In Luke 14:26, Jesus uses the word “hate” to describe the priority of loving Him above all. Far from emotional hostility, this call means choosing Christ first—an act of will, commitment, and allegiance that defines true discipleship.
Year: 2025
To hold on to the Word of Christ is to remain anchored in truth, shaped by obedience, and freed by grace. In John 8:31–32, Jesus calls His followers to embrace His teaching, not casually, but continually, as the defining mark of true discipleship.
Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches” (John 15:5–6). This passage reveals the secret of true discipleship - remaining in Christ. Discover what it means to abide in Him, how fruit grows through this relationship, and the danger of living disconnected from the Vine.
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus calls us to more than belief, He calls us to learn from Him. Explore how taking His yoke brings purpose, relationship, and renewal. Discipleship means coming to Jesus daily, walking beside Him in trust, and finding rest for your soul through His grace and presence.
When Jesus said, “Come, follow Me,” He was calling His disciples into a new life. One of relationship, transformation, and purpose. In this post on Matthew 4:19, discover what it means to follow Jesus personally, be reshaped by His Spirit, and join His mission to reach others with the good news of the Kingdom.
Jesus began His ministry with a simple but world-changing message: “The time has come. The Kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news.” In this post, discover what those words meant in the first century, and what they mean for anyone who wants to follow Jesus faithfully today.
My name is Michael Adkins. For several decades I’ve been studying Scripture, developing discipleship resources, and teaching others how to walk more closely with Christ. Currently, I serve as the Discipleship Pathway Leader at Riverside International Church in Cascais, Portugal, where my passion is helping believers grow into mature disciples who live out their faith in everyday life.