Become a True Disciple, then Go and Make Disciples

 

Jesus was very clear about disciples. Is His church getting this right?

Oswald chambers said in My Utmost for His Highest for April 24:

“We have a commercialized view—we count how many souls have been saved and sanctified, we thank God, and then we think everything is all right.  Yet our work only begins where God’s grace has laid the foundation.  Our work is not to save souls, but to disciple them.  Salvation and sanctification are the work of God’s sovereign grace, and our work as His disciples is to disciple others’ lives until they are totally yielded to God.  One life totally devoted to God is of more value to Him than one hundred lives which have been simply awakened by His Spirit.  As workers for God, we must reproduce our own kind spiritually, and those lives will be God’s testimony to us as His workers.  God brings us up to a standard of life through His grace, and we are responsible for reproducing that standard in others.” (emphasis added).

One goal in writing God Called - He Needs Your Decision was to provide a pathway, even a recipe, for moving from pew duster to disciple, from lukewarm to on fire, from prodigal to servant in the Father's house, or from mature dutiful soldier to fully surrendered child of God. From the early reports of those who've given me feedback, there is a unanimous chorus of conviction leading to change. See reviews here and here.

The other goal was to share with everyone that it is Okay to hear from God. Bill O'Reilly created shocked headlines when he declared that the Holy Spirit gives him the ideas for his books, including Killing Jesus. I have heard from the Holy Spirit on several occasions including through visions and the "still small voice." The experiences are documented in the book along with clear directions for how to discern truth when the experience is extraordinary. There is also a section on how to avoid allowing experiences like that from becoming idols. But, the bottom line is that we need to be open to hearing from God, even if through a donkey.

From God Called - He Needs Your Decision!


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Disciples give up everything

These texts make it clear that to be a disciple one must:

·                 Obey everything that Jesus taught

·                 Hate his relatives (by comparison to his love for Christ)

·                 Carry Christ’s Cross

·                 Give up everything

That certainly leaves me out. What about you? On the other hand, I’m not certain that Jesus intended for us to have achieved all of those things before we can be disciples. I do believe he intends for to make a clear decision that we want to do these things, and that we will be available to do these things when called.

If we review the lives of both Old and New Testament saints, they did not give up everything every day or every week. Rather, they were available to give up whatever was necessary to respond to God’s call. They were learning how to do those four things.

Jesus spent three years training the Twelve virtually full time how to be disciples. One could argue that even our seminaries spend more time on theology and counseling than they do on developing disciples. In order to “create disciples” so that there will be enough workers to gather the abundant harvest, the church may need to become much more proactive about specifically doing the necessary work to equip willing followers to be disciples.  

 To be a disciple seems almost impossible, not to mention difficult. But we are promised blessings and that our yolk will be light. I pray that if you choose to read and act based on this short book, that your blessings will be inspirational and transformational for you and those you touch.

Launching a New Book - God Called - He Needs Your Decision!

Do you have even a few hours available to help make a difference for the kingdom? 

As we launch this new book, I wonder if you'd pray about helping get God Called into the hands of many more Christians.  

Do you have even a few hours available to help make a difference for the kingdom?  I wouldn't ask for your help if this was a money making venture.  I make a fine living as a marketing consultant, and have no concern about whether this book loses money (current status) or eventually provides some help in sending my youngest son to college.

Rather, this book, like all the other books I've written, was created to help folks prosper.  Most of my other books are about running small businesses.  This one is about another kind of prosperity - Kingdom riches.  The Bible clearly says that if you do the things laid out in this book, you will be blessed on earth and later in heaven.  Early readers are already talking about their blessings:


If a baby were born and failed to thrive, the family would rightly consider it a great tragedy. When a Christian is born and fails to thrive, however, many people don’t notice. God Called—He Needs Your Decision! by Randy Kirk is an invitation to Christians to thrive. It is a spiritual counterattack to the widespread misconception that “being” a Christian is a passive state. Randy invites Christians to “do” Christianity.

