Think Christian - Latest Comments in Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

derecks — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 01:46:23 -0000

Why is it important to become a follower of Jesus?

To become a Christian means to become a follower of Jesus. The Bible says that Jesus is the way to salvation.

Jesus is the only way to God. John 14:6
Unless we believe in Jesus, we will die in our sins. John 8:24
Those who have Jesus, God's Son, have life, those who do not have the Son do not have life. 1 John 5:12
There is no other name or person given to us through whom we can be saved. Acts 4:12
Jesus' followers are sometimes called disciples. This is a person who spends time learning from a mentor, a master trainer, how to live life with skill, purpose, and meaning. The follower hopes to become like his or her mentor by not only knowing the teachings, but also living the same kind of life. Jesus told his disciples that was His goal in training them! In fact, they were to go train others! Seeing Jesus come alive in His first followers became the goal of the people Jesus personally trained and sent out to do His work!

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

arcshe — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 03:39:49 -0000

What do you think in a church who want to changed its organizational name into "Followers of Jesus" literally?

Thanks and God Bless!!!

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Marc — Thu, 14 May 2009 09:10:23 -0000

It seems you could "follow" Jesus, even obey Him, but not be a Christian in the sense of one for whom their sins are atoned.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Theodore Trost — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:46:20 -0000

Both "follower of Jesus" and "follower of Christ" represent attempts to distinguish between Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, on the one hand, and the various historical representatives of his message subsequently--especially the institutional efforts to control "the Christian message." One sees the problem already in Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Divisions within the Church lead some to say "I belong to Paul," or "I belong to Apollos," or "I belong to Cephas," or "I belong to Christ" (I Cor 1.12). The Gospel writer Mark signals the concern about party factions, or even "apostolic succession," in another way. The disciples, having encountered a successful, unnamed exorcist who casted out demons in the name of Christ, silenced the freelancer because "he was not following us" (Mk 9.39). Jesus responds "Whoever is not against us is for us."
Self-described "followers of Jesus" are attempting to affirm a direct relationship with Jesus and his teachings apart from the trappings of institutional affiliation. The weakness of the designation (or advantage, from a Unitarian point of view) is that it anchors the identity of Jesus in his humanity and differs little, consequently, from the phrase "follower of Gandhi," for example. "Follower of Christ" is a Christological assertion; on the other hand, it does not entirely distinguish itself from the generic term "Christian"--which, lke the term "Muslim," has come to suggest a certain political ideology affirmed, or at least courted, by the Republican Party in the United States.
Theodore Trost

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Nathan — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:30:00 -0000

upside to "Christ follower": "Christian" may primarily connote membership in an organization, which can easily become just a nominal reality; while "Christ follower" puts emphasis on personal discipleship and commitment.

downside: emphasizes the individual rather than the communal identity of Christ's followers.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

saultopaul — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 13:49:04 -0000

I have recently started to read a book. It is part of the Every Man Series (I assume most men know that series if not find out about it). The book is Ever Mans Challenge. In the introduction of the book is a three word saying, P. B. R. and no it does not mean peanut butter on rye. In the book it means Proudly Bravely Reliable. I like it but not a whole a lot. So I spent a day thinking about.

What else could P.B.R. Stand for?
What I came up with is Proudly Bravely Rehearsing the life of Jesus Christ today.

When we get down to it that’s what us followers of Jesus Christ want to do. Is every day hope and thinking our actions will not contradict what our bible tells us to do.

I sent out a text message to a few men of God the other day. At the time I knew they were close to getting off work if they have not already got off form work.
The text message was this

“Did you live P.B.R. today, Proudly and Bravely Rehearsing the life of Jesus Christ.”

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

John — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:57:14 -0000

Okay, I've read all of these wonderful opinions weather to call ourselves Christians or followers of Christ Jesus or was that Jesus Christ? Here is another to opine on if you please, I am a Disciple of Christ Jesus, just as Peter, Paul, John, James and the others, of course all of you are included. Just that you talk about this shows that you have the love of God in your hearts and how wonderful is that. In God's Grace John

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Leanne — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 06:20:28 -0000

Call me crazy, but I'd really like to know the religious editor's take on the terms.

What does she think of the terms? What are her experiences in observing those who claim a faith in Christ?

Has she or her colleagues/readers found a telling difference between what people identify themselves as in terms of religion/spirituatity and in how they practice said faith?

