Master Plan of Evangelism

Chapter 3

The Master Plan of Evangelism The Way of the Cross

Following Jesus seemed easy enough at first, but that was because they had not followed him very far. It soon became apparent that being a disciple of Christ involved far more than a joyful acceptance of the Messianic promise: it meant the surrender of one’s whole life to the Master in absolute submission to his sovereignty.

The Master Plan of Evangelism The Way of the Cross

The surprising thing is that Jesus did not go running after them to try to get them to stay on his membership roll. He was training leaders for the Kingdom, and if they were going to be fit vessels of service, they were going to have to pay the price.

The Master Plan of Evangelism Count the Cost

Jesus did not have the time nor the desire to scatter himself on those who wanted to make their own terms of discipleship.

The disciples were slow to learn.

The Master Plan of Evangelism To Obey Is to Learn

Hence, Jesus did not urge his disciples to commit their lives to a doctrine, but to a person who was the doctrine, and only as they continued in his Word could they know the truth (John 8:31–32).

Absolute Obedience

sounds like a bad thing

But consider the nature of Jesus

The Master Plan of Evangelism The Principle in Focus

This required absolute obedience to the Master’s will, even as it meant complete abandonment of their own.

The Master Plan of Evangelism The Principle Applied Today

Where is the obedience of the cross? Indeed, it would appear that the teachings of Christ regarding self-denial and dedication have been replaced by a sort of respectable “do as you please” philosophy of expediency.

Discussion:

Very direct, authoritative

Disciples were even harsher than Jesus at times.

Obedience matters for discipleship

holy spirit will come, but maybe we need to first realize that we cannot obey without Him