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True Discipleship

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A disciple can be forgiven if he does not have great mental ability or physical prowess. But he cannot be excused if he does not have zeal. If his heart is not aflame with a red-hot passion for the Saviour, he stands condemned. After all, Christians are followers of the One who said, "Zeal for Your house has eaten Me" (John 2:17). Their Saviour was consumed with a passion for God and for his interests. Those who are constrained b the love of Christ will count no sacrifice to great to make for him.

212 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

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About the author

William MacDonald

406 books58 followers
William MacDonald (1917-2007) had, for more than forty years, written directly about the key issues of Christianity. Leaving a promising business career as an employed investment analyst with First National Bank of Boston "at the foot of the Cross", he had traveled worldwide, proclaiming the unsearchable riches of Christ.

His more than over eighty-four works published in North America are characterized by a clarity and economy of words that only comes by a major time investment in the Word of God.

MacDonald graduated with an AB degree from Tufts College (now University) in 1938 and an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1940. During the 1940's he was on active duty in the US Navy for five years.

He was President of Emmaus Bible College, a teacher, preacher, and Plymouth Brethren theologian alongside his ministry as a writer. He was a close friend and worker with O.J. Gibson.

MacDonald last resided in California where he was involved in his writing and preaching ministry. He went to be with the Lord in 2007.

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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Mikayla Oommen.
71 reviews
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June 21, 2023
This book has pushed me further in my walk with God, but has also challenged me so so much! Some of the chapters were hard to read, but it pointed to the truth that Jesus wants our everything!! This is so hard! Not just a little part of our life but all of it!! This is true discipleship.

Also I highly recommend reading this with friends!!
Profile Image for Vivi.
548 reviews35 followers
January 24, 2016
What a challenging read.
I just flipped through it for a seminary, but with a lot of additional bible study and questions, so I really explored its themes deeply. But I will read it again, when I have more time, because this book is full of topics I have to re-evaluate my whole life.
'True Discipleship' will challenge your way of life and your commitment to Jesus. Please read it, but beware: you might get angry at first when you do read it. It can be hard to accept the Lord's claim to our life. Speak to him in prayer about it and let him soften your heart as he had to do with mine.
I will definitely recommend this book to my friends and maybe use it for young people to train them in the way to follow our Lord.

30 reviews1 follower
July 12, 2020
"Although it costs nothing to become a Christian, it costs plenty to be a consistent believer walking in a path if sacrifice, separation and suffering for Christ."
This was a nice short book. He got straight to his points. There were good examples. Bringing letters of people from different beliefs and showing how we need to have the same zeal for our faith.
I would read this again and highly recommend it!
Profile Image for Zachary McIntire.
Author 1 book60 followers
July 15, 2016
I got this book on the recommendation of a friend, and because I had previously read and enjoyed the booklet "Lord, Break Me!" (which is included in this edition of "True Discipleship" as well). Overall, I highly recommend it, especially for those who don't read many teaching books. The author's style is neither stuffy nor over-scholarly; his is the voice of a down-to-earth man of God, calling us earnestly to a deeper commitment in following Christ.

The one thing I didn't totally agree with in the book (and the reason I'm giving it only four stars) was the way the author addressed the issue of wealth, and specifically the question of saving for the future. It seems that, in his view, the act of setting aside anything for future needs equates to "laying up treasures on earth," and as such, constitutes disobedience to the commands of Christ, per se. Likewise, he seems to consider that Jesus' instruction to the rich young ruler in Luke 18:22 should be taken as a direct command to every believer.

It seems to me that interpreting the Scriptures in this way, risks missing the point of what Jesus was teaching. We must forsake *everything* to follow Him - not just money and possessions, but our families, our reputations, and even our own lives. We must let go of these things in our hearts, and never let them take the place that belongs to our Lord alone. This, however, doesn't mean that everyone must actually divest themselves of all earthly possessions beyond bare necessities, any more than it means everyone must physically leave their home and family in order to preach the Gospel.

True, earthly riches are the focus of many warnings in Scripture, but I think it's for the same reason that parents are very careful to teach children about fire: not because it's inherently evil, but because it's extremely dangerous. Money has the power to bring out the human capacity for sin like almost nothing else, because it represents power to get everything the flesh wants. As Christians, we must handle wealth and possessions in the same way we would handle explosives: very, very carefully.

