Many are Called, but few Chosen

Many are invited by God, but few chosen or choose for the Way of the Cross. (Matt 20:16) Those on the Way will be blessed and given many gifts of God, but opposite to the world. (Matt 5:1-16) Disciple (Strong's 3101-learner) is a believer who chooses to learn from Jesus. (Matt 10:24-25) A disciple is one who chooses to submit, be disciplined and trained by Jesus. (Luke 6:40) We must approach Jesus, our Teacher, as humble servants ready to learn. (Matt 23:8-12) Disciples must learn to ask, seek, and knock and the door to the Lord will be opened. (Matt 7:7-12) All things will be revealed and not hidden from those who seek Him! (Matt 10:26-27) Jesus speaks openly to His disciples to know the mysteries of God, but not to others. (Matt 13:10-17)

Jesus Shows Us the Way to Discipleship

A Memorial and example for us of a woman who poured out her "life" upon Jesus. (Mark 14:3-9) Some disciples may see that pouring out our "life" upon Jesus to be wasted work.. (Mark 14:4-7) Jesus says to each disciple to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him. (Matt 16:24) A disciple must give up his will or life (Strong's 5590-"psuche") to gain Christ. (Matt 16:25-27) Jesus, our Teacher, gave up His will or soul ("psuche") to go to His Cross, as we should. (Matt 26:37-45) Our cup or cross, God's Will for our life, must be taken and drank in His remembrance. (1 Cor 11:23-26) Believers take up our cross (God's Will) by offering our body and renewing our mind. (Rom 12:1-3) Disciples must carry our cross (God's Will) for our lives to walk in His Works with Him. (Eph 2:8-10) To follow Jesus means we stop our work and accompany Jesus in His Way as His disciples. (Matt 4:18-22) If we abide in His Word, we are His Disciples, and the Truth shall make us free. (John 8:31-32)

Examples of Hindrances to the Way of Discipleship

Disciples must eat Flesh & drink Blood of Jesus, but He gives us free will choice to obey! (John 6:55-69)

Qualifications for Christians to Become Disciples

If anyone comes to Jesus, but does not hate (Strong's 3404-to love less) his family, and his own "life" ("psuche") or deny himself, he cannot be a disciple of Jesus. (Luke 14:25-26) Anyone who does not bear his cross and come after Jesus, cannot be His disciple. (Luke 14:27) Anyone who does not forsake (Strong's 657-dismiss in orderly manner) all that he has, cannot be a disciple of Jesus. (Luke 14:33) Disciples can be overcomers, as examples for others, to inherit all things from God. (Rev 21:3-7) He who has an ear to hear God must hear what His Spirit is saying to the Churches. (Rev 2:1-3:22)

Disciples Grow in God's Love within His Church

Disciples can know the Love of Christ and be filled with all the fullness of God. (Eph 3:14-21) Believers should walk and live in the Spirit to be worthy of our calling in Body of Christ. (Eph 4:1-8) The Cross brings peace and unity into one Body and one Spirit to reconcile us to God. (Eph 2:14-18) Jesus Christ is the Head of His Body, the Church, and made peace through His Cross. (Col 1:16-23) Believers come to Jesus as living stones, being built into a spiritual house for Him. (1 Pet 2:1-5) Believers are being built up and joined together to grow into dwelling place of God. (Eph 2:19-22) God makes known His manifold Wisdom to the Church, which is accomplished in Him. (Eph 3:8-12) Disciples put on whole armor of God, and always pray in the Spirit, to reveal Mystery. (Eph 6:10-20) Mystery revealed to us in His Body (Church), which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:24-29) Jesus gives gifts and offices to each for edifying His Body to grow in fullness of Christ. (Eph 4:7-13) Disciples learn and know Jesus, the Head, to do our share to build His Body in Love (Eph 4:14-16)

Christ's Body (His Church) has Many Members and Gifts

One Body and one Spirit, but there are many members and parts within the one Body. (1 Cor 12:12-14) God has composed and setup members and gifts, not by our will, but as He pleases. (1 Cor 12:15-27) Members of Body do not all have the same functions, but work together in one Body. (Rom 12:4-5) God's gifts given to us by Grace to use them for building of the Body and to overcome. (Rom 12:6-21) One Spirit gives different gifts, ministries, and activities to each one for the profit of all. (1 Cor 12:4-7) Spiritual gifts are given to each disciple, as God determines, at a time that benefits all. (1 Cor 12:7-11) God has appointed offices and gifts to individuals in the Church, in time and order. (1 Cor 12:27-31) Love is greater than faith or hope, pursue Love and spiritual gifts and to prophesy. (1 Cor 13:13-14) A disciple with gift of prophesy builds up, strengthens, and comforts those in the Church. (1 Cor 14:1-6) A disciple can have the Testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophesy. (Rev 19:10) Desire gifts and to prophesy, but in the Church, all things must be done in order. (1 Cor 14:26-40) Disciples should desire solid food, able to teach others, and practice spiritual gifts. (Heb 5:12-14) We learn how to conduct ourselves in Church, which is the pillar and ground of Truth. (1 Tim 3:15)

Jesus Christ is Preparing His Church

Jesus Christ, as the Head of the Church and Savior of His Body, shows example for us. (Eph 5:22-25) He is preparing His Church to be Glorious, Holy, and without blemish. (Eph 5:26-27) Mystery concerning Christ and His Church (Body) can be shown in our own household. (Eph 5:28-33) The Body of Christ can also be compared to a tree with Jesus as the Root and disciples as branches. (Rom 11:16-25) Jesus is the Vine, and the disciples are the branches to be pruned by God to bear more fruit. (John 15:1-6) Disciples must choose to abide in Jesus, His Word, ,His Love, and to Love one another. (John 15:6-17) The new commandments to disciples in His Church are to Love God and to Love one another as Jesus Loves us. (John 13:34) All others outside the Church will know disciples of Christ by our Love for one another. (John 13:35) Jesus is preparing Church for His Works. Be examples of Him, and look for His Coming! (Tit 2:1-15)