RAISING DISCIPLES FOR WORLD OUTREACH

Heavenly minded with Twisted focus. "Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis: "Here is a message from the one who has the seven spirits and the seven stars. "I know what you do. People say that you are alive, but really you are dead. Wake up! Make yourselves stronger before what little strength you have left is completely gone. I find that what you do is not good enough for my God. [3] So don't forget what you have received and heard. Obey it. Change your hearts and lives! You must wake up, or I will come to you and surprise you like a thief. You will not know when I will come. Revelation 3:1-3  The problem with today's church as was Sardis' church is the believe that she is alive. But she is really dead. She has a good structure, a gallerian edifice, a museum of giants and heavenly minded saints. But unfortunately, she is dead. The verdict of eternal is YOU ARE DEAD.  A dead is one who is insensitive to pain, plight and challenges of the living. D...

Never a Lone Ranger  "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have heat: but how can one be warm alone ? And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken". Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 God has not called any man to bear his burden alone. In the beginning, God gave man a burden bearer. The making of the world does not call any man to walk and work alone. A lone ranger is an easy prey to the enemy.  There was a time the great Apostle Paul was overwhelmed by the burden and challenges of mission that he felt lonely and retreated into Tarsus. That possibly would have been the end of his fruitful ministry until Barnabas sought after him  brought him into the company of brethren to get refreshed and revived for the work "Then depa...

MISSIONARY STRATEGY It is thrilling to see how a small group of nondescript disciples living in an obscure corner of the world were imbued with a glorious vision for the evangelization of the world and how they carried it out. Each one felt directly involved in this task and gave himself or herself to it without reserve. Much of the evangelism was carried on by local believers in connection with their everyday duties. They “gossiped” the gospel in their own neighborhoods. In addition, the apostles and others traveled from country to country, preaching the gospel and planting churches. They went out by twos or in larger companies. Sometimes a younger man went out with an older; for instance, Timothy with Paul. Basically there were two methods—personal evangelism and mass evangelism. In connection with the latter, it is interesting to notice that most of the preaching was impromptu, and arose from some local situation or crisis. Nearly all the preachings that took place as recorded there...

Between the Blood-Bought and Blood-Birth (Kinsmen) WHILE HE yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother. Matthew 12:46-50. Jesus was seriously engaged with His ordained assignment; leading and liberating men that they may from the kingdom of darkness into God's marvellous light. Then, His mother and brothers come to press on him to make him attend to their presumptuous pressing personal and family need at the expense of His eternally ordained assignment. After all, family ties and unity is better than attachement to any ...

Let me greet you Happy New Year 2023.  How're you plan looking like this year? Terrific, awesome, mouthwatering, immaculate? Can I ask you a question?  Do you plan for distruption to your plan? Not really, you answered.  "And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men". Matthew 4:18-19. That was a great distruption. It wasn't part of their plan for the day. They simply wanted to catch fish, returned home and come back another scheduled time. But God's plan for their lives were conspicuously different. James and John experienced the same and so was Matthew who was made to resigned from his government appointment while probably he was thinking and planning for twenty (20 ) and more years. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says: "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. They a...

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 Salvation or deliverance from SIN is the singular reason why the Son of God has to come from heaven to earth. How destructive is SIN that God has to send His Only Begotten Son to rescue man from it?  "Listen! The LORD's arm is not too weak to save you, nor is his ear too deaf to hear you call. It's your sins that have cut you off from God. Because of your sins, he has turned away and will not listen anymore" Isaiah 59:1-2.  One of the truths about SIN is that the gap and the separation it brought between human being and God cannot be bridge by man's moral conduct, religious rituals, or humanitarian aid.  Sincerely, God's power and sovereignty could not set aside SIN and reach out to man in his sinfulness. God was deliberately cut off and His ears became dull to our cry because of our SIN. The problem of SIN demands righteousness. And the only right...

Of the Church and Award Ceremony... "Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth". 1 Timothy 3:14-15 In recent time, the church has been battling with raising her standard and keeping in pace with economic challenges because she has adopted a secularized system of running her affairs.  Part of wake up method is giving award to 'deserved' members. Having followed closely and knowing intimately some awardee, questions keep pumping up in my lonely soul... 1. What importance does this award serve the recipient?  2. What spiritual significance is the 'funfare' award ceremony?  3. Does award points the recipient to heaven or means of generating income? 4. Of a truth, can you confidently appoint some of these awardees to manage your personal business?  5. Does ...

