More Than Sundays: From Decision to Discipleship

Faith in Christ is not meant to be confined to a single day of the week. While Sunday worship is a vital gathering of the body, Jesus calls His people to something deeper — a daily life of discipleship.

The church is not just an event; it is the ecclesia — the “called-out ones.” We are called to live differently, to follow Jesus not only in our worship services but in every part of our lives.

From the Crowd to the Called

Throughout the Gospels, we see two groups around Jesus: the crowds and the disciples. The crowds followed for miracles, blessings, and provision. The disciples followed for Jesus Himself.

Jesus had compassion for the crowds, seeing them as “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Matthew 9:36). Yet He consistently drew His disciples closer, teaching them more deeply and calling them to surrender.

This distinction still exists today. Many are content with staying in the crowd — attending, observing, and receiving. But Christ calls us closer, to move from decision to discipleship, from being hearers to becoming doers.

The Marks of a Disciple

Scripture outlines clear traits of true discipleship:

1. Unashamed faith — “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words…the Son of Man will be ashamed of them” (Mark 8:38). A disciple identifies boldly with Christ in public and private life.

2. Discipline and consistency — Following Jesus requires daily devotion, not occasional attendance. Disciples are committed to prayer, Scripture, and fellowship (Acts 2:42).

3. Surrender — Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). Discipleship is not about comfort but about surrendering every area of life.

4. Obedience — “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Hearing the Word without obeying is like building on sand (Matthew 7:26). True disciples put the teachings of Christ into practice.

5. Devotion — A disciple treasures Christ above all — His Word, His voice, and His people. This devotion moves faith from a weekly ritual to a daily relationship.

   
   
   
   

The Challenge of Cost

In John 6, after Jesus declared Himself the Bread of Life, many who had followed Him turned back. The teaching was “too hard” for them to accept. Only the disciples remained, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Discipleship is costly. It demands more than Sunday attendance. It requires sacrifice, obedience, and a willingness to change. But in surrender, there is life — life to the full (John 10:10).

A Call to Move Deeper

Life in Christ is not found in the crowd but in discipleship. Each believer is invited to move closer:

• From anonymity to belonging.

• From consumption to service.

• From comfort to surrender.

• From decision to daily devotion.

The church is not a gym to visit when convenient; it is a home where the family of God dwells together. Jesus does not call us to be spectators but participants, not dwellers on the edge but disciples at the centre.