Living as Disciples: A Call to True Faith

Summary

Today’s focus is on what it truly means to be a disciple of Jesus, not just a Christian by name or ritual, but someone who is learning to live like Jesus in every aspect of life. The invitation is not to a set of beliefs or religious checkboxes, but to a living, breathing relationship with the King who has come—Jesus Christ. The New Testament rarely uses the word “Christian,” but it is saturated with the word “disciple,” which means “learner”—not in a classroom sense, but as someone who is apprenticed to Jesus, learning on the job, making mistakes, growing, and being transformed.

The call of Jesus is not simply to admire Him or add Him to our list of self-help strategies. He claims to be the King, the fulfillment of all God’s promises, and that claim demands a response. The gospel is not advice for self-improvement; it is an announcement of what God has already done in Christ. We are not called to measure up by our own efforts, but to receive what Christ has accomplished—His perfect life, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection. This is the good news of God’s kingdom breaking into our world.

But this announcement requires a response: repent, believe, and follow. Repentance is not just feeling bad about sin, but turning away from the old life—whether that’s open rebellion, pride, or even religious self-righteousness—and turning toward Jesus. Belief is not mere intellectual agreement, but putting your full weight, your whole life, on Christ alone. Following Jesus means surrendering swiftly and sacrificially, leaving behind whatever would keep us from Him, and trusting Him to lead us into a new purpose and identity.

This is not a call to comfort or convenience, but to a life anchored in Christ, even in suffering and uncertainty. The testimony of a life surrendered to Jesus—like my own father’s faith in the midst of illness—shows that Christ is the only anchor that holds, the only hope that endures beyond the grave. The invitation is urgent: don’t wait, don’t settle for a divided life. Swiftly surrender, repent, believe, and follow Jesus. This is the life of a disciple, and it is the only life that truly satisfies.

Key Takeaways

- The Gospel Is an Announcement, Not Advice
The gospel is not a set of tips for self-improvement or a checklist for religious performance. It is the proclamation that Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for our salvation. Our role is not to earn, but to receive and rest in what Christ has done, letting go of the exhausting cycle of trying to measure up. [21:53]

- Repentance Is a Change of Direction, Not Just Behavior
Repentance is not simply feeling remorse for individual sins, but a decisive turning away from the old life—whether that’s open rebellion, pride, or even religious self-sufficiency. It’s a change of mind and heart that leads to a change of allegiance, moving from the dominion of darkness to the kingdom of Christ. This is the necessary first step before true belief and following can happen. [34:11]

- Belief Means Full Confidence in Christ Alone
True belief is not just intellectual agreement with Christian doctrines or familiarity with church culture. It is putting your full weight—your identity, hope, and future—on Jesus alone, not straddling between self-reliance and faith. Anything less leaves us divided and ultimately dissatisfied; only full surrender brings the freedom and assurance Christ offers. [31:33]

- Following Jesus Requires Swift and Sacrificial Surrender
When Jesus calls, the response of a disciple is immediate and costly. The first disciples left their nets, their livelihoods, and even family ties to follow Him. We are called to drop whatever holds us back—be it comfort, success, relationships, or habits—and trust that what we gain in Christ far outweighs what we leave behind. [39:03]

- Christ Is the Only Anchor That Holds in Life and Death
In seasons of suffering, loss, or uncertainty, only a life anchored in Jesus can withstand the storm. The testimony of faith in the valley—like my father’s worship in the hospital—shows that Christ is not just sufficient for eternity, but for every moment now. The mortality rate is 100%; the only hope that endures is the hope found in Christ, and the time to surrender is now. [44:05]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[08:42] - Opening Prayer and Setting the Stage
[10:36] - What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
[11:57] - The True Meaning of “Disciple”
[12:46] - Learning by Living: The Hospital Analogy
[14:30] - Vision for a Church of Disciples
[16:14] - Introduction to Mark’s Gospel
[17:35] - Jesus’ First Call: “Follow Me”
[18:55] - The Message: Gospel and Kingdom
[20:20] - The Gospel as Announcement, Not Advice
[24:13] - The Kingdom Has Come: Jesus’ Radical Claim
[27:32] - The Insanity of “Adding” Jesus
[29:07] - The Mandate: Repent, Believe, Follow
[31:33] - What Real Belief Looks Like
[34:11] - Repentance: Turning from Darkness to Light
[36:20] - The Cost of Discipleship
[39:03] - Swift Surrender: The Disciples’ Response
[41:18] - Counting the Cost in Real Life
[42:06] - Anchored in Christ Through Suffering
[44:05] - What Are You Clinging To?
[45:24] - Invitation to Respond and Pray

