King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship

What does it mean to be a disciple? The call of discipleship is more than programs and Bible study. In King Jesus and the Beauty of Obedience-Based Discipleship, David Young presents a bold call for obedience-based discipleship and argues that it alone is the proper response to the kingship of Jesus. Many have wrongly associated obedience with bad theology, believing that Jesus' demand for obedience is a form of works righteousness or legalism. Others simply don't like obedience and resist the demands Jesus makes in calling us to follow him.But if we surrender to the kingship of Jesus, we will find the life we were designed to live. We are accustomed to calling Jesus "Savior." And we should. But until recently, many in the Western church have not learned to call Jesus "King."The kingship of Jesus has implications for how we live. We can either rebel against him, raising puppet kings and constructing our own kingdoms, or we can submit to him in obedience-based discipleship. Could it be that you are still sitting on the throne of your life, treating King Jesus as a mere advisor? What would change in your life if you started treating Jesus as nothing short of your King?Young unpacks five principles for those who wish to follow Jesus as King.Surrender to the authority of King JesusEmbrace the mission of King JesusLive immersed in King JesusObey the teachings of King JesusBehold the presence of King JesusFollowing these five steps awakens us to a life truly worth living, a life of power, peace, beauty, and love. This is eternal life, that we would know and follow Jesus as King of the Universe, and king over our lives. After all, you don't merely believe in kings. You obey them.Review'I rarely read books about the kingdom of God that make me cry. But then, this is just what David Young does. His stories drive home a well-crafted theology that is moving and practical. David paints pictures that make things I deeply believe much more vivid. I found reading it such a pleasure, it penetrated my soul.' -- BILL HULL, leader, The Bonhoeffer Project; writer; discipleship evangelist 'David Young is a unique blend of scholar and pastor, with a mission to make biblical disciples in relational environments. In this book he blends his passion for the Word of God, as it has been understood historically, with practical truths so needed today if we are truly to fulfill the mission the Lord has given his church. I am so grateful for people like him who still really preach the gospel as it was taught and received in the beginning. So many are watering down the word of God, but David doesn't. We need more of these voices. I recommend this book and also listening to David speak whenever he does.' -- JIM PUTMAN, cofounder and senior pastor, Real Life Ministries; author, Church Is a Team Sport, Real-Life Discipleship, and The Power of Together 'Exponential is passionate about seeing movements of healthy reproducing communities of faith. Obedience-based disciple making, as David Young so simply and thoughtfully unpacks it in this excellent practical theological guide, is the key. Unfortunately, it may be the most important priority missing in the Western church. Thank you, David, for having the courage to write this book. I get excited thinking about the impact we'll see if the next generation of church planters embraces and lives out the principles and truths you've so thoughtfully articulated for us.' -- TODD WILSON, president and CEO, Exponential 'I was stirred reading this book--a timeless and much-needed call to Jesus followers, particularly for Christians in the Western church (like me) who can often be steeped in an individualistic, consume--minded type of faith. May our lives be one of willing surrender and obedience to the rightful King of Kings and Lord of Lords: King Jesus.' -- DREW HYUN, church planting catalyst; pastor, Hope Church NYC 'Rarely does such street-level, livable wisdom and academ