tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post1090398090357930708..comments2023-10-07T04:07:56.527-04:00Comments on The End Time: Do you "follow Jesus"? Or are you "saved by Jesus?"Elizabeth Pratahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-55470280146443603892014-07-15T10:39:13.595-04:002014-07-15T10:39:13.595-04:00Answers in Genesis was promoting that, so if it we...Answers in Genesis was promoting that, so if it were to catch on, grass roots style, it would have a connection to a conservative ministry and not easily be distorted by others, very quickly.Hakam Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10114741274619345717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-79089376322956618882014-07-14T20:43:45.907-04:002014-07-14T20:43:45.907-04:00Hi: when one writes a movie review at www.Christi...Hi: when one writes a movie review at www.Christiananswers.net (a site I'm grateful for, BTW... at least as far as movie reviews go...) you have to check which one you are ~ and I check "a follower of Christ" as I feel that best fits me (considering their given choices) ~ yet, I do understand what you all are saying.<br /><br />Personally, I'm not so sure I'd use the term, "born again Christian" as even catholics think THEY are born again (by infant sprinkling). So sorry, have trouble not rolling eyes on that'n.... but unless you explain every jot & tittle (and sometimes there's simply not time to...)<br /><br />Does anyone like the term, "a Biblical Christian"? Think I might start going with that one.Revanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-32609268771688874362014-07-14T10:16:20.357-04:002014-07-14T10:16:20.357-04:00Yes, it makes me cringe any time I hear that spoke...Yes, it makes me cringe any time I hear that spoken in casual conversation or on radio.<br /><br />Or "make Him Lord of your life," even, which is common, too, and I just heard today on a Focus on the Family broadcast. It suggests that the power of salvation lies with you. It's very Arminian, but subtle. Hakam Adamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10114741274619345717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-25361223714264767012014-07-14T08:40:27.189-04:002014-07-14T08:40:27.189-04:00That's good Carolyn. However, this essay isn&#...That's good Carolyn. However, this essay isn't an evidentiary essay. It is an essay warning about how language can be manipulated to skew perceptions.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-79451533615880527852014-07-14T08:37:37.774-04:002014-07-14T08:37:37.774-04:00"Sometimes the former is a clue to the latter..."Sometimes the former is a clue to the latter." ...And sometimes not. Many call themselves Christians, but by their fruits clearly are not. :)<br /><br />I personally favor Greg's choice - born again believer (or born again Christian). That's how I refer to myself, most times. I'm not personally too keen on the "Christ follower" label, but if genuine believers choose to use that phrase, that is their choice.<br /><br />But as others have noted, yes, sadly today the title "Christian" is thought of in a negative light - not because the cross offends (which it of course does) - but unfortunately because of many atrocities that have been done by people who claimed to be Christian, but again clearly by their actions were not, or because the name is used loosely by unregenerate religious people in a highly ecumenical manner.<br /><br />And to think, the world used to think of the title "Christian" as a pejorative. Now religious unbelievers prefer to use the title to be inclusive.<br /><br />That's why I tend to put far more weight on evidence of conversion.<br /><br />-CarolynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-72021982459475950942014-07-13T09:04:57.686-04:002014-07-13T09:04:57.686-04:00I concur with Elizabeth and the others whom were “...I concur with Elizabeth and the others whom were “bugged” on the issue but could not place their finger on it.<br />I do understand you too Taylor, but I think it wise to refrain from terms that are being reinvented.<br /><br />Many terms today are being reinvented not only in government, society, but more disturbing in the Church.<br />I believe that the staggering amount of evidence shows an ecumenical new age connection! I am not going to take the time to make a point by point documentation of such as it is indeed labor intensive, not to mention that though I do write because it comes with the territory as a saint, I am not too sound in the grammar and structure of writing!<br /><br />I knew a fellow that was well traveled that I met at a conservative SBC Baptist Church (so I thought at the time :>( , if anyone was a sweet spirit genuine Christian it surely must be him! We became close friends and was always discussing the things of the Lord God - praying together too! It was not until after ten years that I rather accidentally - humanly speaking, discovered that he denied the deity and trinity of Jesus Christ, as well as a few of his friends that I came to know! Looking back there were MANY subtle practices and things that I now would not only question, but run from! Lastly, he did not like being called a Christian, but preferred the title “follower of Jesus” ( I seriously wonder NOW, which Jesus?). BEWARE of all the MANY SUBTLE TRAPS - these demonic landmines!