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Discipled by Jesus: Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ
Have you ever wished you were a disciple―one of Jesus’ first followers, who walked in his footsteps and heard Him teach and watched Him heal people? Have you ever closed your Bible and sighed, thinking that your faith would be easier if you had been discipled by Jesus Himself? Unfortunately, our modern way of looking at the great commission has sidelined Jesus when it comes to our spiritual growth. However, Jesus is still personally discipling people today and is ready, willing, and able to do for you what he did for the twelve.
Discipled by Jesus is about keeping Jesus at the center of your discipleship. Jesus not only was but is the master disciple-maker. The good news is that Jesus Himself is discipling you. And He stands ready to disciple whoever you bring to Him. Jesus is alive! And for our walk with God, that makes all the difference.
Walk with Robert Gelinas as he demonstrates through the Scriptures that Jesus Himself is our pastor, our teacher, and our leader in the great commission. Jesus’ living leadership of our lives allows us to grow in grace and share our faith with joy.
Discipled by Jesus is about keeping Jesus at the center of your discipleship. Jesus not only was but is the master disciple-maker. The good news is that Jesus Himself is discipling you. And He stands ready to disciple whoever you bring to Him. Jesus is alive! And for our walk with God, that makes all the difference.
Walk with Robert Gelinas as he demonstrates through the Scriptures that Jesus Himself is our pastor, our teacher, and our leader in the great commission. Jesus’ living leadership of our lives allows us to grow in grace and share our faith with joy.
- GenresReligion
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 5, 2018
11 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2018
Fresh, engaging and powerful. A profound insight into an age old question. Jesus is “my rabbi”, my teacher. Not as an historic figure, but as the living Christ. This rocked my world in the best possible way.
June 9, 2018
Being discipled is a big deal in the Christian church. Jesus commanded that we make disciples. Living in a community with a naval air station, I was discipled by a representative of the Navigators. For some reason, I never felt that disciple making technique worked. I was glad to find in this book that Gelinas has figured out the problem. We are to be discipled by Jesus, not another person or the church.
Real discipleship, says, Gelinas, is a relationship with Jesus where we are led by, taught by, and loved by Jesus. (Loc 345/2563) Yes, Jesus is alive and still discipling people today. My question was, “How?”
After proving his point of Jesus discipling today, Gelinas did, in fact, help us understand how Jesus does so. We need to be listening to what Jesus is saying, Gelinas writes. We have neglected those practices that create the space for us to listen. He gives us his technique and offers good suggestions regarding prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and being “in the spirit.”
I highly recommend this book. Some say being a follower of Jesus is modeling a life after Him, fasting, solitude, etc. But Gelinas wants Christians to go well beyond that, to a personal relationship with the living Jesus, to be called by, led by, filled by, and taught by Jesus Himself. (Loc 1327/2362) This book has given me an insightful and new understanding of what it means to be in a discipling relationship with the greatest teacher of all time.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Real discipleship, says, Gelinas, is a relationship with Jesus where we are led by, taught by, and loved by Jesus. (Loc 345/2563) Yes, Jesus is alive and still discipling people today. My question was, “How?”
After proving his point of Jesus discipling today, Gelinas did, in fact, help us understand how Jesus does so. We need to be listening to what Jesus is saying, Gelinas writes. We have neglected those practices that create the space for us to listen. He gives us his technique and offers good suggestions regarding prayer, the role of the Holy Spirit, and being “in the spirit.”
I highly recommend this book. Some say being a follower of Jesus is modeling a life after Him, fasting, solitude, etc. But Gelinas wants Christians to go well beyond that, to a personal relationship with the living Jesus, to be called by, led by, filled by, and taught by Jesus Himself. (Loc 1327/2362) This book has given me an insightful and new understanding of what it means to be in a discipling relationship with the greatest teacher of all time.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
April 27, 2018
As an avid listener of author and pastor Robert Gelinas’ "Discipled by Jesus” podcast, I found many of the concepts covered in his new book to be familiar, yet the way they are structured here recaptured my sense of excitement about the simplicity, logic, and unmistakable truth of this message.
I’ve read the Great Commission passage in the Bible many times, but when Gelinas lays it out, picks apart the actual meanings of the words, and compares how I’ve grown up understanding the Great Commission versus how we should be thinking about it using some spot-on examples, it all becomes obvious. So do many other concepts in this book, which is what I find most valuable in Gelinas’ writing—it opens my eyes about things in the Bible I have overlooked, and breaks them down in ways I can easily internalize. It’s then as if that understanding was always there.
