him, and discover the fullness of life found in Him.

The Foundation of Discipleship

One of the greatest misconceptions in Christianity is the idea that Jesus came only looking for believers. While belief is essential and is the starting point of our faith journey, Jesus was looking for something deeper. He was looking for disciples. Throughout the Gospels, crowds constantly surrounded Jesus. People were drawn to His miracles, fascinated by His teaching, and amazed by the works He performed. Yet Jesus was never satisfied with crowds alone. He desired followers whose lives would be transformed through a close relationship with Him. The important question for every Christian is not simply, "Do I believe in Christ?" but rather, "Am I becoming a follower of Christ? Am I truly a disciple? Is His life shaping my life each day so that I become more like Him?" The word "disciple" first appears in Matthew 5:1-2: "When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to Him, and He began to teach them." The Greek word for disciple speaks of learning, growing in knowledge, and being trained through practice. A disciple is someone who is willing to learn and be formed. This passage reveals an important distinction between the crowd and the disciple. Many people admire Jesus, but not everyone follows Him closely enough to be transformed. The disciples moved toward Jesus, remained close to Him, and positioned themselves to receive His teaching. A true disciple remains teachable. This is why Jesus' final command to the Church was so significant: "Go and make disciples of all nations." Jesus did not say, "Go and gather crowds." He said, "Make disciples." The word make reminds us that discipleship is a process. No one is born a disciple; disciples are formed over time through intentional growth and transformation. 1. A Teachable Heart The first foundation of discipleship is having a teachable heart. When Jesus called His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee, He said: "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19) Before Jesus entrusted them with ministry, He first invited them into transformation. He was essentially saying, "I am going to make you into something different." A disciple must be willing to learn, willing to listen, and willing to change. If we are not open to transformation, we cannot grow into the people God has called us to be. The foundation of discipleship is not talent, charisma, gifting, or position. It is a willingness to be shaped by God. 2. Covenant The second foundation of discipleship is covenant. Throughout Scripture, God relates to His people through covenant. We see this with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the nation of Israel. Covenant creates security, faithfulness, commitment, and trust. Discipleship is not built on convenience but on relationship. In covenant relationships, we walk together through every season of life. We celebrate victories together, carry burdens together, and help one another grow spiritually. We remain committed because Christ is at the centre of the relationship. True discipleship requires people who are willing to walk faithfully with one another through both good times and difficult seasons. 3. Character Character is another essential foundation of discipleship. In Genesis 1:26, before God gave humanity dominion, He first gave them His image. Before leadership comes character. Letters and numbers are called "characters" because they remain consistent. The letter A is always A, and the number four is always four. They do not change depending on circumstances or environments. In the same way, godly character is about consistency. A disciple should be the same person at church, at home, at work, in public, and in private. Integrity means that what we say and what we do become one. Trust is built through character, and where trust exists, loyalty grows. Because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever, He desires to form that same consistency within us. 4. Fruitfulness The fourth foundation of discipleship is fruitfulness. Jesus said in John 15:8: "This is to My Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples." Disciples are called to bear fruit. This includes the fruit of the Spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness. It also includes helping others encounter Christ and grow spiritually. Healthy disciples reproduce. They do not simply grow for their own benefit but begin investing in the lives of others. As they mature, they help others become disciples as well. Fruitfulness is evidence of genuine discipleship and brings glory to God. The Process of Discipleship Leadership principle from John Maxwell that illustrates how discipleship develops and multiplies: I do it, and you watch. I do it, and you help. You do it, and I help. You do it, and I watch. You do it, and someone else watches. The final stage captures the heart of discipleship. True disciples make disciples. The process does not end with our own growth; it continues as we invest in others and help them follow Christ. Believing in Jesus is the beginning of the Christian life, but Jesus desires something deeper. He is looking for disciples—people willing to follow Him closely, learn from Him, be transformed by Him, and become more like Him. The Lord wants to shape us, use us, and multiply His Kingdom through our lives. As we cultivate teachable hearts, build covenant relationships, develop Christlike character, and bear lasting fruit, we become the kind of disciples Jesus called us to be. May we continue growing as disciples and helping others do the same, fulfilling Jesus' command to make disciples of all nations.