Granted, it's much safer, spiritually speaking, to be poor. But it's clear to me from Scripture that this isn't God's design for everyone in the body Christ. In 1 Tim. 6:17, Paul makes it clear that there are rich people in the church, whom Timothy is to carefully instruct in the proper use of the wealth of which they are stewards. Curiously, Mr. MacDonald does address this passage, but merely makes the point that there aren't enough ministers "charging the rich." This is doubtless true, but ignores what the apostle *didn't* say, namely that rich believers should immediately give away everything they own, beyond current necessities, and thus cease to be rich.

One irony of this review is that, in part, it curiously echoes a review of a book I wrote myself (a self-published work of Christian fiction). The reviewer in that case seemed to think *I* was being too hard on the rich and success-oriented. Since I believe she basically misunderstood the points I was trying to make, I can't assume I'm not doing the same with Mr. MacDonald's work. Based on the testimony he left behind (he passed on to glory in 2007) I feel certain that his life displayed a greater devotion to Christ than mine has, or probably ever will. Regardless of any difference in emphasis, or understanding of certain issues, I remain thankful for the faithfulness of such godly men, who shake us out of our complacence, and remind us what it means to "take up the cross" and follow the humble Lamb of God.
Profile Image for Kianna_3.
6 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2023
From praying dangerous prayers, to putting our faith into action; true discipleship is the perfect combination of encouraging & challenging. This book puts into perspective the true beauty of the Christian walk that is marked by submission & meekness contrasted by boldness & perseverance. The thought provoking chapters & questions that go along with them are perfect for fruitful discussion.
Profile Image for Sylvain.
88 reviews1 follower
May 27, 2021
Très bon livre sur ce que signifie être un disciple de Christ à la lumière des enseignements de Jésus dans les Évangiles.
Profile Image for sophia oommen.
74 reviews1 follower
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June 16, 2023
WOW!!! by far, one of the most convicting books I have ever read & it was so cool to read this with the book club. I %100 recommend.
Profile Image for Hany Adeeb.
Author 7 books161 followers
December 1, 2025
الكتاب يتحدث عن التلمذة ومفهوم المسيحيه في التلمذة
فالمسيح وهو المعلم تلمذ 12 تلميذا وعلمهم ان يبشروا بالانجيل للخليفة كلها ولذلك فان كل انسان مسيحي خاضع لتعليم المسيح وكلمه الله الكتاب المقدس هو ايضا تلميذ ونجد في الكتاب ان التلمذه لها شروط منها كما قال المسيح ان ينكر الانسان نفسه ويحمل الصليب ويتبع المسيح كل يوم

حتى لماذا في المفهوم المسيحي هي انكار الذات وطاعه للمعلم الذي هو المسيح وحفظ كلمه الله والناموس و الوصايا وكل هذا ياتي بواسطه وفعاليه الروح القدس حين يؤمن الانسان بالمسيح يصبح خليقه جديده هذه الخليقه الجديده تحمل صفات المسيح، بإمكانية هذه الطبيعه الجديده ان ترضي الله في كل شيء فيقوم التلميذ بطاعة المعلم

بطل ماذا الحقيقيه لها شروط يجب ان يكون التلميذ دارس لكلمه الله متمسك بكلمه الله له ايمان وغيره يمارس الصلاه بانتظام ويعلم انه في حاله حرب روحيه ويضع المؤلف افكار عن النفقه او التكلفه التي يتعرض لها التلميذ الحقيقي من اضطهاد والام واستشهاد فتلاميذ المسيح تعرضوا للاضطهاد من خلال الامبراطوريه الرومانيه وخسر اموالهم وممتلكاتهم وحتى حياتهم من اجل ان يرضوا المعلم

في الختام الكتاب كتبه ويليام ماكدونالد ز وهو ولد في 7 يناير 1917 في الولايات المتحده الامريكيه وقد خدم المسيح وترجمت اعماله ال 45 لغه وتوفى في 25 ديسمبر 2007
Author 4 books10 followers
December 4, 2011
I have very mixed feelings about this book, but the positives make it crucial enough to be worth reading.