Katherine Harms, Editor


“I started attending church again after reading God Called  JS

“I read the first few chapters of God Called but couldn’t go on.  Too convicting” TB

“After reading half of God Called, I started making big changes.” CC

Even as a Pastor sometimes we can lose focus on what it really is to be a
true disciple of Christ.

I would recommend it to any Pastor or leader of a church
Great Stuff!

Robert Hill - Administrative Pastor
Core Church Los Angeles


When asked to read a copy of God Called I readily agreed, but was duly surprised at the impact the contents had on my own thinking and life. Being in an active ministry with my husband, I know what sacrifice and hard work means, and thought I knew what giving all to Christ meant. Yet I was convicted by the words that proved to me: to be a true disciple of Christ, one must be perfectly willing to do God’s will, to accept humbleness as part of their life and to choose to live this way with no strings attached. God’s will is my will.

I sincerely encourage all Christians to read and act on Kirk’s book, God Called—He Needs Your Decision! Well, done, Mr. Kirk. You’ve given readers a powerful book.

Carole Brown author The Redemption of Caralynne Hayman

God did not call a specific group of people to discipleship - the young, the mature, the outgoing.  He called all of us to become disciples, disciplined ones, ready to listen and follow where He leads. My first reaction when I hear this  message is to duck my head in condemnation, knowing I am not living up to this commandment. However, in his new book, God Called—He Needs Your Decision!, author Randy Kirk immediately moves toward the positive possibilities that can lead to major advances in our lives and purpose.

Just reading the first few pages, God spoke a quick word to me, setting me free from years of bondage to what people will think of me if I follow Jesus full out. Using Randy's simple steps of faith, this is a must-read for your next step in growing in grace.

Cheryl Colwell   author  The Secrets of Montebellis and The Proof

The Psalmist tells us that deep calls unto deep . . . Take the plunge into
the River of Life with Randy Kirk's newest book, God Called—He Needs Your Decision! and drink deep from the well that never runs dry.  Find keys to intimacy with Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit hidden in plain sight.  Come away refreshed and longing for more of Him.

Michael J. Webb, Bestselling Author of The Master's Quilt



Are you hungering for a closer walk with God? Do you realize that you need something more than what you have in your spiritual life? Then God Called by Randy Kirk is the book for you to read.

From the first chapter this book caught my attention. Filled with nuggets of wisdom and the instructions and encouragement to step out in faith for a fuller walk with God, this book carefully points out what it takes to go a little further in your daily life: to become a true disciple of Christ. Easy? Not at all. But for a very real sense of satisfaction in knowing you’re doing what you’re suppose to do at the right time in your life, becoming a disciple of Christ will give you a peace and fulfillment from a choice and decision that you must make. Excuses abound plentifully, no matter what age you are, to prevent one from praying the prayer of discipleship, and yet it all depends on your desire and willingness: are you willing to become humble and forsake all to follow Christ?

Kirk’s scriptures drive home his points and his knowledge in the topic is outstanding. His examples and quotes and expounding pinpoints the problems individuals have, the cost many will have, and the solutions to a life of happiness.

I heartily recommend this book for all serious Christians!

Katherine Harms

What can you do to help?!?

1.  Buy a copy.  Spend around $2 for the Kindle edition. This will help Amazon rankings and thereby increase the book's visibility.  Of course, I hope you'll read it and get an amazing blessing, too!  (the book will also be available in print by mid May and audio by early June.  They will cost a bit more).

2.  Tell every Christian you know.  This book isn't for those who don't believe.  They wouldn't get it.  There are other great books for them.  This is actually a book for mature believers.  Tell them about the book by email, in person, on Facebook, Twitter, or any other way you spread the word.

3.  Recommend that your church bookstore offer God Called.  If members of your church read and act on this book, their blessing will extend to the church.  Sold out disciples can create amazing results in any church.