Admittedly, I don’t have any particular attachment to or investment in what is apparently a huge industry surrounding discipleship. I gather that Gelinas’ message about how we each can be personally discipled by Jesus flies in the face of current thinking, but his arguments are convincing and backed up by the words of Jesus himself.
There were many eye-opening concepts for me in this book. The most powerful part was when Gelinas gets to how we can be personally discipled by Jesus. He states “...we have neglected practices that create the space needed for us to listen” but doesn’t just leave us hanging—he then details what those practices can be and provides a moving example from his own life.
Finally, Gelinas’ clear writing style and captivating anecdotes make for an engaging read. Also impressive is the way that he’s is able to weave together ideas from disparate sources—from St. Ignatius to modern-day author and pastors—into a cohesive narrative that supports the message that Jesus is our pastor, our teacher, and the master disciple-maker.
I’ve read the Great Commission passage in the Bible many times, but when Gelinas lays it out, picks apart the actual meanings of the words, and compares how I’ve grown up understanding the Great Commission versus how we should be thinking about it using some spot-on examples, it all becomes obvious. So do many other concepts in this book, which is what I find most valuable in Gelinas’ writing—it opens my eyes about things in the Bible I have overlooked, and breaks them down in ways I can easily internalize. It’s then as if that understanding was always there.
Admittedly, I don’t have any particular attachment to or investment in what is apparently a huge industry surrounding discipleship. I gather that Gelinas’ message about how we each can be personally discipled by Jesus flies in the face of current thinking, but his arguments are convincing and backed up by the words of Jesus himself.
There were many eye-opening concepts for me in this book. The most powerful part was when Gelinas gets to how we can be personally discipled by Jesus. He states “...we have neglected practices that create the space needed for us to listen” but doesn’t just leave us hanging—he then details what those practices can be and provides a moving example from his own life.
Finally, Gelinas’ clear writing style and captivating anecdotes make for an engaging read. Also impressive is the way that he’s is able to weave together ideas from disparate sources—from St. Ignatius to modern-day author and pastors—into a cohesive narrative that supports the message that Jesus is our pastor, our teacher, and the master disciple-maker.
May 27, 2018
I picked up "Discipled by Jesus: Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ" by Robert Gelinas at just the right time in my faith walk. My home church has been undergoing some major changes and the bible studies I am in are leaving me a little empty. Reading this book has shifted my perspective about WHO my teacher is, and WHERE I get my discipleship from. Jesus IS my teacher (not was) and he is willing to do for me that he did for the twelve. Robert Gelinas practically breaks down this concept with a captivating chapter about praying in the Spirit, and the discipline and rewards that can be found in that. In chapter 6 "Joining the Great-Co-Mission" a clear message that as a co-laborer with Christ I am not solely responsible for others faith, but rather introduce them to the teacher, enroll them "in school" (with Jesus himself as their teacher), and encourage them where needed. It's exciting to have this idea stirred back into my soul that Jesus is living, active, teaching me today, but most importantly I need to ASK him to teach me.
July 29, 2018
Jesus is the one who can disciple us today! Robert ends the book with this, "Together, we as God's people, are sent - as instruments of mercy and grace. We are not where we are by accident; everywhere is a divine appointment." What a reminder and wake up call this book is for each of us.
June 5, 2018
“Jesus is ready, willing, and able to disciple you himself.”
In Discipled by Jesus: Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ, Robert Gelinas instructs, teaches—disciples—us to see Jesus as our true, living teacher. Using history, teachings of Jesus Himself, other Biblical words of wisdom, as well as writings of other teachers of faith, he walks us through the importance of understanding that we not only need to focus on what we learn about Jesus—but we must include what we continually learn from Him. To be discipled isn’t just what we are taught by others; to be discipled is to learn from the Living Christ how to walk out our faith “to do the good works that He prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
When I was in college and a new Christian, it wasn’t uncommon for me to start my day by asking the Lord to tell me where He wanted me to go or what He wanted me to do that day—or to walk around campus asking Him to guide my next steps…literally! My young faith trusted Him and knew He was alive in my heart. But not long afterward, the local church I joined offered a discipleship program, and I started busying myself with various good activities that I thought defined me as a good disciple. Although the work I was doing was good and helpful, it wasn’t discipleship; it was more “pre-discipleship.” I lost the understanding of what it means to truly walk with Jesus.
