The Cross of a Disciple
Bob Yandian
God wants us to become stable and to become effective in life. And that doesn’t happen by accident, it comes from discipleship. God’s desire in this earth is not just converts; He wants disciples.
A convert is a person who has come to Jesus. A disciple is a person who has stayed with Jesus. A convert is born again; a disciple is growing up. And the reason discipleship matters so much is because the Christian life was never designed to be lived on yesterday’s experience. God wants maturity and He wants a life that becomes steady and dependable, because the world is watching, your family is watching, and your future is watching. And all of that begins at one place: the cross of Jesus Christ.
How We Pray for Leaders—and Why It Points to the Cross
How do we pray for leaders of our nations? The Word of God tells us to pray for kings and all who have authority over us. That they might be saved, and that they would come to the full knowledge of the truth.
That word “knowledge” is more than just natural information. It is the word for understanding God’s Word, understanding His promises. That is revelation knowledge. God doesn’t just want a leader to make moral decisions; God wants a leader to know Him. God wants a leader to know truth.
If you are praying that way, you are praying the Great Commission. Jesus did not say, “Go and make converts.” He said, “Go and make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all things I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). That is growth and stability. The cross is the doorway into discipleship.
The Cross Is Where We Leave Everything
“Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing.” Genesis 12:1-2
God asked Abram to do one thing, leave everything. Leave security. Leave the familiar. Leave the safety net. Leave the place where you can rescue yourself. And that is exactly what happens at the cross. The cross is where you and I come to the end of ourselves. The cross is where we admit, “All the ways I’ve handled it have been wrong.” The cross is where we say, “Lord, I get off the throne of my life.” We accept Him as Savior. But we also accept Him as Lord. And the Lordship of Jesus is not just a doctrinal statement—it’s a life direction.
Grace Begins at the Cross—and Grace Keeps Going
Grace is God doing what we cannot do. It is God giving what we do not deserve. Grace is God offering a covenant where He does the heavy lifting, and we respond in faith. There is grace for salvation, but there is also grace for growth. And growth means discipleship. Growth means learning the Word and it means letting the Lord stay Lord.
Abram partially obeyed. He took his father and his nephew with him. God said leave your relatives, but Abram brought them along. I think the reason was simple: he kept trying to rescue himself. He took his father because his father was wealthy. If things got hard, he had backup.
But God was saying, “I want to be your everything. I want to be your shield. I want to be your provider. I want to be your home, your country, your security.” That is what the cross does. The cross removes our excuses. It removes our confidence in the flesh, and it calls us to a place where Jesus isn’t just a part of our life—He becomes our life. God will challenge anything we lean on more than Him.
Burning Bridges: The Cross in Action
“He (Elijah) departed from there, and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. Then Elijah passed by him and threw his mantle on him. And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Please let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.”
And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?”
So Elisha turned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slaughtered them and boiled their flesh, using the oxen’s equipment, and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and followed Elijah and became his servant.” 1 Kings 19:19-21
Elisha was plowing behind twelve yoke of oxen. That was his security, his income. That was his future. Then Elijah came and threw the mantle on him, and Elisha left. He walked off from the oxen. He turned around, killed one, and burned the equipment.
Why? He was burning bridges. He wasn’t going back. That is the cross. The cross doesn’t just forgive you—it separates you. It marks a line in the sand where you say, “My old life is behind me. I am going forward with God.” Elisha served ten years before he took Elijah’s place. Discipleship takes time. Stability is built, not wished for.
The Cross Produces a New Family
“While He (Jesus) was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.”
But He answered and said to the one who told Him, “Who is My mother and who are My brothers?” And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.” Matthew 12:46-50
Jesus said, “Who is My mother? Who are My brothers?” Then He pointed to those who do the will of the Father. God’s desire is to not destroy family but to give you a family that helps you do the will of God. The cross joins you to Jesus, and Jesus joins you to His body.