I just returned from our GoodNews Children Club outreach to Moumou village, République du Bénin.  This particular outreach is targeted at reaching out to the children in the particular rural settler of Benin République. Sincerely, our focus and preparation were towards the teeming children populace in this village. But it turned out that adults equally attended and took active part in almost all the activities of the 2 Day program.  Ultimately, our aim is to lead these children to Christ. Surprisingly, the adult took over the stage as they rushed out to surrendered themselves to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  How can we explain to these adults that we have come with exclusive program for the children when in truth, God has equally prepared the hearts of these men and women to receive the words of life.  The truth is this, whether a program is designed exclusively for men, women, aged, adult or children once it is the gospel of Christ it remains the power of God unto ...

 TAKING CASE AGAINST CHRISTIAN BRETHREN  Do not contend with a man for no reason, when he has done you no harm. Proverbs 3.30. Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor? James 4. 11-12 This is a very dangerous period in the history of man and humanity. Satan is doing everything to denigrate the faith of Christ and destroy the unity of Christian brethren. The sin of fornication, adultery seems to have been mastered and conquered by majority of heaven minded  Christian. But unfortunately, devil being a deceiver and father of all lies has designed a subtle way that Christians' love and unity among each other is done with suspicion and relative understanding and love.  Devil's...

While travelling most times in public transport, I listened and heard a lot of things and issues been discussed by busybodies. Some of these genuine public and private issues centered on compromise and betrayal. I have heard a lot about Christians wives cheating on their husbands and vice versa. Discussions on parenting and laxity of Christian parents and indeed compromise and bribe by Christians at workplace using money and other means to sustain and gain positions. Most times, I feel sorry about these, which I know were truth.  Ahab the king has his eyes on Naboth's vineyard that was behind his house. He intended it for a vegetable garden. He approached Naboth for this with two options:  1. To sell it for him at Naboth's named price 2. Get another precious vineyard from the king.  But Naboth humbly responded: THE LORD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GIVE YOU THE INHERITANCE OF MY FATHERS.  Naboth refusal put Ahab in disgrace such that he went home vexed and sullen. Yet, Ahab ...

 Is it your own? Building on another man's foundation.  I have written something to the church, but Diotrephes, who likes to put himself first, does not acknowledge our authority. So if I come, I will bring up what he is doing, talking wicked nonsense against us. And not content with that, he refuses to welcome the brothers, and also stops those who want to and puts them out of the church. 3 John 1:9-10 I heard a case recently of a Christian brother A who hijacked a school from another brother B. The brother B had come to him to help him with unused space in his landed property to start a school. The school started and because of the confidence the brother B has in brother A he allowed him to relate with parents and government officials on his behalf for the brother A has requisite knowledge of school having been a teacher himself. Barely two years after this, the brother A had changed all documents relating to the school in his own favour. Brother B was forced to leave the sc...

 This was her first time. This should be her last time.  She planned successful coup d'état in my house without my knowledge. She dethroned me to enthroned me.  My ego was deflated the moment I knew things could be happening within my territory of influence without my knowledge. I used to think I am sensitive and observant enough to know and understand events around me.  I confronted my limitation with humility. Now, I clearly understood the frailty of my sensitivity and consciousness.  When  I woke from my slumber, it was just too late to arrest or address the situation.  Just too late to start calling several of them that I wasn't ready for such glamorous event. I wasn't used to it at all. So, for the very first time, I got a physical celebration of birthday with adorable event to mark the day.  My cloth was smuggled to the tailor to get my accurate fit and strangely a new sewing master entirely to put me in perpetual curfew. My shoe was taken o...

The Need of Missionary (2) Economic independence of a missionary.  For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:7-10 No matter the great grace that a missionary carries. No matter how anointed he is. No matter the level of his oratory and power of influence. No matter the quality of his unction and the open doors of ministry before him. If he must depend on people for his daily living and livelihood. He won't go far in the work. He would lack influence and his authority will fall to the ground. He would hardly command respect among the brethren and he ...

Do you believe at all?  "Then what baptism did you experience?” he asked. And they replied, “The baptism of John. Paul said, “John’s baptism called for repentance from sin. But John himself told the people to believe in the one who would come later, meaning Jesus.” Acts 19. 3-4 Seriously, I don't know what's going on. Are we really living by biblical injunction or driven by circumstances and worldly injunctions?  You're a Christian brother/sister even a leader in your church. You come to your workplace by 10.00am but you signed 7.00am. Who are you deceiving?  Been a Christian parent, and yet you do not see anything wrong in examination malpractices. You don't have time to monitor your children progress while in the school, but now you're running around spending recklessly to ensure he/she secures admission into Higher Institution at all cost. You're driving him/her to 'miracle centre' where he can make the result without labour. Are you sure you can...