It’s time for the Church to arise in the power of the Holy Spirit

Pentecost Sunday takes place 50 days after Easter and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples of Jesus Christ. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jews from many nations gathered in Jerusalem for the Feast of Weeks, held 50 days after Passover. During this appointed season, the Holy Spirit came with supernatural power, and a worldwide harvest of believers began that continues today. Acts 2:4 gives the heart of Pentecost: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” This verse reveals three key truths: the hunger for the Holy Spirit, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the transformation brought by the Holy Spirit. 1. They Were All Hungry for the Holy Spirit The word “all” is important. The Holy Spirit was not given only to a spiritual elite but to the whole company of believers. Acts 2:1 says, “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.” Before the Spirit came in power, the disciples gathered in unity, prayer, and expectancy. They Gathered in Unity Acts 1:13–14 describes the disciples, the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers united together. Their unity crossed personal and social differences as they stood together as God’s people. They Gathered in Prayer Acts 1:14 says, “They all joined together constantly in prayer.” The disciples recognised their need for God and sought Him persistently. They Gathered Expectantly Jesus had promised He would not leave them alone. John 14:16 says, “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” John 14:26 adds that the Holy Spirit would teach and remind them of Christ’s words. The disciples knew their weakness. Peter had denied Jesus, the disciples had fled in fear, and after the resurrection they still hid behind locked doors. They needed courage, comfort, and strength. Jesus declared in John 7:37–39: “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink… rivers of living water will flow from within them.” He was speaking about the Holy Spirit. Every revival begins when people become hungry for more of God. God responds to spiritual thirst. The challenge remains: how thirsty are we for the Holy Spirit today? 2. They Were All Filled With the Power of the Holy Spirit Again, the emphasis is on “all.” Being filled with the Holy Spirit is presented as the normal Christian experience. Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you.” The Greek word for power is dunamis — supernatural, miracle-working power. Romans 8:11 says this is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead. When the Spirit came at Pentecost, there was a violent rushing wind and tongues of fire resting on each believer (Acts 2). The wind symbolised heavenly power, and the fire revealed God’s supernatural presence. The Holy Spirit is not only gentle like a dove; He also comes in mighty power to break strongholds and transform lives. The greatest power in the world is not political, military, or financial power, but the power of God. Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones once said that the church’s greatest need is not more techniques or arguments, but the power of God that changes human hearts. Today the church must once again seek the power of the Holy Spirit with prayer, hunger, and expectancy. 3. They Were All Changed by the Power of the Holy Spirit Acts 2:4 says, “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” The first evidence of transformation was seen in their speech. They Spoke in Other Tongues The disciples spoke in languages they had never learned as the Spirit enabled them. The same gift appeared again in Acts 10:44–47 at the house of Cornelius and in Acts 19:6 when believers received the Holy Spirit. Tongues are presented in Scripture as a genuine spiritual gift that strengthens believers and testifies to God’s work. Yet Scripture also reminds us that love remains the greatest gift (1 Corinthians 13). They Spoke With New Boldness The Holy Spirit transformed fearful disciples into bold witnesses. Peter, who had denied Jesus, now stood publicly in Jerusalem proclaiming Christ with courage and authority. The disciples were completely changed: weakness became strength, fear became courage, silence became bold witness. Ordinary believers became empowered witnesses for Jesus Christ. The challenge for us today is personal: have we received the fullness of the Holy Spirit? Are we hungry for more of God? Peter closes Pentecost with this invitation in Acts 2:38–39: “Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.” The promise of the Holy Spirit remains for believers today. The church is called to arise again in unity, prayer, holiness, boldness, and the supernatural power of God.