In short, the thesis of the book is that, as God's servants, it is really important to use our wealth and resources to serve his kingdom. This should not be done in a vague sort of way, but in a way that manifests itself in our every day lives. Being sold out to God, our disposable income should be used not for luxury items, but for His kingdom. For many American Christians, this means a radical shift in our priorities, and I absolutely agree. The message is not "you are evil for having been successful or lucky enough to have wealth," but rather "you have wealth, so use it for God."

This book changed so much of how I look at things, especially how I spend my time and money.

WHY I ONLY GIVE IT THREE STARS
I object to how MacDonald interprets some passages. For example, he points to passages like Luke 14:33, "In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples," as evidence that every Christian must give up everything they have, no exception. Unfortunately, in doing so, he fails to take into account that, while we are all disciples of Christ in the sense that we learn from His teachings, there is special significance having been a disciple physically with Him. They literally left all of their friends and families and possessions behind to physically follow Him. Indeed, that is the attitude all believers must have today, but there's no physical Jesus walking around for us to follow (He is, instead, in heaven).

More importantly, after rebuking any who suggest that Jesus didn't mean literally give up everything, be takes about 10 steps backwards from the position. Indeed, believers still are to work and own houses and so forth (which "disciples" literally did give up - Matthew 19:19). However, this is still proof that they must give up most things except what are necessities. In other words, it means what those he rebukes for saying it doesn't mean everything say it means...

He then extrapolates this to come up with ideas that it is wrong to have any significant amounts of money saved up for emergencies, since instead we should be trusting in God. Also, we as believers are supposed to take care of other believers in need, so why should we need emergency funds and retirement money (aside from the fact that, ya know, that usually doesn't happen in real life, and since some things, like medical care, are so astronomically expensive that entire congregations might not even be able to pay for them even if they were willing).

In short, he gets a bit legalistic and at times his exegesis is a bit shaky. That said, it is still a very important message. It may go a little too far in one direction, but it is better to be taken a little too far and have to pull it back some than to be left where many of us are now.
Profile Image for Florian.
15 reviews2 followers
May 16, 2015
Was a good read.
The content was precise and minimalistic, straight to the point.
Huge parts of the book dealt with the disciple's relation to money and wealth.
This was also the most challenging part.

William MacDonald's simple straight to the point writing style is his strength and at the same time, sometimes his weakness.
Depending on what type of person you are. Sometimes I just don't want short answers on complex issues, because sometimes short answers are just not enough.
And sometimes that just makes me angry, because I feel it to be a little one-sided.
BUT: in the end, I will have to ask myself: Is it his short and straight to the point writing style that makes me angry, because I THINK it is one-sided?
OR: is it the Lord's commandments that make me angry, because they challenge my lukewarm selfrighteous way of life?
With William MacDonald it is sometimes a mixture of both.
But with "true discipleship" I have to say, he hits the nail point on. He hits it where it hurts. He hits the west's shallow "american dream" right at its heart. And that is, frankly, very necessary.
Profile Image for Anthony.
11 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2012
This is a powerful book that will help shape a person's mindset to being far more Christ-like. There are sections I disagree with quite strongly, but even there my faith has been expanded as I have explored the biblical basis for my contrary view. The study guide section is a simple but effective tool for turning this into a great group work-book. Buy it! Read it! Apply it! See the kingdom grow.
Profile Image for Eric T..
8 reviews6 followers
August 24, 2009
If you read one book on Christian living, prayerfully consider making it this one.
Profile Image for Jeffrey Bush.
Author 38 books14 followers
March 15, 2024
Very helpful thoughts on discipleship. Below are my takeaways:



Jesus is not looking for those who will give their spare evenings to Him, but rather commit their lives to Him.

To be His disciple, we must walk as He walked - John 15:8

The way we use material possessions speaks of our spiritual stewardship.

A disciple cannot be divided between two worlds. He can love God or mammon, but not both. This passage (Matthew 6:24) was written to disciples, not to lost people.

The disgrace of the church today is that there is more zeal in suicide bombers and cultists than amongst God’s children.

God is looking for people completely controlled by the Holy Spirit.

No one has ever trusted God in vain.

Any disciple that decides to walk by faith can be assured that his faith will be tested.

