Kingdom Disciples

Jesus admonished his disciples – If anyone wishes to come after him, “ Let him deny himself daily, take up his cross, and follow after me .” This is more than metaphorical or hyperbolic language. It was said at the very time the Nazarene was on his final journey to Jerusalem where he would demonstrate to the world just what it meant to “ deny oneself and take up the cross .” To borrow a phrase from the older Holiness Movement, Death to Self .

When certain “ super-apostles ” began to undermine his teachings and question his apostolic authority, Paul reminded believers in Corinth that the “ Serpent beguiled Eve in his craftiness .” He warned against anyone who might appear among them, “ Proclaiming another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or a different spirit, or a different Gospel .” The Assembly must not deviate from the original message taught by the Apostles.

In the Book of Revelation , Jesus is designated as the “ Ruler of the Kings of the Earth .” Moreover, this declaration is made in the PRESENT TENSE , and his present sovereignty over the Earth and its nations is based on his past death and resurrection, NOT on any hereditary rights, economic power, or military might. He sits on God’s Throne as the slain “ Lamb ,” and he reigns over all things because of his submission to an unjust death.