A Church Full of Ministers

The church at Antioch was a church full of ministers. There were many prophets and teachers in that congregation according to Acts 13:1-3. In fact, there are five that are specifically named including Barnabas and Paul.
In the first century church, there were traveling evangelists who took their teaching efforts on the road. Although Paul did locate his ministry for a period of three years in Ephesus (Acts 20:31), generally Paul was a traveling evangelist. Yet, there were also located preachers that spent their time preaching for a specific congregation of believers. Philip apparently set up his residence in Caesarea and was the evangelist in that city for many years (cf. Acts 8:40; 21:8). It is God’s will that preachers of the gospel make their living from the gospel (1 Cor. 9:14). Evangelists are supported by churches to go forth doing the “work of the evangelist” by preaching, teaching, and publicly reading Scripture (2 Tim. 4:5; 1 Tim. 4:13). Preachers of the gospel are to devote all their time to prayer and “ministry of the word” (1 Tim. 4:13, 15; cf. Acts 6:2-4). Study, preparation, and presentation of the word of God is “the” ministry of the evangelist.
It is unfortunate that many people in the church today refer to the preacher as “the minister.” This is misleading and frankly, unbiblical. It is true that the preacher should be a minister of the word, but he is not THE minister. When we refer to the preacher as the minister, it implies that he is the only one who is ministering to others. The church is not to have only one minister. The church should be full of ministers.
The word translated “minister” in our Bibles is a Greek word that simply means “a servant.” Certainly there is a specific use of this term that refers to the service (ministry) offered by a preacher (cf. Col. 1:23; Eph. 6:21). Also, there is a specific group of men that are to be servants (ministers) of the church—these are the deacons (1 Tim. 3:8). However, the same word is used in a generic way of all Christians (Matt. 20:26; John 12:26; Rom. 16:1).
God designed the church as a living organism. The church is called “the body” in Scripture (Eph. 1:22-23). The church is not compared to organizational structures in the New Testament (like a business, corporation, or bank). Instead, the church is a living organism that depends upon each of the individual parts functioning and working to survive. Paul puts it this way, “For the body does not consist of one member but of many” (1 Cor. 12:14). The church is not an organization with one or two ministers. Instead the church is an organism of many ministers using their talents and abilities together to make the body function properly.
To have the mentality that a single man (or a few men) should be doing "the ministry” of a congregation is contrary to the will of God. God calls all Christians to examine themselves and discover what each one's “ministry” is. What is your ministry? If you can’t answer this question, you need to spend time in reflection, prayer, and study to discover the ministry that God has equipped you to do for his cause.
The Maryville congregation is absolutely full of ministers. We have countless people who are actively involved in various ministries. I have been humbled by the attitude of self-sacrifice and service demonstrated by such large numbers of people in this church. I am thankful to be a part of a church full of ministers!

(Revised version, originally published 7/16/09)

Conviction and Certainty

We live in an age of skepticism and doubt. Nothing is "off limits" to scrutiny, examination and reevaluation. Long established traditions and beliefs are now all being questioned, even in the realm of religion.

A spirit of honest inquiry is a good thing. The philosopher Socrates said, "An unexamined life in not worth living." In matters of our faith it may also well be said, "An unexamined faith is not worth having." The Bible instructs us to "examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith" (2 Corinthians 13:5). We are to "test the spirits to see whether they are from God" (1 John 4:1ff). Examining our beliefs to determine if they are substantiated in Scripture is a good and wholesome practice.

However, the skeptical spirit of our age declares that it is impossible to ever arrive at absolute truth. It is popularly believed in our postmodern context that absolute truth is a myth. Therefore someone who displays certainty in their beliefs is viewed as arrogant and narrow-minded. Such could not be farther from reality.

It is true that some people have had arrogant, "know-it-all" attitudes in regard to their religious beliefs. Such is unfortunate and has done considerable damage to the very truth that such individuals claim to stand for. Pridefulness is not the same as being confident and certain in your beliefs. Scripture teaches us to "contend for the faith" (Jude 3) but to do so in a spirit of love and compassion for our fellow man (Eph. 4:15). The servant of Christ must always be "gentle" and "kind" when standing for the truth and must never be "quarrelsome" even with those who oppose the truth (2 Timothy 2:24-26). There is a delicate balance between being gentle and respectful of others while being firm and unwavering in your convictions (1 Peter 3:15).