 UNDERSTANDING MISSION 7 The need of Missionary. (1) Financial/Economic Empowerment  Seriously, when the life of a missionary is correct. If he has a praying father and godly authority over him. He would go a long way to succeed and be effective in his task.  However, no missionary can be thoroughly active in his duty post without a consistent financial support. Because mission focuses mostly on area yet unreached and explored, he would expect little or no support from his immediate community. It is expedient therefore that he has a sustainable financial support if he must be active and carry out the work efficiently and without distractions.  Most missionaries doesn't allow their wife and children stay with them at their duty post because of financial constraint. They allowed them hangout somewhere in the neighborhood and cities where they could work and get something to offset the financial demand of the family. The absence of the wife and children already opens do...

They set out from Ram′eses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the day after the passover the people of Israel went out triumphantly in the sight of all the Egyptians, while the Egyptians were burying all their first-born, whom the LORD had struck down among them; upon their gods also the LORD executed judgments. Numbers 33:3-4  This is our month of triumphant victory. Month of total deliverance and freedom from oppression of lack, poverty and bodily sickness.  While you're rejoicing and celebrating, the enemies will be burying their joy and peace. Anyone who has oppressed and defamed us will be burying all they know as joy and happiness. 

 THE CHURCH IN A CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY Running a Christian Business "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 In Nigeria and in some nations of the world, corruption has become an institution--a stronghold that has become a cancerous and deadly sting. For a business to be established and survive in Nigeria economy there is the greater tendency that it must lean and thrive on the wings of corruption.  If a pastor wants promotion or to be posted to 'good' church by the leaders, he must be a good boy who knows how to rub and wet the hands of his leaders.  If you want your business registered and duly certified by the government you must activate it with money.  If you want to g...

“I have told you these things so that you won’t fall away. . . . Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember I warned you. I didn’t tell you earlier because I was going to be with you for a while longer.John 16:1, 4 When a star player retires, an effective CEO is replaced, or a long-serving pastor dies, the team, the business, or the church faces a potentially critical period of adjustment. Unless the hole in leadership is filled as carefully and promptly as possible, there is always the possibility that the organization or institution will lose momentum and the members will lose heart. Jesus was well aware of this possibility when he talked to his disciples about his imminent departure. He said, “I have told you these things so that you won’t fall away” (John 16:1). But that did not mean a change in his plans, for Jesus reiterated, “Now I am going away to the one who sent me” (16:5). In short, he told them that, though he was going away, there mu...

Is this how people worship? "For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears" Acts 20. 29-31 I was to connect with my brother in Abeokuta this particular Sunday. This means, I will be out of my rural worship centre. I had prayed and left early so I could worship in any denomination as much as it is the house of OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN.  I got there early enough and located the place of our meeting. While waiting for his arrival from another town, I had to get a place to worship. I heard the 'noise' of one where the music was too much that I knew that this is not more than a dancing hall or performing arts studio. Just beside this one, I saw another and was about entering when I noticed some two o...

The Life of a Missionary (2) MUST BE A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY (2) "Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" Acts 11:25-26 In our last edition, I proposed that for a missionary to effectively discharge his duties free from errors and frequent intimidations, he must submit himself to the authority of an elder to whom he is accountable and responsible. And the leader in turn ensures he properly monitored him so that he could escape the wrath and snare of the devil. Wiersbe rightly put this,   "Beware of teachers who will not put themselves under authority. They were vain talkers. What they said impressed people, but it had no content or substance". (Kindly refer to the last edition for further reading) Barely had Paul's ministry started that he is been faced with inc...

It was about this time that King Herod arrested some who belonged to the church, intending to persecute them. He had James, the brother of John, put to death with the sword. When he saw that this met with approval among the Jews, he proceeded to seize Peter also. This happened during the Festival of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover. So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him. Acts 12:1-5.  In the spiritual and physical realm, no one assume a higher position until he has accomplished a set of task, excel and win some battles. Even our Lord Jesus was only exalted when has fought and conquered:  "Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. Christ was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross. Then God gave Christ the highest place and hono...

