Over the almost 2,000 years since it was first used,
the word "Christian" has taken on many meanings.
And, as it has done so, the word has become almost
meaningless--to the point that many today who call
themselves "Christian" would not be recognized
as such by the founder of true Christianity,
Himself, Jesus Christ.
What about you and me?
When Jesus looks at us, does He see someone who claims
His name but isn't actually following Him like a disciple?
If you have the courage to ask yourself this question--
and the integrity and humility to answer it--
it has the potential to completely change your life.
Join us for this episode of Tomorrow's World and consider
the question, "Would Jesus Call You a Christian?"
♪
A warm welcome from all of us here at the Tomorrow's World
studio and from our sponsor, the Living Church of God.
Our goal is to help you make sense your world through
the pages of the Bible.
And today's question has the potential to change your world
forever--and for the better-- if you're willing to embrace the
truth of your Bible over common, convenient, and popular lies.
We'll also give you an opportunity to request,
with no strings attached, our free study resource,
What Is a True Christian?
to help you dive even more deeply into today's topic.
You can request it at any moment on today's program
using the information we'll display on the screen.
Our question today is whether Jesus would recognize you as
a Christian--or, even, would He recognize me, for that matter.
And, before we jump into answering that question,
I should warn you: some of the points we're going to
discuss today might make many of you uncomfortable--
maybe even angry.
They made me uncomfortable and angry the first time
I heard them.
The sort of truths that move us forward in life
and in our relationship with God often do.
But I hope you'll stick with me for the whole program
and hear me out.
It might take some courage on your part, but seeing
the Bible's own answer to this question may very well
be the most important thing you've ever done in your life.
At the heart of our discussion today is the word "Christian."
It's an interesting word-- a simple word that seems
like it should be obvious in meaning, and yet a word
that is the source of so much confusion today.
The Bible itself reports on the first time it was
ever used in history.
We see this in the book of Acts, in chapter 11.
This was early enough in the Church's existence that the
Apostle Paul wasn't even an apostle yet--and he still went
by the name of "Saul"...
"Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul.
And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.
So it was that for a whole year they assembled with
the church and taught a great many people.
And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."
Now, we see here that there were disciples of Jesus Christ
in Antioch, and they numbered enough that people began
calling them "Christians"-- identifying them as disciples
of someone named "Christ."
Now, some have speculated that the name "Christian"
might even have originally been meant as an insult.
But whether it was intended as an insult or not,
the early followers of Jesus seem to have accepted it.
In chapter 4 of Peter's first letter, the Apostle uses the
word to encourage his brothers and sisters in the faith who
were being persecuted...
"Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not
be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter."
In the New Testament letters, we see the disciples
referring to each other as "brothers" and "sisters."
But in contrast with the world, the word "Christian" helped
to identify them as those who believe in, follow, and obey
the teachings of Jesus Christ.
However, that was a long time ago.
And things have changed a great deal since then.
Of the two billion people on earth claiming to be a
"Christian," there are a maddening number of
different doctrines, different practices,
different traditions, different beliefs about creation,
different understandings of prophecy, different beliefs
about the afterlife, different beliefs about what God is like
and the purpose of man--even different understandings
of who and what Jesus Christ really was.
The list goes on and on.
Frankly, as the executive editor of the Tomorrow's World
magazine, I've seen how the word "Christian" is a real challenge.
It's come to mean so many different things that the word
is a source of confusion.
When we say the word "Christian," many of our
hundreds of thousands of subscribers think different
things--just like our hundreds of thousands of viewers do.
Now, let's get down to the basics and frame today's
question this way:
If a true Christian is a disciple and follower
of Jesus Christ, then what does that mean?
How can we know whether Jesus would recognize us
as one of His disciples?
And if He wouldn't, how do we need to change?
We'll begin tackling that question in our next segment.
But I need to be upfront with you: the topic is a big one--
definitely bigger than we can completely answer in
one television program.
Yet it is also one of the most important and
life-changing questions you can possibly ask yourself.
That's why are offering you today's free resource,
What Is a True Christian?
This short, easy-to-read free booklet will allow you
to explore this question at your own pace--and will lead
you patiently through the Scriptures so that you can
see the answer for yourself.
If you want a deeper and more profound walk with God, then
you need to understand what it means to be a true Christian.
Just call, write, or click right now to get your free copy,
and I'll be right back with a deceptively simple start
to our investigation.