Jesus teaches us that we can "know the truth" but only when we "abide in the word" (John 8:31-32). Our convictions must be firmly grounded in clear statements of Scripture. I can feel strongly about something, but if it is not clearly taught in Scripture it is a matter of my personal opinion and should not be forced upon others. I can know what is true when I "abide in the word" and discover God's clearly stated truths. Once these truths have been verified by Scripture, I can "know" them with certainty and with conviction stand by them. Once these truths have been verified there is no need to doubt them. Yet, I must always humbly admit that there may be additional information in Scripture that I may have missed that completes the picture. I must be open-minded enough to "tweak" my personal convictions based upon the total evidence discovered from Scripture. I must allow the truth of Scripture to challenge my preconceived ideas, biases, and traditions.

But when I come to "know" truth, I should never be hesitant to firmly, but lovingly, proclaim it without timidity. The young preacher Timothy was tempted (likely because of his youthfulness) to be timid in proclaiming the truth of God. Paul told him, "…I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God…for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:6-7). As Christians we should have "certitude" when it comes to the known truth of God. Certitude is a confident attitude of sureness. But we must always remember that certitude in your faith must not be confused with religious pridefulness.

It Will Still Work, If You Work It

Growing up on a farm, you learn to use technology both old and new. Sometimes we would clean out fences that were overgrown with weeds and undergrowth. We would use chainsaws and weed-eaters. However, dad would sometimes make me use an old bush-axe or a swing-blade. It was an old piece of technology. But dad would essentially say, "It will still work, if you will work it."

When it comes to evangelism, we sometimes think we have to utilize the newest, most innovative techniques and strategies. We tend to dismiss the "old methods" as moldy, outdated and ineffective. Yet, the best way to convert people to Christ is still the simple, person-to-person Bible study approach. It still yields more long-lasting converts to Christ than attendance drives, programs, and marketing approaches. Yet few seem willing to engage in the "work" of doing personal work. Jesus said that the laborers would be few (Luke 10:2).

However, a recent "Back to the Bible campaign" of old-fashion door knocking has yielded 35 baptisms in Oklahoma City, according to an article from Christian Chronicle (July 7, 2010) (see article here). At first, some of the participants were skeptical of this approach declaring, "You watch. We won't get 10 studies in 100 square miles." Yet after the first day, church members had set up 80 Bible studies. During the campaign, organizers found that apartment dwellers (those in transitional phases in life) were much more receptive than homeowners.

These folks used a simple approach. "We give them what the Bible says and let them make up their own mind. That's really all there is to it," one participant said. Not only have many Bible studies been set up, and 35 people were baptized, but the church that organized the effort was transformed. When people see the power of the gospel working, and that evangelism can still be effective, it becomes contagious. It will change a church, which in turn, will change a community. One person said, "It has amazed us at how many people are saying, 'yes.' None of us will ever be the same."

I must confess that I have been critical in the past of old methods of evangelism like door-knocking. I thought that our efforts might be more effective in other ways. Well, it turns out that the old ways of evangelism will still work. I guess dad was right, "It will still work, if you will work it."

Better Felt than Told Religion?

Some claim that their faith-relationship with God is "better felt than told." This phrase is used to mean a variety of things. One potential connotation is that there is a component to a life-walk with God that cannot be adequately explained until one has personally experienced it. Certainly there is an "experiential knowledge" to our faith. The Scripture says, "Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!" (Psalm 34:8). The Hebrew writer affirms that we must "taste the heavenly gift" and "the goodness of the word of God" (Hebrews 6:4-5). Evangelistically, we encourage people to "come and see what God has done" (Psalm 66:5; John 1:39). Peter specifically says that we must always be ready to give an "answer" (Greek-apologia, a defense or explanation) of the hope that lies within us. In context, Peter is discussing giving an answer to those who basically ask, "How can you have such confidence and hope in the midst of persecution?" We must be ready to give a personal explanation to anyone who asks about what God has done in our lives. Telling our personal story of how we came to faith and the difference Christ has made in our lives is an example of evangelism modeled for us in Scripture (John 9:25). Paul often gave his "personal testimony" as a means of explaining his faith evangelistically (Acts 22:1-21; 24:10-21; 26:1-23). On these three occasions Paul gave his "defense" (apologia) by giving his personal faith story. Many who are seeking truth in our postmodern context today are more convinced by personal experiences than by logical reasoning. Subjective experience is not a full-proof approach to evangelism, but it is one that was used by Paul and is often very effective in our current environment.

