ARE YOU A DISCIPLE?

Friday

 

Good morning!

The question from the Barna Group from yesterday was this:

Christians: More Like Jesus or Pharisees?

"The findings reveal that most self-identified Christians in the U.S. are characterized by having the attitudes and actions researchers identified as Pharisaical. Just over half of the nation’s Christians—using the broadest definition of those who call themselves Christians—qualify for this category (51%). They tend to have attitudes and actions that are characterized by self-righteousness."

"On the other end of the spectrum, 14% of today’s self-identified Christians—just one out of every seven Christians—seem to represent the actions and attitudes Barna researchers found to be consistent with those of Jesus."

"In the middle are those who have some mix of action and attitude. About one-fifth of Christians are Christ-like in attitude, but often represent Pharisaical actions (21%). Another 14% of respondents tend to be defined as Christ-like in action, but seem to be motivated by self-righteous or hypocritical attitudes."

“In the research for that book project, our team discovered that 84% of young non-Christians say they know a Christian personally, yet only 15% say the lifestyles of those believers are noticeably different in a good way. This new study helps to explain that gap. It is not surprising that believers miss the mark in terms of representing Jesus, because transformation in Christ is so difficult and so rare. In particular, evangelicals seem to know the right way to behave, but they often admit to harboring sanctimonious motives."

Now I am telling you all this to say that we are not perfect people. We need the help of God to learn to live more like Jesus Christ. I want to be more like Christ. I want to be a follower of Jesus in  doing what He wants and that is doing the Great Commission.

"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Matthew 28:18-20 

That is what each of us are to do. We are to go and make disciples, baptize them, teach them to obey. This is our job. It is not the pastors job. It is all of our job. 

I can't wait. I want to be a true meat eater (knowing God and learning and doing His Word) not a milk drinker (not really knowing God with my heart and not learning and doing). That is a short simple way to explain that. 

Tomorrow we will talk about what disciple means. I hope you want to be a true follower of Jesus. That is what Christianity is all about. It certainly doesn't mean we are perfect or better than anyone else. It just means that we are truly attempting to be a true disciple of Jesus.

Think about it. 

Have a tremendous day!

Les (lesbear)