Don't go away.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will
help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time,
you will also receive a free annual subscription to
Tomorrow's World magazine.
Six inspiring issues discussing news, science,
and modern culture will help you make sense of
your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world
who are turning to Tomorrow's World for
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Call now!
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♪
Welcome back.
We've talked about being willing to ask ourselves whether or not
Jesus could consider us one of His disciples, but how do we
go about answering the question?
The best thing you could do is to request today's free offer,
What Is a True Christian?
But until then, we'll cover five key points about being
a real disciple of Jesus Christ that most do not understand.
The first point might seem like the most obvious,
but don't be fooled:
A disciple of Jesus believes in and follows
the real Jesus Christ.
Now, that might prompt you to think,
"Well excellent, that's me.
I believe in Jesus."
But the Bible would push back on that conclusion and ask you:
"Which 'Jesus' do you believe in?"
Because many believe in a "Jesus Christ," but it is
not the real Jesus Christ.
Don't take my word for it-- take the Apostle Paul's.
In his second letter to the Corinthians and chapter 11,
Paul discusses this very real possibility...
"But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve
by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the
simplicity that is in Christ.
For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not
preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you
have not received, or a different gospel which you
have not accepted--you may well put up with it!"
Yes, "another Jesus."
Jesus Himself warned His disciples that,
right after His resurrection, "many [would] come in [His]
name," proclaiming Him as Christ, yet they would be false
teachers who "deceive many."
And they did.
Even in the first century, writers of the Bible were
warning their readers to "contend earnestly for the
faith which was once for all delivered to the saints."
While so-called "Christianity" is the largest religion on the
planet, Jesus says that His true disciples would make up
a "little flock" on the earth.
In fact, after someone asks Jesus if many or few would
truly follow Him, He answers with a warning that we should
all take seriously...
"Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many,
I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
When once the Master of the house has risen up and
shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and
knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open for us,'
and He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know you,
where you are from,' then you will begin to say,
'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught
in our streets.'
But He will say, 'I tell you I do not know you,
where you are from.
Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.'"
Jesus is warning us not to take for granted that
He even knows who we are.
Many think they know Jesus Christ, but the "Jesus" they
are following is, in Paul's words, "another Jesus."
So, how do we know we're following the real Jesus?
Our next points will give us some clarity.
For instance:
A disciple of Jesus repents of sin.
You know, "Just as I Am" is one of the most popular
Christian hymns in history.
And yet, it is also a lie.
One of the very first steps one takes to become a disciple
of Jesus Christ is to repent of one's sins--to turn away
from disobeying God and to begin obeying Him.
Again, don't take my word for it--take Jesus'.
Mark 1 records the beginning of His earthly ministry.
Let's see it there for ourselves...
"Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee,
preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying,
'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.
Repent, and believe in the gospel.'"
Repentance and turning from sin is fundamental to being a
true disciple of Jesus Christ.
So much so that the need to repent was emphasized
in the very first sermon of the Church Jesus founded.
We read of that in Acts 2.
There, we see that after being convicted by Peter's sermon
of their guilt in the death of the Messiah, the people
are moved to take action...
"Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart,
and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles,
'Men and brethren, what shall we do?'
Then Peter said to them,
'Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the
name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you
shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
Now, I've heard some so-called Christian preachers say that
"repentance" was only for the Jews, and never a requirement
made of the non-Jewish Gentiles.
Well, let's just say that those preachers must have
purchased a defective Bible, because such claims are
deceptive hogwash.
For instance, look at Paul's statement to King Agrippa in
Acts 26, verses 19 and 20...
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to
the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in
Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of
Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent,
turn to God, and do works befitting repentance."
In fact, in Athens, Paul told the assembled Greeks
that God "now commands all men everywhere to repent."
Far from saying we come to Christ like the old hymn says,
"just as we are," being a disciple requires repenting
of our sins--a necessity for anyone to be a true
follower of Christ.
But what does that mean?
"Repenting of sin"?
Most don't know, and we'll examine that
in our next segment.
But first let me take a very short break to give
you the chance to request today's free offer,
What Is a True Christian?
Many call themselves "Christian" but have no real
idea what being a disciple of Jesus Christ actually means.
These 30 pages of easy-to-read material will help you see
the Bible's own answer to that question and open the door
to a closer walk with God than you've ever imagined.
Order your copy today, and I'll be right back
to explain the simple definition of sin that
virtually no one understands.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will
help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time,
you will also receive a free annual subscription to
Tomorrow's World magazine.