Skeptics of the Christian worldview, however, will not be persuaded by "warm and fuzzy" stories of Jesus' impact upon your life. After all, personal experiences vary from person to person and don't really prove the truthfulness of anything. Jesus said that we can "know the truth" by being diligent students of God's revealed truth (John 8:31-32). God expects us to direct our analytical abilities toward the evidence of truth he has provided, reason correctly from that evidence, and arrive at God's absolute, unalterable truth (Romans 1:20-21; Psalm 119:89). Paul often used logical reasoning in an attempt to "persuade" people to believe the truth of God (Acts 9:22; 17:2-3; 18:4; 24:25). While "personal testimony" can be effectively used in personal evangelism, Christians must also be prepared to give a well-reasoned explanation of the truth-claims of Christianity. Objective truth must be "proved" from the evidence God has given from nature (Psalm 19:1-3) and from his word (John 8:31-32; Acts 17:2-3).

Truth has come under attack in our postmodern culture. By definition, "truth" is an established fact that shows the reality of something. Truth is objective meaning that it is not dependent upon individual experience, but instead is an absolute standard to which all people are accountable. God's word claims to be this objective, absolute truth (John 17:17). If we don't pursue truth and use our logical abilities to arrive at God's truth, we are "without excuse" and will find ourselves the recipients of God's wrath (Romans 1:18-23).

We must love God and seek him with both our hearts and our minds (Mark 12:30). Let's tell others of what God has done in our lives personally. But may we also be prepared to logically defend the truthfulness of God.

Making Quiet Time with God

I want to tell you at the beginning that I am writing this article for myself. Deliberately setting aside quiet times with God is something I need to really work on. Quiet times with God are essential to true spirituality, a healthy relationship with God, and true religion. Yet in our busy world with hectic schedules and never enough time for the things that constantly call out of our attention, when can I have "quiet" time with God? (I'm asking myself more than I'm asking you). Here are a few principles and passages that I am studying that speak to the importance of what some call the "discipline of solitude" and taking quiet time to be with God.

1. I need to find a quiet place to just quietly breath with and speak to God (Matthew 6:5-6). The danger of religion is that it can easily become something that we only do in sight of other people. Jesus says that true spirituality means connecting with God in places of solitude. It is where God and I meet together privately. That place of solitude may be in an "inner room" (vs. 6), at a quiet place in the woods or a park, in the car on a long commute home, or it may be at the kitchen table long before the sun rises every morning. One brother meets God in quiet places in a cottage in the Cotswolds of England. Wherever the place, I need to make a regular time (perhaps daily) of meeting with God (cf. Luke 9:23).
2. I have to deliberately make the time to be with God (Ephesians 5:15-16). Life has a funny way of hurriedly rushing by us. Paul says that we must "make the best use of the time" that we have. I must realize that Satan's greatest tactic against me is to crowd God out of my life by filling it with lots of good (but less important) things. I must really practice the hymn I've been singing all my life, "Take time to be holy, the world rushes on; spend much time in secret with Jesus alone."
3. I have to make quiet time to experience God in my life (Psalm 46:10, ESV). The Psalmist says that in order to "know God" I have to "be still." Under the new covenant we are no longer commanded to keep the Sabbath day of rest as a communal religious observance. But was God not teaching an eternal, spiritual principle when he instructed the Jews to take time to "rest" from work? Even God took a day to rest from his labor and reflect on what he had done (Genesis 2:2-3). Surely God knew that we would be consumed with the physical world (work and recreation) and would have to be told to "be still" and "unhook" ourselves from the world and reflect upon him (Exodus 20:8-11). Maybe I can learn a lesson for my spiritual walk with Jesus from this Old Testament principle--turn off the television, put down the cell phone, disconnect the iPod, and "be still and know God."

Jesus had the most intimate connection with God that anyone could ever experience. He says, "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). Yet, even Jesus needed times when he "sent the crowd away" and "departed into a mountain to pray" (Mark 6:46), sometimes spending all night in prayer (Luke 6:12). Jesus realized that to feed his connection with God he needed to go into a quiet place, not into the noisy crowds (even of the Temple).