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Life of a Disciple

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### Bible Reading

Mark 1:14-20 (ESV)
14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God,
15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
16 Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.
17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.”
18 And immediately they left their nets and followed him.
19 And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets.
20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Mark 1:14-15, what two things does Jesus say people should do in response to the gospel and the arrival of God’s kingdom?
2. What was the immediate response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John when Jesus called them to follow him? (Mark 1:18, 20)
3. According to the sermon, what is the difference between being a “Christian” and being a “disciple”? [[10:36]]
4. What does the word “gospel” mean in the context of this passage and the sermon? [[20:20]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the gospel is an “announcement, not advice.” What does this mean for how someone should approach their relationship with God? [[21:53]]
2. Why is repentance described as a “change of direction” and not just a change in behavior? How does this affect someone’s daily life? [[34:11]]
3. The first disciples left their nets and family “immediately” to follow Jesus. What does this suggest about the kind of response Jesus is looking for from his followers? [[39:03]]
4. The pastor shared about his father’s faith during illness. How does anchoring your life in Christ provide hope in suffering or uncertainty? [[44:05]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon challenges us to move from just “admiring” Jesus to actually following him. Are there areas in your life where you are more of an admirer than a follower? What would it look like to take a step toward true discipleship this week? [[27:32]]
2. Repentance is more than feeling bad about sin; it’s turning away from old ways and turning toward Jesus. Is there something specific—an attitude, habit, or relationship—that you sense God is calling you to turn from right now? What would it look like to take a first step? [[36:20]]
3. The sermon used the illustration of “sitting in the chair” to describe belief. Are you putting your full weight—your identity, hope, and future—on Jesus alone, or are you still trying to keep one foot in another “chair”? What would it take to fully trust him? [[31:33]]
4. The first disciples responded to Jesus “immediately” and left behind things that were important to them. Is there something you are holding onto that is keeping you from following Jesus wholeheartedly? What is one practical way you could “drop your net” this week? [[39:03]]
5. The pastor shared how his father’s faith was an anchor during suffering. When you face hard times, what do you tend to cling to for security or hope? How can you make Christ your anchor in both good and difficult seasons? [[44:05]]
6. The gospel is not about earning God’s favor but receiving what Christ has done. Do you ever find yourself trying to “measure up” spiritually? How can you remind yourself to rest in the finished work of Jesus instead of your own efforts? [[21:53]]
7. The invitation to follow Jesus is urgent—“don’t wait, don’t settle for a divided life.” Is there a decision or step of faith you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to respond to Jesus’ call “immediately” this week? [[45:24]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for courage to repent, believe, and follow Jesus with their whole lives, and for the Spirit’s help to surrender swiftly and fully to Christ’s call.

Devotional

Day 1: The Gospel Is an Announcement, Not Advice
The gospel is not a list of things to do, but the announcement of what Jesus has already done for you. Many people approach Christianity as a set of self-improvement tips or religious rituals, hoping to earn God’s favor by their own efforts. But the true gospel is the proclamation that Jesus Christ lived the perfect life you could never live, died the death you deserved, and rose again to offer you forgiveness and new life. This good news means you can stop striving to measure up and instead rest in what Christ has accomplished on your behalf. Let this truth flip your whole view of God and Christianity, freeing you from the exhausting cycle of performance and guilt. [21:53]

Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Reflection: In what ways have you been treating your relationship with God as advice to follow rather than good news to receive? What would it look like to rest in what Jesus has already done for you today?


Day 2: Jesus Is King—His Kingdom Demands a Response
Jesus’ first words in Mark’s Gospel declare that the kingdom of God has arrived, and He is the true King. This claim was radical and controversial, both politically and spiritually, because it meant that all other authorities and allegiances must step aside. You cannot simply add Jesus to your list of priorities or treat Him as a helpful teacher; His kingship demands your full allegiance and surrender. The only valid responses are to worship and follow Him as Lord or to reject Him entirely—there is no middle ground. [25:35]

Mark 1:15 (ESV)
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”

Reflection: Are there areas of your life where you are treating Jesus as an add-on rather than as King? What is one thing you need to surrender to His authority today?