Six inspiring issues discussing news, science,
and modern culture will help you make sense of
your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world
who are turning to Tomorrow's World for
truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times.
Call now!
Or go to...
♪
Before the break we mentioned that true disciples of Jesus
repent of sin.
But what does that really mean?
Most people don't understand the most basic definition of sin--
even though it is right there in the Bible under their noses.
Let's look at it in 1 John 3 and verse 4.
In the New King James Version, we read this...
"Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness,
and sin is lawlessness."
Now the meaning is even plainer in the old King James Version...
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law:
for sin is the transgression of the law."
That brings us to the next point about being a true
disciple of Jesus Christ:
A real disciple keeps God's commandments.
Many so-called Christian teachers will tell you just
the opposite--claiming that God's law and commandments are
not required of Christians.
But if you want to be a true follower of Jesus Christ,
ignore them and listen to Jesus.
In Matthew 19, we read of a rich young man who came to Jesus
and asked Him what he needed to do to have eternal life.
Jesus' answer was simple:
"...if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."
The young man asked Him which ones, and Jesus listed
several of the Ten Commandments.
Now many like to cast commandment-keeping and
obedience as if it's somehow foreign to Christianity,
claiming that you need only to believe--and cherry-picking
verses here or there to prop up their ideas.
But all such arguments always fail when the whole
of God's word is taken together.
For instance, how important did Jesus think obedience is?
Let's read it ourselves in Matthew 7:21-23...
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter
the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will
of My Father in heaven.
Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord,
have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons
in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?'
And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;
depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'"
Now notice that: those who profess Christ's name and
even work wonders in His name-- if they practice lawlessness
and will not obey God's law-- are told by Jesus Christ Himself
that He does not know them.
If even Jesus Himself does not recognize us as one of His
followers, how does the word "Christian" apply to us?
John, the last of the Twelve Apostles, understood this.
Let's look in 1 John, which he wrote near the
close of the first century.
Now John is often called the "Apostle of Love" because of
his great emphasis on the need for Christians to love others.
But He could also just as well be called the Apostle of Law
because He also emphasized obedience to God's commands.
Again, don't just take my word for it, let's look--here in
1 John 2, in verses 3 and 4...
"Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep
His commandments.
He who says, 'I know Him,' and does not keep His
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him."
My friends, read that in your own Bible as many times as
you need to in order to take it in and believe it.
If we believe that we know Jesus and are His followers,
and yet we do not seek to keep the commandments, then the
Apostle John, the Apostle of Love, says we are liars.
And those who say we do not need to keep the commandments to be
Christians are liars, as well-- lying in ignorance, perhaps,
but lying all the same.
That lie is rooted in the doctrines and traditions of men,
who have warped the truth of God for almost two millennia.
And understanding that leads us to our next point
about true disciples:
A disciple of Jesus believes the Bible over
Traditions of Men.
Many so-called Christian organizations will pay
lip service to God's word, but in practice they put
their own human traditions and council decisions above
Scripture time and time again.
They do not keep the biblical festivals, like Jesus,
His apostles, and the first-century Church did.
They keep holidays intermingled with pagan symbols and
practices, which God condemns in multiple places in His word.
They do not keep the seventh-day Sabbath--the only weekday set
apart in Scripture for rest and worship, often choosing instead
Sunday--a day taken from pagan worship practices and enforced
by Roman decree, long after the Apostles' deaths.
Yes, there is real human, organized, and ordained
authority in the real Church Jesus founded,
which persists today.
Many passages make this plain.
Christianity is not a "lone wolf" religion,
in which everyone interprets the Bible based on his own,
individual ideas.
But did Jesus ever think human beings could overrule the Bible
with their own traditions?
We see His own answer in Mark 7.
There, talking to the Pharisees, who had used their legitimate
authority to make God's word of no real effect
through their traditions, Jesus had harsh words...
He answered and said to them, "Well did Isaiah prophesy
of you hypocrites, as it is written:
'This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart
is far from Me.
And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the
commandments of men.'"
In verse 9, He continues His condemnation...
He said to them, "All too well you reject
the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition."
No, Jesus is not interested in all the fancy arguments and
theological traditions that various denominations use to
justify their commandment- breaking idols in their
cathedrals, Sunday meetings instead of observing the
biblical Sabbath, and pagan- tainted holidays instead of
biblically commanded holy days.
For the disciple of Jesus Christ, God's word is
just that: God's word.