As Christians we are commanded to assemble together as Christians. We need time together and are commanded not to forsake these gatherings (Hebrews 10:25). However, such assemblies are not enough, by themselves, to connect you to God in an intimate way. Dallas Willard has observed, "Indeed, solitude and silence are powerful means to grace. Bible study, prayer, and church attendance, among the most commonly prescribed activities in Christian circles, generally have little effect for soul transformation, as is obvious to any observer" (The Great Omission, page 153). This is what Jesus seems to be communicating when he tells us not to limit our religious activities to things within the sight of other men (Matthew 6:1ff).

Real spiritual transformation occurs when we "set our affection on things above" and allow our lives to be "hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:1-4). It is possible to be very busy with religious activities but not have any real personal connection with God (Matthew 15:8). We must choose "the better part" and spend quality time with Jesus (Luke 10:41-42).

Foundational Doctrines: The Church's (O)Mission"

There is a great deal of confusion today when it comes to the real mission of the church. Churches are involved in countless numbers of programs and activities that are doing great amounts of good. However, we are often distracted by all these “good” things from the real mission of the church. While involved in all types of “community outreach programs” the church has often been guilty of the “Great Omission” rather than the “Great Commission.”

1. The real mission of the church is to “make disciples.” Jesus gave the clear “mission statement” for his followers when he said, “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). The command in these verses is to “make disciples.” This is something that every Christian is commanded to do “while we are going” about our daily lives, encountering others “as we go.” The process of “making a disciple” involves baptizing them and teaching them Jesus’ commands. Christians and churches should not become distracted from the real mission of “making disciples.”

2. Disciples of Jesus are “made” to disciple others. Jesus commanded his first disciples to “follow” him and he would “MAKE” them to be fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). The very definition of being a true disciple of Jesus means that Jesus “made” you for the purpose of making more disciples. Therefore, if you are not trying to make other disciples, then you are not a true disciple of Christ yourself. Jesus commands you to “make disciples.” It is a command; it is not optional. It is true that we all have different talents as we work in the body of Christ (cf. Romans 12:4-8). Some people are better equipped to evangelize than others. In a similar way, the human body is full of various cells that are designed for different functions (i.e. brain cells, stem cells, white blood cells, etc.). Some cells are especially equipped for reproduction (reproductive cells: eggs, sperm). However, every cell by virtue of being a cell (by definition) divides. In the same way, while some Christians may be more talented toward evangelism, all disciples by definition are required to divide and make more disciples.

3. “Making a disciple” means teaching someone the process of being spiritually reborn so that the inner character of Jesus himself is spiritually formed inside of that person. This involves baptism but is not limited to it. Jesus did not send us out to go and baptize people. He sends us out to “make disciples” by teaching the gospel (of which baptism, although essential, is only a part). This is what Paul was stressing when he wrote, “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Cor. 1:17a). The aim of our teaching should be to teach others until “Christ is formed” in them (Galatians 4:19).

4. When we teach someone to become a disciple, we trust in the power of God, not our own ability, to transform them. The power of the gospel is found in God’s righteous work through Christ’s saving acts. The power is not found in our ability to teach eloquently (1 Cor. 1:17b). God entrusts us with the “ministry” and “message” of reconciliation and God “makes his appeal” to people’s hearts through our teaching (2 Cor. 5:18-21). We “plant” and “water” and God gives the growth (1 Cor. 3:7).

The Bible says that the church is the bride and Christ is the bridegroom (Eph. 5:31-32; Rev. 19:7). The natural result of intimacy between a bride and a groom is reproduction. Disciples were “made” for this mission.

Christian Persecution Revisited

Christians have had it relatively easy in America. Maybe we've had it too easy. The Christian faith has always grown fastest among the fires of persecution. Now Newsweek is reporting that Christianity is dying in America, not growing. While institutional/commercialized Christianity may be on the way out in America, true discipleship may be growing stronger. Why? Because the fires of persecution are coming.

I don't want to sound like an alarmist and I don't want to be guilty of blowing things out of proportion. However, you would have to completely have your head in the sand to not recognize that there is a major "anti-Christian" movement currently occurring in our culture.