Look Forward To The Best Future

Isaiah 65:17–18 says, “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth… be glad and rejoice forever in what I will create.” Throughout Scripture, God is presented as the God of the new—new life, new beginnings, and a new future. Ezekiel 36:26 promises a new heart and spirit, Jesus spoke of a new commandment and a new covenant, and 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that anyone in Christ is a new creation. God does not simply repair broken lives; He transforms them completely and sees a future greater than we can imagine. 1. God Has Plans for Your Present God gave these promises to Israel during captivity and despair in Babylon. Even in hopeless circumstances, He spoke of restoration, joy, and rebuilding. In the same way, God speaks hope into seasons of discouragement, exhaustion, and uncertainty today. Isaiah begins with the word “See,” inviting people to recognise that God is already at work. Throughout Scripture, God repeatedly brought hope in impossible situations—providing in the wilderness, giving Sarah a son, raising Joseph from prison, and calming storms. Present struggles are not the end because God is preparing something new. 2. God Has Plans for Your Future Through Christ Isaiah says, “The former things will not be remembered.” Through Jesus Christ, sins are forgiven and removed completely. Hebrews 10:17 says, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more,” and 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “The old has gone, the new is here.” Jesus took our place so we could receive forgiveness, redemption, and a new beginning. No one is too broken or too far gone for God’s grace. 3. God Has Plans for Eternity Isaiah 65:18 points ultimately to the new heavens and new earth fulfilled through Christ’s return. Revelation describes the New Jerusalem filled with everlasting joy and God’s presence. Heaven will have no more sorrow, pain, death, or sin—only life, worship, healing, and eternal fellowship with Christ. God’s promises never fail, and believers are called to prepare for Christ’s return by living faithfully, staying spiritually alert, and growing daily in holiness and love. Preparation begins by repenting and drawing close to Jesus daily. It also requires staying spiritually awake and discerning, remembering that not every open door is from God and not everything that appears good truly is. Finally, preparation means persevering in holiness and love, making every effort to become more like Christ in attitude, character, and actions every day.

How to Live With Joy at All Times

Here’s a more concise and readable version while keeping the main message and flow clear: Joy is not based on circumstances but on confidence in God’s goodness and faithfulness. A testimony was shared about a mother who remained joyful through financial struggles, grief, illness, and family challenges because her joy was rooted in God, not her situation. Even in difficult seasons, she worshipped and declared God’s goodness daily. The theme of joy runs throughout Isaiah 40–66. Although Israel experienced exile, loss, and shame, God promised restoration, salvation, and hope. Psalm 126 describes the joy of restoration: “We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.” God still offers that same joy today. 1. Our God Saves Isaiah 61:10 speaks of rejoicing in God because He clothes us with salvation. Israel longed for deliverance, but God’s promise pointed to the coming Messiah. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by bringing healing, freedom, comfort, and salvation. John 3:17 reminds us that Jesus came not to condemn the world, but to save it. Through His death and resurrection, we receive forgiveness and restoration. Like the picture in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe where “death starts working backwards,” Jesus reverses the effects of sin and brings new life. True joy begins when we experience God’s saving grace. 2. Our God Makes Us Righteous Isaiah 61:10 also says God covers us with a robe of righteousness. Through Christ, we are no longer defined by failure or sin. 2 Corinthians 5:21 teaches that Jesus took our sin so we could become righteous before God. God sees us as accepted sons and daughters, fully covered by His grace. He also gives us the Holy Spirit to guide and transform us. Joy grows when we understand our true identity in Christ. 3. Our God Removes Shame Isaiah 61:7 promises that instead of shame, God gives a double portion and joy. Shame often causes people to feel disqualified by their past, but Jesus brings restoration. The woman caught in adultery was publicly shamed, yet Jesus responded with mercy and protection. Jesus Himself endured shame on the cross so we could walk in freedom. Isaiah 54 declares, “Fear not; you will no longer live in shame.” A testimony was shared of God bringing restoration, marriage, and the blessing of a child after seasons of loneliness and hopelessness. God replaces sorrow with joy. 4. Our God Gives Abundantly Even while Israel was still in exile, God promised abundance and blessing. He is a generous Father who provides beyond expectations. Ephesians 3:20 says God can do immeasurably more than we ask or imagine, and John 10:10 says Jesus came to give abundant life. God’s abundance includes peace, healing, restoration, and spiritual fulfilment. 5. Our Joy Is Forever Isaiah 61:7 ends with the promise of everlasting joy. Temporary things cannot truly satisfy the soul, but Jesus offers lasting joy through salvation and relationship with Him. No matter the season, the joy of the Lord remains our strength. Jesus invites us to exchange our sorrow, shame, and heaviness for His everlasting joy.