In Discipled By Jesus, Robert reminds us that there isn’t a specific formula for us to follow that makes us His disciples or activities that make Him real. Jesus is alive to disciple us Himself. As we seek Him and get to know Him, He prepares and sends us to disciple others to be discipled by Him. Jesus wants us to go into the world—which may be far away or next door. “Living sent changes the way we see our circumstances…the Father sent the Son; the Son sends His disciples.”
In Discipled by Jesus: Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ, Robert Gelinas instructs, teaches—disciples—us to see Jesus as our true, living teacher. Using history, teachings of Jesus Himself, other Biblical words of wisdom, as well as writings of other teachers of faith, he walks us through the importance of understanding that we not only need to focus on what we learn about Jesus—but we must include what we continually learn from Him. To be discipled isn’t just what we are taught by others; to be discipled is to learn from the Living Christ how to walk out our faith “to do the good works that He prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
When I was in college and a new Christian, it wasn’t uncommon for me to start my day by asking the Lord to tell me where He wanted me to go or what He wanted me to do that day—or to walk around campus asking Him to guide my next steps…literally! My young faith trusted Him and knew He was alive in my heart. But not long afterward, the local church I joined offered a discipleship program, and I started busying myself with various good activities that I thought defined me as a good disciple. Although the work I was doing was good and helpful, it wasn’t discipleship; it was more “pre-discipleship.” I lost the understanding of what it means to truly walk with Jesus.
In Discipled By Jesus, Robert reminds us that there isn’t a specific formula for us to follow that makes us His disciples or activities that make Him real. Jesus is alive to disciple us Himself. As we seek Him and get to know Him, He prepares and sends us to disciple others to be discipled by Him. Jesus wants us to go into the world—which may be far away or next door. “Living sent changes the way we see our circumstances…the Father sent the Son; the Son sends His disciples.”
January 4, 2019
We are all called by God. I will no longer desire to disciple or be discipled by anyone as we are all discipled by Jesus. The task is simple and I am encouraged!
June 8, 2018
I love this straightforward little book on discipleship. there are tons of books on the subject, but none are as thought-provoking, and grab your attention as this 208 paged book does. Robert clearly shows us that within the pages of the text of God's word that tell us about the "Great Commission" is more about being on "the Great Co-mission" that Jesus gave to his disciples. So, how do we show and share that in our lives?
I think the biggest key is what Jesus was born to do about two thousand years ago. Countless songs, praises and psalms have been written about His love for everyone who would ever live since the moment He gave up Himself to cleanse us from sin and unrighteousness so we can experience something different in life without legalism. In other words, as Bob Hartman penned for an early Petra song, "Your child is born to die" (Mary's Song, Washes Whiter Than, 1979).
Discipleship, as Robert Gelinas, tells us is about our ability to walk with Jesus, to have a relationship with Him, to offer up our lives as a willing sacrifice as He did, so that others may see Him as we do and live in our own lives. It's a radical way to live: to deny oneself of all things and to live out this love every single day, not demanding things, but to live in an unselfish way. But it's an important and integral part of the Christian faith. We either show others He still is alive by what we say we believe and know, or we show others we're not truly His.
I have to admit the words Robert uses within this book made me both laugh and cry. But then I often get weepy over books that are touching and show God's rich and deep love for us. This book is no different in that regard. At the same time it may not do what it did to me as it may do for you. But what you will walk away with is knowing what discipleship with Jesus is all about: picking up your cross and following after Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale (Navpress), in the hopes of an honest and fair review.
I think the biggest key is what Jesus was born to do about two thousand years ago. Countless songs, praises and psalms have been written about His love for everyone who would ever live since the moment He gave up Himself to cleanse us from sin and unrighteousness so we can experience something different in life without legalism. In other words, as Bob Hartman penned for an early Petra song, "Your child is born to die" (Mary's Song, Washes Whiter Than, 1979).
Discipleship, as Robert Gelinas, tells us is about our ability to walk with Jesus, to have a relationship with Him, to offer up our lives as a willing sacrifice as He did, so that others may see Him as we do and live in our own lives. It's a radical way to live: to deny oneself of all things and to live out this love every single day, not demanding things, but to live in an unselfish way. But it's an important and integral part of the Christian faith. We either show others He still is alive by what we say we believe and know, or we show others we're not truly His.
