Follower of Jesus

This morning, with the bad weather, we did not meet in person at the Beacon, but instead meet over video and phone for a time of prayer… However, the Holy Spirit moved, and this time of prayer evolved into a glimpse into Men’s Bible Study.

Ron told us about an encounter that rocked him. He spoke with a friend of his who he knew was born again (in Christ). He said he was a Christian. His friend said he doesn’t call himself a Christian. He calls himself a “Follower of Jesus.” The group then began reading scripture and discussing this very notion.

You see, the word, “Christian,” has become muddied over time. It has evolved, and not for the better.

During the time of the early church, those who were persecuting Christ’s followers would not even dare use the name, “Christian,” as they did not believe Jesus WAS the Christ.

In the beginning of Christianity, the name, “Christian,” was feared and revered.

Over the centuries, the enemy has used man to muddy the name. Between efforts like the crusades, or the perversion allowed by the “modern” church, the enemy has lessened the impact and power of the name, “Christian,” by really removing CHRIST from what it stands on.

The bar for today’s, “Christian,” has been set low. But, we can’t let the attacks of the enemy on this precious name take away from what it has meant to accomplish for the past (nearly) 2,000 years.

So, when someone asks you if you are a Christian, maybe consider one of these answers:

• I am a Follower of Jesus

• I am a FOJ (for those who love acronyms)

• I am a Jesusian (which technically also means follower of Jesus but is really hard to say because it is such a tongue twister… so maybe one of the first two options is better…)

Heavenly Father,
Help the world see a rise in Followers of Jesus that will bring back the sanctity to the meaning of the name, “Christian.”
Let us be bold to proclaim we are YOUR followers when others ask us about our faith. Let us be strong and brave for You and Your Holy Word.
Help us live lives that reflect our walk with You.
In Jesus’ name, for whom we follow, we pray.
Amen!

My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father — Jesus Christ the righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice, for our sins, and not only for ours, but also for those of the whole world. This is how we know that we know Him: if we keep His commands. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and yet doesn’t keep His commands, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly in Him the love of God is made complete. This is how we know we are in Him: He who says He abides in him ought himself also to walk just as He walked. ~ 1 John 2:1-6