By Bill Brandstatter Many in society
today have a problem with anything or anybody that claims there is only one of
something. Exclusive clubs or organizations that only let certain people in as
members are seen as wrong. When it comes to Christianity, however, the Bible
speaks of only certain people being Christians or being part of the Lord’s
Church. The Bible makes Christians only and the only Christians. Christians Follow
Christ. To be a Christian a person must follow Christ. To follow Christ means
more than just recognizing Him. Jesus clarifies this by stating, “I am the
light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the
light of light.” (John 8:12 NKJV). When he was choosing his disciples, His
message was “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Mt. 4:19). We must
follow His life, His teachings, and His commands. Those that do so are
Christians. Christians Forsake
the World. Jesus told his followers they had to forsake even the closest
relationships to follow Him. Jesus explains this in Luke 14:33- “So likewise,
whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.” This
included family (Mt. 10:34-36). All disciples are
followers of Jesus, but not all followers are disciples. The disciples were
learners. They wanted to be like the master. (Mt. 10:25). Individuals who want
to be Christians are to be disciples as well (Mt. 28:18-20). Christians Follow
the New Testament. The word “follow” can mean: “adheres to.” Christians use the
New Testament to equip them for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16, 17). Christians
use the New Testament because the Old Testament is obsolete (Heb. 8:13).
Whatever the New Testament teaches about becoming a Christian is what needs to
be done today also. The Old Testament was inspired and serves a valuable
purpose (Rom. 15:4). But Jesus shed His blood to establish the New Testament
(Mt. 26:28) Christians
forewarn others. Christians are to inform others. Those in the early church
went “everywhere preaching the word.” (Acts 8:1-4). Peter tells his readers
they are “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood holy nation, His own special
people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness
and into His marvelous light.” (1 Pet 2:9 NKJV). Notice Christians were to
“proclaim the praises of Him.” Christians should be actively involved in
telling others about Christ, His church, and the Judgment to come. Are you a
Christian who has followed forsaken and forewarned? Are you willing to do so if
you have not already?
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