The Washington Times is reporting today (April 14, 2009) that the Department of Homeland Security is sending out warnings to local law enforcement officials about "rightwing extremist activity." According to the Times, the analysis defines "rightwing extremism in the United States as including not just racist and hate groups but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority." Even more shocking the warning says, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."

Who is going to decide what group or individual is considered a "right wing extremist?" The Christian faith is extremely counter-cultural in our world today. It is politically incorrect to say that Jesus is the only way to heaven, there is only one God, homosexuality is sinful, abortion is murdering a innocent life, etc. If the majority within American culture comes to reject Christian morality as "politically incorrect," will not all Christians be viewed as "extremists" for opposing them? And if we are viewed as "extremists" will we not be targeted by law enforcement officials according to this statement from Homeland Security?

Christians everywhere better wake up. We must all decide what we really believe. Are you willing to stand firmly for what you believe in the face of jail-time, or fines? We must decide where we stand. Jesus Christ and his teachings is the cornerstone of our identity as Christians but it is also a "stumbling block" to unbelievers (1 Peter 2:6-8). It is time to draw a line in the sand. And it is time for you to decide what side of the line you are on. But remember that while you stand for your Christian beliefs, true disciples must "Keep your conduct among the Gentiles (unbelievers) honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation" (1 Peter 2:12).

A Branch Cannot Bear Fruit By Itself

I am convinced that some of the most crucial doctrines of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ are also some of the most misunderstood by the church. One of the most visible examples of this is the New Testament doctrine of salvation by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7; Romans 3:28).

It saddens me at the number of Christians that I perceive to be living by a "salvation-by-works mindset." This mindset grows like a spiritual cancer from "working hard to get to heaven," to legalism, to bitterness, to spiritual burn-out, to despair, and eventually to apostasy. The entire system of the New Covenant is built upon a system of salvation by grace, not salvation by the accumulation of good deeds done or even by perfect rule-keeping. Good deeds cannot save (cf. Isaiah 64:6), and no one can ever keep all the rules all of the time (Romans 3:10; Acts 15:10). If good deeds and perfect rule-keeping could save, then there would have been no reason for Jesus to die and mankind would likely be under Mosaic Law.

But what is the relationship between our faith and our works? Paul states that we are saved by grace and not by our works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Yet, James affirms that we are saved (justified) by our works and not by faith alone (James 2:24). Are Paul and James contradicting one another?

Jesus teaching about the vine and the branches (John 15:1-17) gives a perfect picture of the harmony between Paul and James, faith and works. In his lengthy illustration, Jesus compares himself to a vine and his disciples to branches on the vine. Jesus explicitly states that a "branch cannot bear fruit of itself" (15:4), and "apart from Me you can do nothing" (15:5). It is impossible for a branch to produce fruit if the branch is separated from the vine. It is only when the branch is connected to the vine, and is receiving the life-giving nourishment of the vine that it is able to produce fruit. The key concept Jesus is stressing is to remain connected to the vine. Jesus uses the word "abide" nine times in the first ten verses of chapter 15. We must stay connected to Jesus and only then will we bear fruit as a result of that connection. Remember, a branch cannot bear fruit by itself.

We remain connected to Jesus Christ by living a life of submissive faith to Him. We are saved by that faith. By staying connected to Jesus, his life-giving force flows through us and He bears fruit in our lives. Our works are not our own, they are the natural result of being connected in genuine relationship to Christ. For this reason, Paul describes the characteristics of Christ within true disciples as "the fruit of the Spirit" and not the "fruit of our works" (Gal. 5:22-23). When we are in faithful relationship to Christ his spirit dwells within us--automatically bearing fruit in the life of the true believer. It is in this sense that James could say that we are saved by works (cf. James 2:24) because the fruit of Christ's Spirit dwelling in our lives demonstrates that we have a living faith (not a dead faith) within us. The fruit hanging on the vine branch shows that the branch is connected to the vine.

I Love an Active Church!

I love a church building that is full of activity! Don't get me wrong, Christians can be (and should be) active in ministry apart from any church building. However, I think it is an exciting thing to see people constantly coming in and out of a church building all week long, aside from the scheduled worship times. A constantly used church building often is a sign of a constantly ministering and continually working community of believers.

