The Reign of the King

A Kingdom Disciple is, quite simply, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. The phrase, Kingdom Discipleship, is my shorthand way of communicating what it means to live faithfully as his follower, under his Lordship, and in his Kingdom. This emphasis is neither innovative nor original. However, my goal in emphasizing Kingdom Discipleship is to help Christians understand more fully what God has revealed in his Word about what it means to follow him in every sphere of life. This is imperative because Jesus Christ is Lord over every sphere of life. It was God who granted Jesus authority over all heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18) and gave him the name above every name (Phil. 2:9). It would, therefore, run counter to the biblical witness regarding our Lord’s authority, for his followers to live detached and compartmentalized lives. Therefore, our call as his followers is to intentionally, faithfully, obediently, and joyfully extend his Kingdom – his rule, reign, will, and influence – into every sphere of our lives (in every area of responsibility, interest, relationship, and authority). Everything, what some might call the common and the uncommon, the sacred and the secular, is to be lived for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) and according to his will. My prayer for this book, along with the accompanying in-depth Bible study lessons, is to help educate, equip, and encourage disciples of Jesus Christ to extend his Kingdom into every sphere of their lives, for God’s glory and for the common good of our world. This study is ideal for personal use, small groups, and larger Bible studies. Dale Tedder is a Methodist pastor in Jacksonville, Florida. He and his wife have four children and cheer for the Georgia Bulldogs.