I ask because I can tell you who I am and what I believe until I'm blue in the face...........

(which is why, more and more, I just keep my mouth shut and hope my actions and the living of my life give their own "testimony")

........ but what would be really great, what would help to really stimulate dialogue is the discussion about what others see as the distinction between "Christian" and "Follower of Jesus".

Wouldn't that be a great conversation!

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Jeanmarie McEneaney — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:39:40 -0000

Amen to that! Often "we" as Christ followers do not make a clear stand as where we are in Christ .

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Jeanmarie McEneaney — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:33:09 -0000

The majority of the "western world" call themselves "Christians" and often it is used as a label, by calling yourself a "Follower of Jesus Christ" you make a firm statement where you are in your belief in the one true God.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

David — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:56:47 -0000

If you'd rather describe your faith with an adjective than an noun, what difference does it make. What a person calls it, doesn't change the reality of it....whatever "it" is. "nominal follower" will soon be no different than a "nominal Christian." And a sold out Christian or a sold our follower will be the same. A Christian is a Christian is a Christian. A rose by any other name...

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

cherylzyx — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 04:41:25 -0000

There are people who call themselves Christian because they have a relationship with Jesus and then there are those who call themselves Christian because that is the culture they grew up in.

I live in Oklahoma - everyone you meet will tell you that they are Christian but for many many people it is simply a cultural thing. In this part of the country we have a church on every block and most people had someone taking them to church when they were a child.

I use Christ follower because at least in this part of the country the word Christian is used in both a faith context and a cultural context. I feel Christ follower makes it clear that I love and have devoted my life to Jesus.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Matt Stone — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:48:55 -0000

I used to prefer "follower of Jesus" to "Christian" but found it confuses many non-Christians and conceeds too much to red necks. So these days I am more inclined to use both interchangeably and highlight Christian diversity. I find thats more likely to surprise people and get them checking their preconceptions.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

D Arndt — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 07:30:25 -0000

While I can understand the appeal of the description, "follower of Jesus", I do have some concern about whether people would use it in the same vein as "I am spiritual but not religous." Frankly, there will always be problems with institutions composed of human beings. It's natural to want to diassociate one's self with the abuses or misrepresentations of one's faith.

Yet God did not send Jesus Christ to simply convert individuals. We are his body, his people, his temple his army, to name a few biblical descriptions. God gave gifts to his church, according to Ephesians 4, apostles,prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers. When we try to compartmentalize our faith into a mostly individual, personal, private sphere, we depart from the express purposes of God.

So yes, be a "follower of Jesus." Just dont try to do it all by yourself.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

JImmy — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:44:03 -0000

Keidow, I agree with you.

Trust me, it won't be long until the world is calling "followers of Jesus" hypocrites or some other name too. The church isn't any worse than it's ever been; the world is more open to hating it. The world hated Jesus, the apostles and the early church too.

Building the kingdom of God is hard, hard work even with the power of the Spirit. We're battling principalities and powers. The kingdom will grow however one person at a time. If you think saying you're a "follower of Jesus" on Facebook helps, go right ahead. Sooner or later, you're also going to be called a hypocrite for failing

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

tim forster — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 18:19:53 -0000

What Jesus calls you might just be a little more significant than what anyone else does.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Andrew — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:39:32 -0000

I am wondering why you need to discern who is a Christian or not. Even true believers can fall and do. Isn't that a case of trying to live life climbing a greasy pole/

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Virginia Wieringa — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:44:38 -0000

Jack Roeda always begins his sermons with the words, "Dear Friends of Jesus Christ..". I like that. I think the new distinctions you discuss are welcome since the word 'Christian' has become burdened with societal baggage over 2,000 years.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Keith Dow — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:30:23 -0000

There is nothing inherently wrong with being a "Jesus follower" nor with being a "Christian." The problem with being a "Christian" is that sometimes that means defying the conceptions that might come with that description for some people, e.g. a Christian as in the crusades or those who fight other faiths.