Christians are commanded to assemble together and to be engaged in the work of the ministry (Heb. 10:25; Eph. 4:12). A church building is a helpful tool to serve as a central location where the church can all assemble together and as a launching dock for ministry into the world. I do not believe in church buildings being holy sanctuaries that are only used as a "hallowed" spot for worship. I believe that Christians should stop building "sanctuaries" and should start building "ministry centers." Many congregations are beginning to move in this direction. I know of several congregations who have wisely built a single large multipurpose space that is used for worship, fellowship activities, and ministry outreach. I think this is a wise use of a church's funds and demonstrates a more outward focus to the work of the local church.

Over the past few weeks, our church building has been bustling with activity. Some have met here to car-pool to Disaster Relief for volunteer work. I hear the sound of hammers as our new fellowship hall is being renovated. The decoration committee has been working like busy bees this week ordering light fixtures and making last minute plans for the kitchen in the new fellowship hall. Men have been working this week to more effectively reorient our PowerPoint system and have begun installing a new audio system. Women have been meeting here for a Ladies Bible Class for women and led by women. Other servant women have been working on preparing classrooms and building material for teaching classes. One wonderful woman has been sprucing up our nursery downstairs.

It is exciting to see so much activity in the building! Even more exciting is the spirit I see in disciples who are working for the Lord in this place. I see people working because they love the Lord and are thankful for his grace. Christians are to work for God voluntarily not because they feel compelled to do so (cf. 1 Peter 5:2). At Spring Hill, I see people who want to be involved, not people who are given a "guilt trip" to be involved. Thank you for your willing spirit to serve the kingdom of our Lord. Your work does not go unnoticed. I love an active church, with a willing spirit!

Pulling Away from God

Human beings seem to innately know that sinfulness and God's presence don't mix. When Adam and Eve rebelled against God's command, they instinctively attempted to hide themselves from His presence (Gen. 3:8). Satan tries to keep us away from God and sometimes he uses our own sense of guilt to accomplish this.

When Simon Peter was overwhelmed at the miraculous catch of fish orchestrated by Jesus he said, "go away from me Lord, for I am a sinful man" (Luke 5:8). This week while studying some material on evangelism, the author I was reading made the point that Simon was convicted by his own sinful nature and he tried to pull away from Jesus. That is exactly what he did. When we become aware of our own sinfulness it makes us want to pull away from God, away from the church, and away from fellow believers. This is Satan's work. Satan's desire is to keep us sin-sick, guilt-ridden, and away from spiritual healing. Satan whispers in our ears, "they will be shocked at what you have done," "God won't accept you back this time," "keep it quiet and the guilt will soon go away." All of these are the devil's lies. Only the Light of God's presence can destroy the darkness of sin and its slavery over us. Jesus provides the only healing for spiritual sickness.

Sin is shameful. Sin is embarrassing. But sin is also Satan's tool of spiritual manipulation. Guilt is used by God for good to bring us to repentance and spiritual healing. But Satan can also use our guilt. He makes us want to hide from God and cover up our sin. If you feel like pulling away from God because of your sinfulness, you must resist this temptation from Satan. Jesus provides healing. The only way to destroy sin in your life and find healing to spiritual sickness is to "confess your sins one to another and pray for one another that you might be healed" (James 5:16). Jesus, the great spiritual physician, can heal all diseases and bind up all your wounds.

"Christian" or Disciple?

Followers of Jesus Christ are only called "Christians" three times in all of the New Testament (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). Far more common is the designation "disciple." This word is used more than any other term to describe Jesus' followers (used well over 200 times).

Today the term "Christian" has come to mean almost anything. People who make no attempt to mimic Jesus in their life will often claim that they are "Christians." Most all adherents to the many splintered denominational groups call themselves "Christians." Some claim that America is a "Christian" nation. In America today the term Christian has become a generic label of a general religious affiliation. Just because someone calls himself "Christian" today really says nothing about his manner of life.

Perhaps true followers of Christ should speak in terms of being a disciple. The term disciple literally means "a learner, a pupil." A disciple is one who follows the instructions of a teacher. A true disciple of Jesus Christ is one who follows the teachings of the Master Teacher. To follow the teachings as a disciple involves more than knowing facts, it means to mimic the life of Jesus and embody his teachings.

In the words of Jesus...

"If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine" (John 8:31)

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35).

"My Father is glorified by this: that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples" (John 15:8).

Do I just claim to be a "Christian" or am I truly a "disciple of Jesus Christ?"