Jesus promises that those who sacrifice for His Kingdom will receive a new spiritual family in this life and eternal life in the next. Discover the blessings God gives to those who follow Him.
Following Jesus
Jesus taught that persecution is not a sign of failure but of faithfulness. Discover why suffering for His name is blessed, how God uses pressure to refine disciples, and how to stand firm with peace, courage, and grace.
Jesus warned His followers that the world would hate them because they bear His name. This study explores why disciples face hostility, how to respond with grace, and why rejection is actually a mark of belonging to Christ. Discover the hope, courage, and joy that flow from standing with Jesus in a world opposed to His truth.
Jesus calls us to count the cost before following Him. True discipleship means surrendering everything—not because God takes, but because He already owns it all.
Discover what it means to live in the upside-down Kingdom where disciples find life by losing it, greatness through humility, and true wealth in generosity.
Jesus redefined greatness through servanthood. In this devotional on Mark 10:43, explore what it means to serve others as a disciple of Christ—reflecting His humility, using your gifts for His glory, and finding joy in following His example.
Jesus calls every believer to carry the cross as a daily act of surrender, faith, and obedience. This devotional explores what it truly means to follow Christ, die to self, and live in the transforming power of His grace.
In Luke 9:23, Jesus calls every disciple to deny themselves. This isn’t self-rejection but surrender, it's the choice to let go of self-rule and live under Christ’s lordship. Learn how daily self-denial leads to transformation, humility, and lasting joy.
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.
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.
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.