The word “Christian” appears three times in the New Testament. The word “disciple” appears 176 times in Matthew, John and Acts alone, Derek Gentle said.

So then, obedience to God’s Word should naturally place us on the trajectory of discipleship. But what does it mean to “be a disciple”?

“There seems to be a widespread understanding today that a person can become a Christian, but if they want to experience more and serve more, they can opt to upgrade to discipleship,” said Gentle, pastor of First Baptist Church, Tallassee, in his theme interpretation sermon Nov. 14. “So let us begin by saying discipleship is not a premium upgrade on regular Christianity for those willing to pay the price.” (continued…)

Read the full article from The Alabama Baptist newspaper – http://www.thealabamabaptist.org/discipleship-more-than-upgrade-on-christianity/