The metamorphosis of the Motivators to the Prophetic "For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision group. They must be silenced, because they are disrupting whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach---and that for the sake of dishonest gain. One of Crete's own prophets has said it: “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons." Titus 1:10-12 Obviously, the days of motivational speakers are dying. For we are already in a tense environment. There is absolutely nothing motivating around us.  But these men have technically evolved into prophetic movement. You no longer need motivation to work, they just command your destiny to come up, command money into your account.  The flexibility of this sacrosanct is to the extent that your phone, car and other automobile can be miraculously fixed by prophetic pronouncement.  You don't need to check up your account details, the prophets ...

The Life of a Missionary (2) MUST BE A MAN UNDER AUTHORITY.  In our last edition, while examining the life of a missionary, I reiterated the need for a missionary to have personal encounter with Jesus. He must not be a circumstantial leader who enters the field without the authority of the Master who specifically directs him after examining his heart and life for the job.  A missionary is necessarily a sinner saved by grace and whose heart is opened to reach out to those still under the oppression of sin.  Another important life a missionary must carry is that HE MUST SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF ANOTHER MAN. A mission field is not just an open field for easy and unobtrusive access but one under the influence and control of the evil ones. For a missionary to succeed well, he must have the covering of a father who oversees and direct his work and affair such that he is sure of the consistent prayers of the father.  Apostle Paul in Galatians said, "Dear brothers and sis...

Sometimes godly people suffer for no reason apparent to anyone but God. Be careful how you counsel people in their hurts (Erwin Lutzer) Who can explain the suffering and 'torturing' of Job? His friends explained his ordeal in their myopic understanding:  "Tell me, has there ever been a man like Job, with his thirst for irreverent talk? He chooses evil people as companions. He spends his time with wicked men. He has even said, 'Why waste time trying to please God?'  "Listen to me, you who have understanding. Everyone knows that God doesn't sin! The Almighty can do no wrong. He repays people according to their deeds. He treats people as they deserve" Job 34:7-11 Job on his part reacted disorderly and spoke words from his anguish until he was confronted by the Maker Himself:  "Then the LORD answered Job from the whirlwind: "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions fo...

 FACE YOUR ASSIGNMENT "But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ. And after that many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him" Acts 9:22-23 "And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem. And he (Saul) spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him" Acts 9:28-29 Saul (Paul) had barely become an apostle when he faced two death threats. In Damascus, where he had obtained permission to arrest Christian faithfuls but eventually became one of them. And at Jerusalem, the Apostolic headquarters of the Christian Church.  ✓ Was Paul the only called and anointed Apostle? ✓ Why was only his gospel messages leading to controversies, arguments and death threats?  The Church Synod/Conference in Acts 15 was not more than meeting called upon to examine Paul's teaching and doctrine.  It is clear from Paul'...

The Life of a Missionary (1) MUST BE BORN AGAIN What life is expected of one who is called of God to discipled others for Christ?  Is mission for everyone who desires for it and have burden for souls?  Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. " John 3:3  When Jesus confronted Nicodemus with this statement, he was already a spiritual leader, member of Jewish Council and a teacher of the Mosaic Laws--versatile in all that pertain to this life and hereafter. But to Christ, he was unqualified as far as God's standard is concern. He was merely a professional Rabbi who is unworthy to handle issues pertaining to life and godliness.  Sinon was already an Elder of the Church in Samaria; having passed through the basics of repentance and baptism. And he was on the missionary list of Philip--following him everywhere. Yet, Peter confronted him: "You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right...

 DON'T TRESPASS Then the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel. You are to worship at a distance, [2] but Moses alone is to approach the Lord; the others must not come near. And the people may not come up with him.” Exodus 24:1-2 God had invited Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and indeed seventy of the elders of Israel to come up to Him. But they were to stand at a distance. Moses alone was to come near God.  Remember, ALL were invited by the Lord God Himself. But, to come close in an intimate fellowship was only given to Moses.  God has shown to these men clearly the limit and boundary of their call. They are God's appointed and His spokesmen but only that they must know the limit and scope of their anointing.  Seriously, as children of God, we would go far and deep in the spiritual journey only if we would obey the scope of our anointing and influence. To think you have power to do everything is the beg...