The Cross Leads to Growth, Guidance, and a Future
Abram tried to rescue himself more than once. Lot. Egypt. The maid. Another child not of God’s promise. He finally had to come back to what God said: the promise would come through Sarah.
This is how we grow. We learn. We correct course. We come back to the Word. We come back to what God said. Most blessings in the Christian life are conditional—not because God is stingy, but because growth requires obedience. There are blessings that come by grace alone, and then there are blessings God releases as you respond to Him. He says, “I have more grace where that came from.” And it all flows from the cross—because the cross is where we begin, and the cross is where we keep yielding.
Never Forsake the Word—It Is Your Daily Bread
If you have followed the Lord for years, you will never reach full maturity in this life. You will keep growing. If you could live to be 130 or 200 years old, you would still be growing in the things of God. Never forsake the Word of God. It is your daily bread.
And never move away from the cross of Jesus. Because the cross is not merely a message we preach—it is the life we live; surrender, trust, obedience, growth, and stability. Jesus didn’t just die to get you into heaven. He died to make you like Him here—stable, effective, fruitful, and full of the knowledge of the truth. That is grace for salvation and growth. It all begins—and keeps working—at the cross of Jesus.
Previously published as: Ephesians Blueprint for Maturity
Although the city of Ephesus is famous for its reckless living and idol worship, the Ephesian church is deeply spiritual. And so Ephesians, unlike other epistles written to correct doctrinal error, reveals to mature believers the positional truth of who they are in Christ. It also expounds on practical applications of this positional revelation to marriage, family, and everyday life.
By tying together Greek word studies and outside scriptural references, Bob Yandian teaches, verse-by-verse, God’s empowering grace and the believer’s unprecedented authority. Like Paul, Yandian’s focus is not only the revelation, but the application of these amazing truths. Yandian exhorts believers not only to learn but to live as the body of Christ in the earth.
143 Pages
Bundle and save! Includes a copy of Theology Simplified Volumes 1 & 2.
Theology Simplified Volume 1
A Practical Guide to Foundational Biblical Truths
Basic doctrines are not difficult but easy to understand. They often come disguised as complicated or deep-sounding words, but the definitions are simple.
Pastor, author, and renowned Bible teacher Bob Yandian explains the deep truths of Scripture in ways anyone can understand. Using straightforward vocabulary and down-to-earth examples, Pastor Bob makes complex theological concepts clear and practical.
Theology Simplified demystifies eight crucial doctrines of the Christian faith:
Redemption Justification Sanctification * Reconciliation
Predestination Election Propitiation * Glorification
These eight precepts, essential for all believers to understand, come to light as you study the pages. Theology Simplified will give you a deeper understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ, allowing you to walk in maturity and stability in your Christian life.
160 Pages - Paperback
Theology Simplified Volume 2
Uncover the Depths of God's Word with Ease
The Bible is full of misunderstood terms and concepts. Many Christians struggle to understand the deeper meaning behind the scriptures they know and learn. What is God’s plan for mankind? Are you living fully in Jesus’s redemption? Do you understand the Church’s true purpose and God’s perfect timing?
Finding these answers can be simple! You can unearth the profound treasures of your redemption, awaken to the glory of your righteousness, and claim the abundant rewards destined for you.
Drawing from decades of biblical research and practical teaching, renowned Bible scholar and teacher Bob Yandian demystifies eight complex theological concepts, inviting you to discover the profound simplicity of God’s plan for humanity.
In his trademark clear and relatable style, you’ll gain a confident understanding of:
The doctrine of theology: A roadmap for understanding God’s Word
The fall of man: The turning point of human history and God’s plan for restoration
Faith for salvation: Your key to unlocking the kingdom of heaven
Unlimited atonement: The boundless extent of Christ’s reconciling work
Advocacy of Jesus and the Holy Spirit: Your endless support in the court of heaven
The seasons and times of God: Discerning heavenly plans in our chaotic world
The triumphant Church: Your place in God’s victorious plan
The Book of Life and heavenly rewards: The eternal ledger of the redeemed
Shake off the stress of academic doctrine and embrace the confidence that comes from knowing God’s redemptive plan for your life. These eight truths will guide you to a new depth of understanding and fellowship that will forever change you.
