The Commands of Christ Podcast

What does it mean to live a life fully consecrated to Christ? How do we guard our hearts against the pull of earthly possessions and instead treasure what is eternal? In this episode, we explore the life of hymn writer Frances Ridley Havergal through the lens of Jesus' command in Luke 12:15 to "beware of covetousness." Best known for beloved hymns such as “Take My Life and Let It Be” and "Like a River Glorious", Havergal not only wrote about surrender—she lived it. From joyfully giving away her earthly treasures to using her gifts for God's glory, her life points us to the surpassing worth of Christ and the freedom found in wholehearted devotion to Him. As we reflect on her remarkable testimony, may we be encouraged to lay up treasures in heaven, trust Christ completely, and offer our lives as a willing sacrifice for His kingdom and glory.

How does the gospel transform a single life into a testimony that points countless others to Christ? Together we are reminded that our hope is found not in human eloquence or ability, but in faithfully looking to Jesus Christ and proclaiming Him to others. From Spurgeon’s dramatic conversion through the simple preaching of Isaiah 45:22, to his lifelong ministry centered on the cross, we see that the power of God rests in His Word and Spirit. As we consider Christ’s command to "go to offenders," we are challenged to pursue those who have offended us with humility, forgiveness, and a longing for restoration, reflecting the Shepherd who seeks His wandering sheep. Even amid suffering, criticism, depression, and physical affliction, Spurgeon’s life testifies that God’s grace is sufficient. May we likewise rely on Christ, live out His commands with love, and seek to make our lives not only a testimony of what we say, but of what we faithfully do for His glory.

What does it mean to value the "little ones" as Christ does? How can compassionate faith transform grief into a ministry of hope? In this episode, we explore the inspiring life of Narcissa Whitman and her response to Jesus' command in Matthew 18:10 to "despise not one of these little ones." As one of the first women to cross the Continental Divide, Narcissa left behind the comforts of home to bring the gospel to the Native peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Through heartbreaking personal loss, faithful service, and sacrificial love for orphaned and vulnerable children, her life reflects Christ's compassion for the forgotten and the needy. Together, we are challenged to look beyond our own circumstances, embrace God's heart for the vulnerable, and faithfully serve wherever He has called us—even when the cost is great.

What does it truly mean to deny ourselves and follow Christ? In this episode, we explore the remarkable life of missionary David Livingstone and discover how his unwavering devotion to Christ embodied Jesus' call to "deny yourself, take up your cross daily, and follow Me" (Luke 9:23–25). As we trace Livingstone's journey through hardship, sacrifice, and faithful service in Africa, we are challenged to see that no earthly cost compares to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. Together, we are encouraged to embrace daily surrender, and live in light of eternity, knowing that a life wholly devoted to Christ will bear fruit far beyond what we can see.

What happens when a believer remains faithful to the gospel in places where few are willing to go? In this episode, we explore Christ’s command to “beware of the leaven” through the life of missionary Samuel Zwemer, widely known as the “Apostle to Islam.” Driven by a deep love for Christ, Zwemer devoted his life to bringing the gospel to the Muslim world. Through years of sacrifice, suffering, bold witness, and unwavering commitment to biblical truth, he demonstrated the importance of keeping Christ preeminent and resisting the subtle errors that can draw believers away from the gospel. As we reflect on his legacy, we are encouraged to remain grounded in God’s Word, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ, and faithful to His calling wherever He leads us. For more information, visit us at https://homediscipleship.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleship https://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetwork https://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

What does it look like to honor our parents in a way that reflects Christ? How can faithfulness in everyday relationships prepare us for greater service in God’s kingdom? In this episode, we consider Christ’s command to “honor thy father and mother” through the life of evangelist D.L. Moody. Though God used Moody to reach millions with the gospel, his devotion to Christ was most clearly seen in the ordinary faithfulness of his daily life—his love for his family, his care for his widowed mother, and his commitment to living out the truths he preached. From his conversion in a Boston shoe store to his worldwide evangelistic ministry, Moody’s life reminds us that true spiritual influence grows out of a genuine walk with God. As we reflect on his example, we are encouraged to honor our parents, cherish the opportunities God gives us to love those closest to us, and pursue a wholehearted devotion to Christ that impacts both our homes and the world around us. For more information, visit us at https://homediscipleship.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleship https://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetwork https://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

What does it mean to truly take Christ’s yoke and live in light of eternity? In this episode, we explore Christ’s command to “take my yoke upon you, and learn of me” (Matthew 11:29) through the remarkable life of missionary C.T. Studd. From fame as one of England’s greatest cricket players to a life poured out for the gospel in China, India, and Africa, Studd’s story demonstrates the joy of valuing Christ above worldly success. As we reflect on his wholehearted surrender and passion for reaching the lost, we are reminded that only what is done for Christ will last. Together, we are encouraged to rest in Christ, and faithfully embrace His calling, trusting that a life lived for His glory is never wasted. For more information, visit us at https://homediscipleship.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleship https://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetwork https://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

What happens when we obey the Holy Spirit’s promptings, even when they lead us beyond our comfort zone? In this episode, we reflect on Christ’s command, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” through the life and ministry of Ira Sankey, the beloved hymn writer and gospel singer who partnered with D.L. Moody. From a Civil War encounter spared by a hymn to countless opportunities to follow the Lord’s leading we are reminded, through the story of Ira Sankey, that God works powerfully through believers who cultivate intimacy with Christ and respond in faithful obedience. Together, we are encouraged to spend time in God’s Word, listen for the Shepherd’s voice, and trust Him to use our lives for His glory in ways we may never fully see this side of eternity. For more information, visit us at https://homediscipleship.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram @homediscipleship https://www.facebook.com/homediscipleshipnetwork https://www.instagram.com/homediscipleshipnetwork

How can we live without fear when suffering feels overwhelming? In this message, we see through the life of Darlene Deibler Rose that Christ’s command to “fear not” calls us to trust the Lord more than our circumstances, feelings, or fears (Matthew 10:28). From the mission field of New Guinea to imprisonment under the Japanese during World War II, Darlene learned that Jesus could never be locked out, even from a death-row cell. Her testimony reminds us that God’s promises are surer than our emotions, His presence is stronger than our terror, and His love casts out fear. As we fix our eyes on Christ, we too can walk by faith in the “evidence not seen,” trusting Him to keep us, sustain us, and use us for His glory.

What does it look like to stand for truth with both courage and gentleness? In this message, we are reminded through the life of William Wilberforce that Christ calls us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Though surrounded by the spiritual darkness and injustice of the British slave trade, Wilberforce’s heart was transformed by the gospel, and God used him to shine the light of Christ boldly in public life. Through years of opposition, criticism, and discouragement, he persevered in prayer, conviction, and compassion, trusting the Lord to bring lasting change. His life challenges us to faithfully stand for truth wherever God has placed us, relying not on our own strength but on Christ’s wisdom and grace to reflect His love to a broken world.