4.  Here's a really big one - Review the book on Amazon.  That would be a massive help.

5.  If you do those four things and you want to help even more, send me your email, and I am positive we can find a way for you to expand your impact.  Send it to RandyKirk77@gmail.com

Help Me Put a Title on My New Discipleship Book

 

Current Working Title:  Do You Want to Hear From God?

Update: Title is final:   God Called - He Wants Your Decision!

Sometime around April 28 or so, 2014, I am going to have a soft launch of my new book.  The book is being formatted.  Other than a few minor elements to touch up, I have two major needs that  must be addressed before that launch.  I don't have a title or a cover.  UPDATE:  I have the Title and Update the cover is done for the Kindle version.

Here is what people are saying about the book:

Serious Disciples of Jesus should read God Called - He Needs Your Decision!  because, according to one reviewer:

If a baby were born and failed to thrive, the family would rightly consider it a great tragedy. When a Christian is born and fails to thrive, however, many people don’t notice. God Called—He Needs Your Decision! by Randy Kirk is an invitation to Christians to thrive. It is a spiritual counterattack to the widespread misconception that “being” a Christian is a passive state. Randy invites Christians to “do” Christianity.

Katherine Harms, Editor

Are you ready to ratchet up your devotion to God and Jesus to the next level?
God Called - He Needs Your Decision! is perfect for you

Do you sometimes feel stuck in your walk and desire to be of greater service?
God Called was written for Christians just like you

Are you the first to sign up for any seminar that teaches how to find out God’s will for your life?
The pathway to that answer for you is one click away.

God Called is not for the lukewarm - UNLESS you are ready to repent of being lukewarm

God Called is not for the prodigal - UNLESS you are tired of eating with the pigs

God Called is not for pew dusters - UNLESS you are prepared to step outside your comfort zone

Here’s what others are saying:

Even as a Pastor sometimes we can lose focus on what it really is to be a
true disciple of Christ.

I would recommend it to any Pastor or leader of a church
Great Stuff!

Robert Hill
Core Church Los Angeles

Just reading the first few pages, God spoke a quick word to me, setting me free from years of bondage to what people will think of me if I follow Jesus full out. Using Randy's simple steps of faith, this is a must-read for your next step in growing in grace.

Cheryl Colwell   author  The Secrets of Montebellis and The Proof

The Psalmist tells us that deep calls unto deep . . . Take the plunge into
the River of Life with Randy Kirk's newest book, God Called—He Needs Your Decision! and drink deep from the well that never runs dry.  Find keys to intimacy with Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit hidden in plain sight.  Come away refreshed and longing for more of Him.

Michael J. Webb, Bestselling Author of The Master's Quilt

God Called was written specifically for mature Christians who feel they have not really heard the Lord speak to them. These Christians truly want to hear the voice of God calling to them with an offer to serve in a capacity that is outside of their expectations. 

Review these questions which might be holding you back from hearing God’s plan for your life:

Jesus says disciples need to carry their cross and follow Him.  Can you do that?
Jesus said that disciples must hate mother and father (compared to Him)  Is that you?
Jesus said that disciples must obey what he has commanded.  Do you?
Jesus said that disciples must give up everything.  Are you prepared to do so?
Dallas Willard says “very few Christians want to hear what God has to say.  Do you?

Here’s a sample of the impactful words from God Called that have encouraged readers to take their Christianity to the next level:

Our Christian walk is always about how much we trust and believe, and whether we trust God enough to put aside our fear. Each stage of our maturing in Christ depends on our ability to repent of our unbelief, or pride, and our idols, and move to the next stage. This is true from our first profession of faith. It is true when we start each new discipline. It is true when we become aware of the depths of our sin and mindful of our need to be continually repenting. It is true when we become willing to be completely dependent on and open with God—intimate with Him. Then we must repent of our unbelief again if we are to fully surrender to a calling.

Don’t put off your decision to move closer to God and hear His voice. Get your copy of God Called - He Needs Your Decision! today and get started on a journey that will lead to a fully surrendered life.