Day 3: Repentance and Belief—A Complete Turn to Jesus
To be a disciple is not just to agree with facts about Jesus, but to repent—turning away from sin, self-righteousness, and all other anchors—and to believe by putting your full confidence in Christ alone. Many try to live with one foot in their old life and one in Christ, but this only leads to misery and bondage. True repentance means leaving behind whatever holds you back, whether it’s sin, pride, or even religious performance, and fully embracing the freedom and life found in Jesus. [34:11]

Romans 1:21-25 (ESV)
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

Reflection: What is one specific sin, habit, or source of self-righteousness you need to turn from today in order to fully trust and follow Jesus?


Day 4: Swift Surrender—The Immediate Response of a Disciple
When Jesus calls, the response of a true disciple is immediate and sacrificial surrender. The first disciples left their nets, their jobs, and even their families to follow Jesus without hesitation or delay. Following Jesus is not about convenience or comfort, but about dropping whatever holds you back and trusting that He is worth everything. You don’t need to pray about obeying what God has clearly called you to do—swift surrender is the mark of a heart that truly recognizes Jesus as Lord. [39:03]

Mark 1:17-20 (ESV)
And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. And going on a little farther, he saw James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, who were in their boat mending the nets. And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants and followed him.

Reflection: What is one thing you sense God calling you to do or give up that you have been delaying? What step of swift surrender can you take today?


Day 5: Christ, Your Anchor in Every Season
No matter what you face—success, suffering, or even the end of your life—Jesus alone is the anchor that will hold. When everything else is stripped away, only Christ remains as the sure foundation and hope that endures beyond the grave. In the hardest seasons, the testimony of a disciple is not comfort or ease, but a life that magnifies Christ above all else. Let your faith in Jesus be the anchor that shapes your words, your actions, and your hope, so that even in difficulty, you can declare, “Christ be magnified.” [44:05]

Hebrews 6:19-20 (ESV)
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Reflection: When you consider your current season of life, what does it look like for Christ to be your anchor? How can you magnify Him in your words and actions today, regardless of your circumstances?

Quotes

And right away, just the inherent meaning of the word gospel, it's not advice for things that you do. It's an announcement of what has already been done on your behalf by God. That's the announcement. And so some of you need to flip your whole view of this thing called Christianity, and you need to forsake all those things you were trying to do to get right with God. Your successes, your accomplishments, your Bible verses, your resume that you walk around and you're happy to tell somebody about all the things you're doing, and you need to drop all of that and say, I believe in Jesus Christ alone, the gospel that he did what I could never do. [00:21:53] (40 seconds)  #JesusIsKingOrNot Edit Clip

``The gospel is so powerful but also so loving to tell you, you do not measure up. Some of you feel that, right? You're like waking up every day like, my performance, and you're keeping score. Your head hits the pillow at night. You're like, did I do enough? Did I do too much? Bad things. And you're weighing that against one another and hoping that at the end of the day, you'll be a little bit more of a good person than a bad person, and you'll get to heaven when you die. And you need to know the gospel actually confronts you in that moment and says, you are not enough. The score will never be in your favor. You can never measure up. Isn't that so loving? And yet Jesus Christ came for you anyway. Jesus Christ came to get you anyway. Jesus Christ loved you anyway. Jesus Christ lived for you, died for you on a bloody cross anyway. In the midst of you not measuring up, it's the gospel. [00:23:16] (61 seconds)  #MandateOfDiscipleship Edit Clip

There's some things that some of y 'all need to give up. There's apps you need to delete. You say, well, no, I follow Jesus. I believe in Jesus. But I also do these other things. And you can't hold Jesus and hold the culture and hold your hobbies and hold your successes with both hands. Jesus is too big for that. So repent. There's some things you need to give up. There's some apps you need to delete. There's some relationships you need to break off. There's some schedules that you need to change. And prioritize Jesus above all. And turn from those things and turn towards Jesus Christ. [00:36:17] (40 seconds)  #FreedomInJesus Edit Clip

