Ok, I don’t do this often, but I feel like ranting. The past few days I have had a number of conversations with Christians that have all said one thing. “I don’t really follow Christ.”
I am so tired of Christians finding their identity in their denomination. That even applies to those of us who claim to be “non-denominational.” I am tired of Christians defining themselves by a doctrine. I am tired of Christians putting God’s plan for His people in box marked “tradition” or “creed.” For that matter I am also tired of the name “Christian” being used to describe a water-downed version of what the Bible shows real followers of Christ to be.
Let’s put our identity in the King of Kings. Let’s define ourselves by His way of life. Let’s unleash the restrictions we place on His ability to do amazing things through us. Let’s start being everything that Jesus call us to be.
Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it…” Matthew 16: 24-25
Decide today if you are going to be a fan or a follower.
You want to see how the first real followers responded. Read Acts 2… or better yet the whole book of Acts.
Peter’s words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” Peter replied, “Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Acts 2:37-47
If you are looking for further study on this topic, in addition to the bible, I recommend, not a fan. by Kyle Idleman