 UNDERSTANDING MISSIONS (3) Hindrances to Discipleship (Part 3) Another said, "Yes, Lord, I will come, but first let me ask permission of those at home." But Jesus told him, "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God. Luke 9:61-62 We have come to the concluding part of the hindrances to Discipleship making as depicted in the story of the three would-be disciples in Luke 9: 57-62.  The third would-be disciple was not in any way different from the first one who voluntarily offered himself to follow Jesus. But apparently, following Jesus is much more than wishful desire. It must pleased the Master to bid us to follow Him. We cannot respond to call we didn't received. "And having chosen us, he called us to come to him; and when we came, he declared us "not guilty," filled us with Christ's goodness, gave us right standing with himself, and promised us his glory." Romans 8:30 TLB Again, this...

 A SUBSTANCE FOR YOUR HEALING "Moses prayed earnestly to the LORD, and the LORD showed him a piece of wood, which he threw into the water; and the water became fit to drink. There the LORD gave them laws to live by, and there he also tested them". Exodus 15:25  The Israelites had journeyed in the wilderness for three (3) days and became very thirsty. They came to Marah where there was water. But the water here was bitter for drinking.  Moses prayed to the Lord, and the Lord answered by SHOWING him a piece of healing wood which when thrown in made the water fit for drinking.  The healing wood was around them. But Moses didn't discovered it until the Lord showed Him. He opened his eyes to see the healing substance around him.  Some years ago, I have a disease that could only be corrected by a surgical operation. I became really afraid of the pain and the cost implications. Then, I prayed earnestly to God. He showed me a substance in the home kitchen. That was all ...

 IS CHRIST HONOURED IN MY LIFE. The people around us are watching us, they are looking and examining us to see exactly what we are, regardless of our testimonies ... They are measuring our lives and watching us when we do not know it. It is not for our own sakes alone that God is calling us to walk softly before Him, and admonishing us that our words and actions must be Luke Jesus Christ. The most important thing is that Christ may be honoured and not dishonoured, that He may be shown forth in our lives in all His beauty and glory. The next important thing is for the sake of those about us who are repelled or drown to Christ by what they see in the lives of His followers. C.H. Macllravy. 

 In the Darkest Moment  But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things. Luke 23:49 It was Jesus' darkest moment. A moment of pain, shame and suffering. He was a powerful man. He is Commander of the Lord's Army. He's the Second Person of the Trinity, possessing every power and authority of the Godhead.  He raised people from their death. He comforted the grief and offered them hope of glorious future. The blind, the sick, the distressed, etc were beneficiaries of Jesus' power over natural and spiritual diseases.  He was a man of prayers and great intercessory strength. Everything were possible to Him through prayers and cordial relationship with His Father.  But, here comes the dark moment. A moment when darkness prevailed and momentarily win. A moment when Jesus queried the Father: WHY DO YOU FORSAKE ME? This is how grievous and painful this moment looked like. Such time when even th...

 UNDERSTANDING MISSIONS (3) Hindrances to Discipleship (part 2) Luke 9: 57-62 In our previous lesson, we observed that one of the greatest hindrances to Discipleship is inability to count the cost.  Today, we are examining the second hindrance.  Luke 9. 59-60. "Jesus said to another man, "Follow me!" But the man said, "Lord, let me go and bury my father first." But Jesus said to him, "Let the people who are dead bury their own dead. You must go and tell about God's kingdom." The second would-be disciple was privileged and duly called by God. This was the fellowship the first man never enjoyed. And seriously, he was more eager to respond to the call. But his decision was halfhearted. He has a different priority, '...Lord, let me FIRST go...' He acknowledged the Lordship of Christ. He avowed the greatness of Jesus. But, he was really unwilling to submit his personal priority for the Master's call. His desires, interests and hobbies were ...

 UNDERSTANDING MISSIONS (3) Hindrances to Discipleship. Luke 9: 57-62 The desires and passion of every missionary is to raise and discipled men for Christ. We want to produce fruits that will remain.  The quest to achieve this has made every missionary adopts and initiates various means at ensuring that men are made to grow in the image of Christ.  Meanwhile, looking intently at scriptures reveals the various impediments at raising men for Christ. Christ during His earthy ministry was faced with men who would want to follow him and become his disciples. But unfortunately, they wanted the process of becoming His disciples in their own terms and conveniences.  Let's examine these:  Luke 9. 57-58 They were all traveling along the road. Someone said to Jesus, "I will follow you anywhere you go." He answered, "The foxes have holes to live in. The birds have nests. But the Son of Man has no place where he can rest his head. This first would-be disciples made up a self...