The problem, however, with being a "Jesus follower" is that it often seems to be taken as a description of pride by those who don't want to be associated with the Christian community. If one is just following Jesus, then there is no problem. If one calls oneself a follower of Jesus in opposition to Christianity, i.e. the Church, then there's a big problem.
It's like saying you're best friends with this guy but you hate his wife. The guy won't be too impressed. In this case, 'the guy' is also Lord of the Universe.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

kjml — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:40:49 -0000

It would be wonderful if people who have no personal relationship with Christ would resist calling themselves "Christian." It would also be wonderful if people [like me] who DO have a relationship with Christ would follow Him more perfectly. <sigh>
I am a Christian by faith and relationship. But, as others have pointed out, the name has become associated with the rejection and hatred of certain elements of society, or with being ignorant or superstitious. This becomes quite an inhibitor to building relationships with people outside the faith who, thanks to the Media, [and some high-profile Christians who fit the bill] have come to view nearly all Christians through that lense.
Like, Pam, I also used "Jesus Follower" as my religious designation on Facebook. Basically, I think this designation is more inviting to Seekers and allows for a broader range of dialog. It is also more amenable to conversations with other cultures which may view "Christian" as the name of an enemy, but understand that the message of Jesus was one of love and acceptance and grace.
I wish that such word play were unnecessary but we need to do whatever it takes to be able to carry the message of grace to the world. It seems like it is still fine to call Each Other "Christian" because once Christ is truly in our hearts, we know the full commitment and honor it entails to carry His Name.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

sistersharon — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:24:49 -0000

I try to be the head and not the tail. Because jesus stood out among the crowns of people and treat them better then they treated him so yes i do try to follow the wishes.of god God say's that when we are weak we are strong. I said that to say this he made man in his own image and so therefore we are made in the flesh the spirt is willing but the flesh is weak.So we strive to do what is right and what may be right to god and our selves. If you know not of god then the world see you different. For his ways is not our way his thinking is not our thinking.For the way that seem wrong seem right,for the way to a man seem's wrong is right. Amen

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

Matt — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 18:46:14 -0000

I think 'follower of Christ' was formed as a reaction. People seemed to think the word 'Christian' was poisoned by ineffectual or hypocritical people. Kind of like how some people think 'evangelical' is a dirty word.

I'll go with you on your opinion. People seem to use it in order to help them forge relationships with non-Christians.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

saultopaul — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:55:02 -0000

In my own life I have decided to say I follow Jesus Christ or something other then that I am a Christian not that I am embarrassed of being a Christian rather I believe it to be more direct in what and in whom I believe in.
I have been asked what denomination I belong to technically it would be Baptist, however I would rather hold to Jesus Christ then hold to the denomination of a seemingly broken church. I love the body of Christ, and as long as a person believes in Jesus that he took ones sin away, and that in and through Jesus only is one saved then to me if someone says their a Baptist, Pentecostal or my favorite "just a Christian" as if we believers of Christ are liken to stake in degrease of cookedness. To sum up, I feel that their is too much division in the body of Christ, and to help separate from the chaos of I am a "pentalbaptisfrekyfollowerchoilicchrist" I would much rather get to the point. Jesus is my Hope and salvation, and if he is not yours well..... I am sorry. I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

melanie — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:50:25 -0000

I can understand the shift in that for many, the word Christian carries either negative or possibly neutral connotations. For some people, being "Christian" means that they have a Christian heritage, rather than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At the same time, the younger generation of Christians is moving away from denominational divides. It seems that most of them view their relationship with Christ and their belief in the Bible as more important than any loyalty to a particular church. Even so, I am totally comfortable calling myself a Christian, and I still identify with the word.

Re: Are you a Follower of Jesus?

SiarlysJenkins — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:41:40 -0000

Anyone who follows Jesus as the inspiration of their faith is a Christian, although I suppose those who have doubts as to his divinity could be called Jesuits, except that name has already been taken by a specific sect within a specific denomination which, like many denominations, considers itself to the be only true Christian church. Anyone who believes that loyalty to a specific hierarchy or doctrine is essential to call oneself a Christian is committed to a denomination, or some less well organized subdivision of Christianity. Ultimately, each person's relationship is direct to God, so calling yourself a follower of Jesus is your call. What do I believe? I believe that anyone who sincerely tries to practice the two commandments on which, so says Jesus, hang all the law and the prophets, is a Christian, supplemented by the very simple question Micah posed "He has shown you oh man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" I'm not perfect at those, which makes the notion of salvation by grace comforting, but neither comes with any codicils about specific professions of faith, or acceptance of specific doctrines or definitions.