And it outranks any traditions that effectively contradict
it and make it of no effect.
Before we conclude with our vital last point,
let me give you just one more brief opportunity to request
today's free offer, What Is a True Christian?
By some measures, there are more than 400 different and competing
sects and denominations calling themselves "Christian."
Yet the Bible says that "God is not the author of confusion."
The fact is that Jesus Christ would not recognize the vast
majority of these religious groups claiming His name.
Understanding what it means to truly be a disciple of
Christ opens the door to a deeper and richer walk with
your Creator and your Savior than you can imagine.
Request your free copy today, and I'll be right back to
explain what Jesus says makes it impossible for
some to be His disciples.
You need to know.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
This clear and straight- forward resource will
help you understand this vital truth--
straight from the pages of the Bible.
If you're calling for the first time,
you will also receive a free annual subscription to
Tomorrow's World magazine.
Six inspiring issues discussing news, science,
and modern culture will help you make sense of
your world from a biblical perspective.
Call today and join millions around the world
who are turning to Tomorrow's World for
truth, prophecy, and hope in these confusing times.
Call now!
Or go to...
♪
So far, we've looked at four points that help answer the
question of whether a person is a true disciple of Jesus
Christ or not.
This topic is far too important for you to stop
with today's program.
I do hope you'll get your own copy of today's offer,
What Is a True Christian?
which not only goes into detail about today's biblical points,
but so much more.
You really do need the time to sit with your Bible and
see the truth for yourself.
The last point we'll discuss today is this--
and it's a big one:
A disciple of Jesus yields his or her whole life to Christ.
Now this might seem like something obvious.
But it's far from clear to most who call themselves Christian.
This requirement of Jesus' disciples is probably best
explained by Jesus Himself--like most of our points have been.
We read His description of it in Luke 14.
We don't have much time, but let's look at portions
of that passage together.
We can start in verse 26...
"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and
mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes,
and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."
Now, don't misunderstand.
Jesus isn't saying you must truly hate your family.
If so, He'd be contradicting Himself, because He also says
to love each other and to keep the commandment to honor
your father and mother.
Rather, He is speaking of loving Him more than them.
He must come first in the lives of His disciples--before their
own parents, siblings, spouses, or children--yes, even before
their own lives.
Now note His words there.
He doesn't just say this priority is a "good idea."
He literally says that those who will not put Him first above
all "cannot be [His] disciple."
That means that if following Jesus, repenting of our sins,
and beginning to obey God's commandments and living
according to the Bible means going against the
wishes of our family, then that's what we do.
Even if it costs us our lives, Jesus expects us to do just
that, to give up our lives.
As He says towards the end of this passage...
"So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake
all that he has cannot be My disciple."
Those are powerful words, not to be taken lightly.
"All that [we have]" literally means all that we have.
Our work and business connections, our personal
or political preferences, our hobbies and pastimes...
all that we have must be laid at Christ's feet and seen
as tools for His purposes-- sacrifices we are willing
to make for the sake of His Kingdom and His righteousness.
Now, the good news is that, in many ways, the reward for
doing so is often immediate.
For instance, it's remarkable how much better and happier
a marriage can be when both husband and wife put Jesus
Christ truly first in their lives, even over each other.
Yet, I would be lying if I didn't say that a commitment to
Christ never entails, instead, the sacrifice of these things.
Yet being willing to go further than comforting-but-ultimately
confusing labels like "Christian" and striving for
the reality and commitment of true discipleship under
Jesus Christ makes available rewards so much more profound
than anything we would ever have to give up in this life:
A real and living relationship with our Creator and our Savior.
The forgiveness of sins and the gift of God's indwelling Spirit.
The power of divine purpose as we seek membership in the
Family of God.
And the hope of unending glory, love, and joy, with our Father,
the Son of God, and our fellow disciples, as we enter eternity
at the return of Christ.
Don't take your discipleship for granted.
We've helped you begin the process of self-discovery,
but you owe it to yourself to get today's free offer,
What Is a True Christian?
and to look deeper.
And, I hope you'll do just that.
And I hope you'll come back next week.
When you do, Gerald Weston, Rod McNair, and I will be
right here waiting for you, ready to share the teachings
of Jesus Christ, the Good News of His return and the coming
Kingdom of God, and the prophetic end-time warnings
this world needs to hear.
Until then, take care.
♪
For today's free offer call...
Or go to...
♪
The preceding program is produced by the
Living Church of God.