Note: This is the second lesson in Mike’s series entitled, “A Living Church.”

A living church is in the process of making disciples, and doing what Jesus says is the first step in becoming a disciple yourself. The challenge is become a disciple rather than just a follower.

To be more than just a follower requires that you “take up your cross daily” AND follow. A disciple is a follower, yes, but a follower who has taken up his/her cross — and does so daily.

Jesus is asking simply that you make room for him on your throne; that he would be your king.

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 (NIV)

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
John 15:8 (NIV)

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.
Luke 9:23-24 (NIV)