While on vacation the past two weeks we have been doing a Bible study together as a family. We have watched the videos in the van as we are traveling and at a family member's home while staying with them. The study is "Christian" by Andy Stanley. You can find the 8 messages on his ministry website, www.yourmove.org. It has been a very challenging study. Let me ask you a question. Are you a disciple/follower of Jesus or just a Christian? Christian is a term that is never defined in the Bible. Jesus never called His followers by that name and the early church never referred to themselves as Christians. Jesus called them disciples and they called each other disciples. The disciples were called Christians first by other people in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) The term disciple though is very well defined and described in the Bible. They followed a Rabbi/Master and imitated him. Their goal was to be just like him. Are you being a disciple of Jesus or are you just saying you believe in Him and you are going to heaven? The Bible says that Satan believes in God. If you say you believe in God and are a Christ follower, but are not striving to be just like Jesus then you are not a disciple. Jesus commanded his disciples and us in Matthew 28:19-20 to go into all the world and make disciples and He commanded them also to love one another as He loved us. This is not about earning your salvation through works, but about working for Him through faith and showing the same love He has shown us to others so they will do the same. Our beliefs about Jesus are important, but our actions are what draws others to Him. They see Jesus in us and want the same thing in their lives. Our beliefs may change a few people, but our beliefs in action will change the world. What legacy do you want to leave on this world? One that believed in God or one that changed the world because you believed God? Let's try to be disciples of Christ and not just Christians! Check out the messages from Andy Stanley and see what love requires of you. Jesus said they will know you are my disciples by your love.
Tomorrow we are going to start the study, "Wonderstruck" produced by Lifeway. It is set in the Colorado mountains where we just left. Then we get to hear our former pastor bring God's Word on Sunday at Trinity Baptist Church in Idabel, OK. If you want to good reading about the Bible and different subjects for growing Christians check out his blog, http://pastormahlon.blogspot.com.
Check back here later, as I am going to try to post more often!
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