Since faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God, the disciple should desire to saturate himself in the Scripture. It is his lamp and light, his chart and compass.

Prayer that cost nothing is worth nothing.

The way of unity is through humility.

The Bible is center in world evangelism.

More can be accomplished for God by a few dedicated disciples then by a great army of self-satisfied religionists.

To be a true disciple is to be Christ’s bond slave.

A Christian either leaves his fortune upon death, or he goes to it in Heaven.

A Christian can make money as long as he doesn’t fall in love with it.

God is not seeking power from us rather weakness.
Profile Image for Landry Davis.
3 reviews
July 21, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! It’s a challenging book spiritually, yet easy to read.

McDonald does not mess around and is very to the point. All of his points are supported biblically… they may sound radical to an outsider, but they were the words of Jesus.

I remember the Zeal chapter being the most impactful to me. He takes a look into the zealousness of other groups (communists, atheists, etc.) and the complacency of Christians — especially Western Christians. If we say the Word of God is true, and believe that we should live a life in pursuit of righteousness, then we should be just as zealous about Jesus than other groups.

Once again, it’s a hard book. It deals with money, forgiveness, spiritual warfare, brokenness, relationships, and many more. It’s straight up. I would recommend this book for every Christian; even though it’s challenging, living life like Christ is challenging. But isn’t that something worth living for?

Lord, break me, make me glorify you in all I do!
Profile Image for Jan Wiebe.
35 reviews2 followers
March 20, 2024
MacDonald schreibt in diesem Buch über Kennzeichen, Anforderungen und Hindernisse wahrer Jüngerschaft.

Es ist biblisch fundiert und herausfordernd.

Was mir nicht gefallen hat ist, dass manche Themen zu viel Raum eingenommen haben, das Ganze lebendiger sein könnte und er sich teilweise wiederholt. Auch finde ich das Verhältnis von Bibelversen und Auslegung nicht gut. Man wird mit Versen überhäuft, aber die Ausführungen sind dann oft dürftig bzw. knapp.
5 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2018
One of the most basic but deep books on what it is to live the christian life. The truths in this book have laid a fondation that my life would be built upon for years to come.
Profile Image for Flo.
189 reviews
July 6, 2021
gut. herausfordernd. etwas simplistisch.
9 reviews
February 3, 2024
It’s a very inspiring book. The author goes right to the point and ans every Christian can identify themselves to what is said. Makes me want to be not just a Christian but a true disciple of Jesus
Profile Image for Sunny Petkova.
167 reviews24 followers
September 18, 2020
Даваме ли всичко, което Господ Исус Христос иска от нас, за да Го следваме или сме половинчати в това, което Той изисква от нас? За кого работим - за ГОспода или за себе си? На кого сме предани - на нас самите или на Исус?
Тези и още много други въпроси се разглеждат в книгата на Макдоналд за Истинското следване на Христос. Карат те да се замислиш: къде си по пътя и в коя посока гледаш, какви стъпки ще предприемеш и дали са достатъчни, за да продължиш да Го следваш.
Profile Image for Dan Sr.
59 reviews4 followers
December 14, 2007
I have read this book 10+ times, both alone and with groups. Following Christ with a whole heart really starts with counting the cost. William MacDonald has stated both the costs and the surpassing value of Christ in such a simple yet profound way that it challenges my commitment every time I read it.
Profile Image for Alina Lupsa.
13 reviews13 followers
February 25, 2015
”De fapt, credința este ceva foarte rațional. Ce este oare mai rațional ca o creatură să se încreadă în Creatorul ei? Este oare nebunie să crezi în Cineva care nu poate nici minți, nici greși, nici să Se înșele? Încrederea în Dumnezeue este cel mai rațional, mai inteligent și mai înțelept lucru pe care îl poateface omul.”
Profile Image for John.
12 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2012
Wow!!! One of the most soul convicting books I have ever read. A spiritual smack upside the head!
19 reviews2 followers
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September 26, 2013
Heroic following is what Jesus/my Faith calls for, this book page after page reminded me of heroic following and that He is Emmanuel - God with us
Profile Image for Jiby.
16 reviews
June 3, 2022
A true blessing to have read this while I did.
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