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Scripture does not give us the authority to invent our own definitions of
these words. So this group of studies looks at the definitions the way
the Bible gives them. Though the different articles look at the data
from different "directions," the conclusions are always the same, for
Scripture is quite clear in this matter. The only requirement is that we
be willing to accept what Scripture says, the way Scripture says it.
This
section includes a look at both what a disciple believes, as well as what he
does. It looks at the impact that Jesus has on both the mind
(thoughts, heart, values, etc.) and the actions of a person, when that
person becomes truly "saved."
Merely having the correct definitions of these words does not guarantee
that a person is a follower of Jesus. (See the other sections related to
becoming a disciple and living as a disciple.) Note also that a
false definition of
"Christian" tends to go along with a false definition of "church."
(See the "Disciples & the Word 'CHURCH' " section for this issue.)
What it means
to be a "Christian" |
The word "Christian" occurs only three times
in the New Testament. Here we look at these three passages, and see
that the Bible does not use the word
"Christian" the way most people use it today. |
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Being a
Disciple - Something "Extreme" |
This title is written from the perspective of someone
who isn't a disciple. Such a person would consider the radical changes that occur
in a disciple's life to be a bit too "radical" or
"fanatical" for him. On the other hand, for the disciple,
it's the way of life he's learned from his Master, Jesus Christ. To
him, it's "extreme" only in the sense that being a follower
of Jesus impacts all of life. [This outline is a compilation that
includes most or all of the New Testament passages that contain the
word "disciple," and which also have a context that describes the characteristics of one.] |
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The Adventure
of Following Jesus - The Way of the Disciple |
Though the world may view following Jesus as
"extreme" (see the above article), the disciple will call
it an "adventure." This is a series of four articles (or
"lessons"): (1) what a disciple is, (2) how a disciple
lives, (3) the disciple as a "hero," and (4) you must
decide if you want to become a disciple. These lessons are rather long
and are perhaps
best if used as the "notes" or "study guide" for a series of
talks or discussions.
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Christianity
- a Life-Changing Friendship |
The "Christianity" of the Bible is not
a religion; it's a relationship. It's a friendship with God himself.
Once we become friends with God, we will want to become
"religious" - but our definition of "religion"
will be radically changed from what it had been. |
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The Bible says...
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known.
But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.
Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:2-3)
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