We live in a culture that is constantly pulling each of us into multiple directions. Yet, most expect that adding discipleship to Jesus and House Church to their schedule is enough to fight against the deformation machine of the World. If we leave our assumptions unchecked, we will find our discipleship and our House Church taken from under us. That is why we believe that christlikeness doesn’t happen by accident. It requires patience, sacrifice, and intentionality. How do we actually do this?

The most important decision in our life revolves around how we respond to the call to follow Jesus. As our Lord, Rabbi, and King, the call to follow is one of allegiance to Jesus. Our lives are radically different because of this decision. It is a decision of denying ourselves and taking up our own cross to follow Him wherever He will take us. Yet, in following Jesus, we have abundant life. Let’s journey together in learning what it means to live the way of Jesus.

During His time on earth, Jesus established himself as a rabbi to His disciples, a friend to sinners, and through the cross as King to his followers. Being a disciple of Jesus is an all-encompassing decision. We do not get the luxury of passively following Jesus only as a religious teacher with good teachings. When Jesus calls us to follow Him, it is an invitation to carry our cross, to die to ourselves, and to submit to His Lordship. Discipleship is a shift in direction, a repentance of posture, and a whole life submission to Jesus. As King of Kings, Jesus requires and deserves obedience. In this handbook, we will explore how we can live lives that give allegiance to our King, Jesus.

For the early disciples, Jesus’ eventual departure was one that they all resisted. Nothing can prepare you for a loved one going away. However, for Jesus he knew that his leaving of the disciples would make space for the Holy Spirit to come and ignite the church. It was through the Holy Spirit’s arrival that God’s people were connected to Him in a new way. By the Holy Spirit, we all have access, and the privilege of abiding in God.

Abiding is the source of our rest, strength, power, and identity as followers of Jesus. It is a lifelong process to abide in Jesus, but it must be a non-negotiable.