I have to admit the words Robert uses within this book made me both laugh and cry. But then I often get weepy over books that are touching and show God's rich and deep love for us. This book is no different in that regard. At the same time it may not do what it did to me as it may do for you. But what you will walk away with is knowing what discipleship with Jesus is all about: picking up your cross and following after Him.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale (Navpress), in the hopes of an honest and fair review.
July 3, 2018
I came at this book with high expectations. I expected profound things to come out of this book. I loved his use of scripture. Gelinas' appendix about the commands of Christ is excellent. That's one of my favorite parts of this book. The discussion questions are also thought provoking and discussion starting. He also gave a lot of personal examples to help the reader understand what he was trying to say. He has great ideas but I feel like they are the same as what other's say just said in a different way. Gelinas spends a lot of time saying how many church's views of discipleship is incorrect, or lacking but not much time explaining what that looks like. I think this is true for a lot of churches but I wanted more regarding this. He also spends a lot of time on basically who Jesus is... our teacher, our shepherd, our pastor, our leader etc. Where the book is lacking is how being discipled by Jesus looks in a modern day church. He spends a little time talking about how it is necessary that we teach people and mentor them towards a deeper discipleship relationship with Jesus. But I found myself wanting to know how he thinks this should look. He seems to downplay the essential role of the Holy Spirit in our lives now. There is a lot of personal story and while normally good, I think it goes a little overboard here and I felt like it was filler. I am wondering how much of what he says is influenced by his interdenominational theology. I see evidence of many different views in his book. Overall it was an interesting book but not much take away for me personally.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the Tyndale blogger program. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book as a member of the Tyndale blogger program. I was under no obligation to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
June 5, 2018
The question had seemed unanswerable. We meet Jesus, and then what ???? We’ve lived long enough to know what’s out there to grow and mature. Sometimes it works well. But something has been missing - .
The concept that Jesus could personally and individually teach, heal, and grow us was there. Knowing His desire to do so much more was missing, at least for me. "Discipled by Jesus" shows how He can be our own personal Rabbi (a beloved teacher) - like the one that Mary knew at the tomb. Isn’t that the desire of our hearts? As we come from so many different stages and backgrounds in life, Jesus knows us intimately. Jesus knows what to plant in us, how to grow us, how to heal us for literally the work of His Kingdom. And until now, I’ve largely given this process over to other people - even as I’ve listened and learned and participated.
There is a part for each of us in all of this - along side Jesus. The concept of enrolling people to become disciples of Jesus is new for me. I’ve headed back through the book with highlighter and pencil/pen to learn more and participate in it. Thank you Robert for writing it. It’s been my pleasure to read through an advanced reader copy.
The concept that Jesus could personally and individually teach, heal, and grow us was there. Knowing His desire to do so much more was missing, at least for me. "Discipled by Jesus" shows how He can be our own personal Rabbi (a beloved teacher) - like the one that Mary knew at the tomb. Isn’t that the desire of our hearts? As we come from so many different stages and backgrounds in life, Jesus knows us intimately. Jesus knows what to plant in us, how to grow us, how to heal us for literally the work of His Kingdom. And until now, I’ve largely given this process over to other people - even as I’ve listened and learned and participated.
There is a part for each of us in all of this - along side Jesus. The concept of enrolling people to become disciples of Jesus is new for me. I’ve headed back through the book with highlighter and pencil/pen to learn more and participate in it. Thank you Robert for writing it. It’s been my pleasure to read through an advanced reader copy.
January 11, 2019
Discipleship is one of those concepts that I've heard in church for years but I honestly haven't given it much though as far as application to my own life. I have always heard that we are to "go and make disciples," (Matthew 28:19-20) but in truth discipleship is really Jesus's job and not ours.
In Discipled by Jesus, Robert Gelinas explains our jobs as Christians and what should be left for Jesus to take care of. So many Christians have taken the focus off of Jesus and that right there is where the problem lies.
While I don't agree with everything that is written in this book, there were many points that gave me pause, making me stop and think about my own spiritual journey, which I greatly appreciated. The writing is down to earth and easy to understand, which is important when trying to understand Biblical principles, and there are numerous Biblical references for further personal Bible study.
I learned a lot about discipleship from Discipled by Jesus and I know you will too.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
In Discipled by Jesus, Robert Gelinas explains our jobs as Christians and what should be left for Jesus to take care of. So many Christians have taken the focus off of Jesus and that right there is where the problem lies.