And he says the last thing, follow me. I think it's so interesting. So we've repented, we've believed, and he says, follow me. And yet he doesn't say where. Did you see that? He says, follow me. And they immediately follow him. Where, Jesus? What place are we following you to? What, like, in that day, a rabbi would typically not call people to follow him. That the disciples would look for a rabbi to follow. And they'd bring their resume. And Jesus is so counterculture. He says, no, I'm going to pick. I'm going to come for you. And follow me. Follow me. Where? What system, rabbi, are we going to follow? And Jesus says, it's not about a place. It's not about a system. It's about a person. You're going to follow the person of Jesus. Wherever he goes, you go. And that's a good place to be. [00:38:10] (52 seconds)  #AnchorInChrist Edit Clip

And, again, what I love about Jesus is he doesn't say, like, because you have become, follow me. He says, I will make you become. So it's this weird paradigm. It's so different from everything else in life. We do all our research. We count the cost in our life. Like, we got back home. I got back home from the hospital in Texas to find out. We needed a new air conditioning unit. Not today, Satan. Right? And what do we do? Well, like, yesterday, we're, like, counting the cost of replacing versus purchasing. And you count the cost. And if we can weigh it, like, what's the best decision that's going to benefit us the most and the least cost? That's the American culture. What's going to cost me the least? What's going to be the most comfortable? And I will do that. And that's how we treat Jesus sometimes. [00:40:28] (54 seconds)  #NewLifeInJesus Edit Clip

And Jesus says, no, you've got to drop your nets. You've got to drop all of that. And right away, you follow me. And is it going to cost you? It's going to cost you your whole life. But it's going to be worth it. Because in Jesus, you find freedom. In Jesus, you find freedom from all of that stuff that's keeping you in bondage. In Jesus, you find fulfillment. In Jesus, you find an anchor to your very soul no matter what. [00:41:46] (24 seconds)  #FreedomThroughObedience Edit Clip

See, my dad, in the midst of difficulty, in the midst of a really hard time, in the midst of a lot of pain and suffering and just like frustration that his life is this way right now, he still has an anchor. He still, every nurse that would come in, every lab tech that would come in, he would ask them, after they did some stuff to him, hey, do you know Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? I'm like, Dad, can you calm that down? I want to know. And it's so funny, like everybody would answer, and we'd get into this super spiritual conversation. He's like, because this is my anchor. At the end of my days, this is my anchor, because this is what's going to last into all eternity, no matter if I'm healthy or my organs fail, if I'm living or am I dying. Christ be magnified. I have an anchor that will not fail. Do you? [00:44:32] (51 seconds)  #HopeInJesusAlone Edit Clip

This is the most important thing that I could yell at you about. Follow Jesus. Jesus, surrender swiftly. Give up your successes. Give up your religion. Give up your sin and follow Jesus Christ. He's the only thing that matters. And there's so much joy, and there's so much promise, and there's so much fulfillment, despite any circumstance. And that's what we invite you into. And that's what baptism is about. Jesus Christ himself was baptized. You have no excuse. You think, well, I was a baby, all these things. Jesus Christ, as an adult male, was baptized. To give you an example, this is the way you declare that you believe in him, the king who came to sacrifice it all on your behalf. [00:45:28] (50 seconds) Edit Clip

You cannot do it by yourself. You cannot cling to all these things and sprinkle some Jesus on it on Sunday. He says, repent. Give it up. Turn. Sit in a new position. The light and love and forgiveness of Jesus Christ, the abundant life, the freedom that he has for you. John chapter 8, Jesus says, if you hold to my teachings, if you sit in this place, if you follow my life, you will experience not bondage, not doing the splits, you will experience fulfillment and freedom like nothing else can offer you. [02:09:38] (39 seconds) Edit Clip

What are you clinging to? What chair are you sitting in? Anything else but Jesus will not matter in the end. It will fail you in the end. And man, I'm here yelling at you today because I love you and I want you to know the hope that my dad has. I want you to know the hope that I have and some of us have in this room. And I know that some of you don't. Some of you, you've gone to church all your life and you don't have that kind of anchor. You don't have that kind of hope. You would not be singing Christ be magnified on your last days. But you could if you put your full confidence and trust in Jesus and repented from everything else and followed him. [02:19:59] (46 seconds) Edit Clip