180 Pages - Paperback
Whether you’ve just accepted Jesus or want to revisit the core truths of your faith, Starting Strong will help you lay a foundation that lasts. In this easy-to-follow guide, Bob Yandian unpacks seven powerful truths every believer needs to know—and live by.
Straight from the Word of God, this book covers:
• What it really means to be born again
• How to be filled with the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues
• Why water baptism and communion matter today
• The power of laying on of hands for healing, blessing, and impartation
• How praise and worship open the door to God’s presence
• And why the Word of God is your anchor in every season.
These are more than just doctrines—they're the fundamentals of the faith. And when you know them, practice them, and build your life on them, you'll walk in stability, confidence, and purpose—no matter what life throws your way. Start your walk with God on the right foot. Start strong—and keep going strong.
(69 Pages - Paperback)
Need more than one copy? Purchase a pack of 10 books here
Whether you’ve just accepted Jesus or want to revisit the core truths of your faith, Starting Strong will help you lay a foundation that lasts. In this easy-to-follow guide, Bob Yandian unpacks seven powerful truths every believer needs to know—and live by.
Straight from the Word of God, this book covers:
• What it really means to be born again
• How to be filled with the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues
• Why water baptism and communion matter today
• The power of laying on of hands for healing, blessing, and impartation
• How praise and worship open the door to God’s presence
• And why the Word of God is your anchor in every season.
These are more than just doctrines—they're the fundamentals of the faith. And when you know them, practice them, and build your life on them, you'll walk in stability, confidence, and purpose—no matter what life throws your way. Start your walk with God on the right foot. Start strong—and keep going strong.
(69 Pages - Paperback) - 10 Copies Included in this Bundle
A Practical Guide to Foundational Biblical Truths
Basic doctrines are not difficult but easy to understand. They often come disguised as complicated or deep-sounding words, but the definitions are simple.
Pastor, author, and renowned Bible teacher Bob Yandian explains the deep truths of Scripture in ways anyone can understand. Using straightforward vocabulary and down-to-earth examples, Pastor Bob makes complex theological concepts clear and practical.
Theology Simplified demystifies eight crucial doctrines of the Christian faith:
Redemption * Justification * Sanctification * Reconciliation
Predestination * Election * Propitiation * Glorification
These eight precepts, essential for all believers to understand, come to light as you study the pages. Theology Simplified will give you a deeper understanding of the finished work of Jesus Christ, allowing you to walk in maturity and stability in your Christian life.
160 Pages
Paperback
Build your spiritual library or give gifts to your Pastor or friends. This book bundle includes one of every book in print by Bob Yandian, 34 in all. This bundle includes the 10 Commentaries on New Testament books and many topical studies.
Book Titles:
Decently and in Order
Calling and Separation
Ephesians Commentary
Proverbs: Wisdom for Today
Galatians Commentary
God’s Word to Pastors - Revised and Expanded
One Flesh
Understanding the End Times
Leadership Secrets of David the King
From Just Enough to Overflowing
God and the Businessman
Healing: How Deep are the Stripes
Faith’s Destination
What if the Best is Yet to Come?
The Bible and National Defense
Romans Commentary
Philippians Commentary
Colossians Commentary
James Commentary
Acts Commentary
Rising Out of the Pit
Let God’s Will Find You
Why Did This Happen?
Hebrews Commentary
Thessalonians Commentary
Life & Power
The Grace of Healing
Theology Simplified Vol 1
Theology Simplified Vol 2
God’s Heart for Giving
Let Your Light Shine
Epistles of John Commentary
Starting Strong: Foundations for New Believers
A Root Out of Dry Ground: Dissecting the Stages of Revival
34 Books