Publisher's Synopsis
As the title suggests, this book is a manual for Christian discipleship. This is not just the author's choice of title for this book but what is clearly the Lord Jesus' purpose for His eight parables in Matthew 13. When we look closely at these parables, we will see a pattern emerge, where they take the reader from receiving the Word of God and becoming rooted in it, to becoming a fruitful sower with the responsibility of feeding members of God's household. That means it is relevant for both the new Christian and also those in positions of responsibility in church leadership who are called to disciple others. Ultimately all Christians are called to disciple others and therefore it applies to all who are seeking to live in obedience to the Lord Jesus Christ. The progression of revelation from parable to parable is what I believe lays the groundwork for what is the big picture of Christian discipleship and Jesus' teaching on salvation. Evangelical Christianity's failure to unlock these parables has led to a lack of cohesiveness in discipleship teaching and salvation and the result is a dysfunctional church that fails in shining forth the light of God. My hope is that this book will be a step forward for the church to better understand Jesus' teaching as revealed in the Matthew 13 parables, leading to a deepening of its roots in the Word and will of God. It is only this that will distinguish the church from the world, allowing its light to shine forth like a beacon in the night, giving hope for all those seeking to find their way.