While I don't agree with everything that is written in this book, there were many points that gave me pause, making me stop and think about my own spiritual journey, which I greatly appreciated. The writing is down to earth and easy to understand, which is important when trying to understand Biblical principles, and there are numerous Biblical references for further personal Bible study.
I learned a lot about discipleship from Discipled by Jesus and I know you will too.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishing in exchange for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
March 28, 2020
Obviously, the way you interact with someone is dramatically impacted by whether you believe them to be dead, or alive. So, if we believe Jesus to be alive, why do we treat him as though he is dead? Gelinas wonderfully unpacks what it means to be discipled by the living presence of Jesus. One of the most profound chapters was on "imaginative prayer." I found this chapter to be a beautiful bridge between a seemingly mystical concept, and very practical reality grounded in specific prayer practices. I'm not quite ready to give this book 5 stars, but I am glad to have read it.
January 30, 2019
After reading this book, you will be re-energized to bring Jesus to your relationships. It relieves significant pressure to be reminded that discipleship is not a personal responsibility but a divine intervention.
The author explains all of his points clearly and with Scriptural back-up. His illustrations are all on point, and the whole book reads smoothly.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
The author explains all of his points clearly and with Scriptural back-up. His illustrations are all on point, and the whole book reads smoothly.
I will definitely read more books by this author.
October 26, 2018
Premise is true enough, but too thin to merit a book. May be helpful to some who have suffered under poor leadership.
February 17, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. Fresh perspective on Jesus as the one who disciples us and a much needed shift for the church around what discipleship looks like.
June 20, 2019
I received an e-book version from a Goodreads giveaway.
I forgot to write the review after reading it and as I write it about 2+ months after finishing it, I can say, I would have to read it again because I don't remember much about what I read, it didn't stick with me. I remember being intrigued and bringing up what I read in conversation with my husband, and taking screenshots of certain pages to show him. I would probably read it again, more in depth and take notes. It was neither the best nor worst book I read on such a topic, but it definitely got the wheels turning in my head.
I forgot to write the review after reading it and as I write it about 2+ months after finishing it, I can say, I would have to read it again because I don't remember much about what I read, it didn't stick with me. I remember being intrigued and bringing up what I read in conversation with my husband, and taking screenshots of certain pages to show him. I would probably read it again, more in depth and take notes. It was neither the best nor worst book I read on such a topic, but it definitely got the wheels turning in my head.
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August 14, 2018"Walk with Robert Gelinas as he demonstrates through the Scriputres that Jesus himself is our pastor, our teacher, and our leader in the great commission. Jesus' living leadership of our lives allows us to approach each day with joyful anticipation and expectant hope."
- Backcover, Discipled by Jesus
Discipled by Jesus, Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ by Robert Gelinas is a book filled with thoughts, experiences, and discussions. There are numerous scriptures in this book that the author quotes leaving more of a bible study reading than discussion.
One example, in Chapter Five: Learning to Pray in the Spirit has over thirty bible scriptures within twenty-two pages. This is what going to a bible study class does to help you learn the Word. I would liked to have seen more discussion and personal experiences, or maybe take less scriptures and discuss them at length.
At one point, Gelinas refers to a previous book he authored left me thinking maybe he wants me to purchase his other book. There is a place for that in the end pages of any book.
Although my particular view of this book not being up to par, I still recommend for those who are seeking more understanding of being a follower of Christ. There are more than enough scripture references to research from this book.
I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
- Backcover, Discipled by Jesus
Discipled by Jesus, Your Ongoing Invitation to Follow Christ by Robert Gelinas is a book filled with thoughts, experiences, and discussions. There are numerous scriptures in this book that the author quotes leaving more of a bible study reading than discussion.
One example, in Chapter Five: Learning to Pray in the Spirit has over thirty bible scriptures within twenty-two pages. This is what going to a bible study class does to help you learn the Word. I would liked to have seen more discussion and personal experiences, or maybe take less scriptures and discuss them at length.
At one point, Gelinas refers to a previous book he authored left me thinking maybe he wants me to purchase his other book. There is a place for that in the end pages of any book.
Although my particular view of this book not being up to par, I still recommend for those who are seeking more understanding of being a follower of Christ. There are more than enough scripture references to research from this book.
I received this book from Tyndale Blog Network in exchange for an honest opinion in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission guidelines.
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