Why I Am a Christian and Not A Christ Follower

Why I Am a Christian and Not A Christ Follower

One of the zingers frequently said is

something like “I am down with Jesus and not with his friends.”

And there is the undocumented Gandhi quote about how he “almost”

became a Christian except he blames Christians. (a probable made up quote 

since Gandhi was a Hindu he could have added Jesus on to their pile of gods.)

Robert Schuller was big on dropping “Christian” from his vocabulary over a decade ago.

“Christ follower” was his new handle.

Religion does like fads.

Christ follower is what can also describe Mormons, Jehovah Witness,

New-agers and plenty of folks.

This does not sound like the redeemed church that the divine Jesus Christ

 said He would die for in Luke 19:10 “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

The word tradition is often lessened by fads like a tradition of wearing

Your lucky T-shirt to a football game with out washing it.

Tradition is a pretty good reason for those “Born again” to call themselves Christians.

Try 2,000 years worth of tradition.

Paul and Barnabas liked the title.

Acts 11:26 New International Version (NIV)

26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

Peter viewed the title Christian as a badge of honor.

1 Peter 4:15-16  (NIV)

15 If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. 16 However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

 What did Jesus think about His friends those put down Christians?

Everything.

Acts 20:28

28 Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.