<br /><br />Rick<br />Metro AtlantaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-23537366049295310192014-07-13T03:45:41.469-04:002014-07-13T03:45:41.469-04:00Well said, Taylor_E. Elizabeth is right in that th...Well said, Taylor_E. Elizabeth is right in that the word "Christian" does have baggage, and some of that baggage is the cross of Christ itself. And does it offend? You betcha--more than anything else in history.<br /><br />But sadly the word "Christian" has another kind of baggage. Thanks to Satan's tireless efforts and the depravity of man, there are Jews who believe the Nazis were Christians...and, as I am fond of saying, the Nazis were about as Christian as the rats in the sewers of Krakow.<br /><br />And speaking of "loosely," there are apparently those who toss the word "Christian" around as if it meant something about as spiritually profound as liking Jesus on Facebook.<br /><br />I honestly can't blame sincere Christians for tending to reach for other descriptive words or phrases besides the word "Christian," so I'm not going to get 'em in a wad over it. Personally, I like "born-again believer."<br /><br />But I just can't get comfortable with "Christ-follower."Greghttp://www.alittlestrength.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-80847226863027814712014-07-12T22:45:56.155-04:002014-07-12T22:45:56.155-04:00I agree with you that the name “follower of Christ...I agree with you that the name “follower of Christ” makes one the subject of the name, which is misleading for a believer. You’ve given me something to think about in that. But I'd like to submit to you the possibility that the baggage "followers of Christ" are attempting to avoid by eschewing the name "Christian" might not be that of the cross and the offense it carries, but rather the offenses of people who take on that precious name without repentance and the indwelling Spirit of God which brings forth fruit in keeping with repentance. <br /><br />People who preempt the precious name “Christian” have done much damage in this world. A cursory glance at the comments these folks leave on websites and the ensuing ugliness they get into with “unbelievers” (put in quotes because they themselves are unbelievers) confirm the damage they continue to do. <br /><br />It is hard to approach an unbeliever online carrying that baggage. However, perhaps I will start referring to myself as a “sinner saved by grace.” There’s no mistaking that message.<br />Grace to Youhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02762614330823622639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-79619651438323421932014-07-12T21:45:32.027-04:002014-07-12T21:45:32.027-04:00Personally I think people use it to distinguish th...Personally I think people use it to distinguish themselves from "Christian" which is used quite loosely nowadays. I keep on explaining to my Chinese friend that Catholic are different to Protestant Christians and he keeps saying they are all the same since Catholics are also considered Christians. Christ follower does not bother me and I would personally use it because The Lord knows my heart and he knows what I mean if and when I say it.<br /><br />In Christ <br />TaylorTaylor_Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746576676432374332noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-24237943360921479512014-07-12T20:41:50.510-04:002014-07-12T20:41:50.510-04:00Yes. It has bugged me too, and I wasn't quite ...Yes. It has bugged me too, and I wasn't quite sure why.<br /><br />Now I know.<br /><br />Even though I know there are sincere born-again believers who sometimes use this phrase, it still just doesn't sit right.<br /><br />You hit on the one thing that I think bugs me the most: If you are a "follower of Jesus," it seems to bring Christianity down to the same level as every other man-made religion on earth. It takes the emphasis away from what He did and puts it on what we do, and voila.<br /><br />"We are the world..."Greghttp://www.alittlestrength.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-59983098763339823342014-07-12T20:21:13.292-04:002014-07-12T20:21:13.292-04:00" irrespective of how one identifies oneself,..." irrespective of how one identifies oneself, I am more concerned about seeing genuine evidence of the person being born again."<br /><br />Sometimes the former is a clue to the latter.Elizabeth Pratahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341086233512507156noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-8969495823797214592014-07-12T20:12:32.378-04:002014-07-12T20:12:32.378-04:00While I appreciate your concern for identifying tr...While I appreciate your concern for identifying true believers, irrespective of how one identifies oneself, I am more concerned about seeing genuine evidence of the person being born again.<br /><br />"Followers of Christ"<br />Mark 9:41NAS "For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.<br /><br />"Accept" being used with respect to Christ and the Gospel:<br />Mark 4:20NAS "And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil; and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."<br /><br />John 13:20NIV I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me."<br /><br />-CarolynAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-62905869636003169642014-07-12T18:43:26.724-04:002014-07-12T18:43:26.724-04:00That one doesn't bother me so much as "I ...That one doesn't bother me so much as "I accepted Jesus", as if he has passed your test and you have found Him acceptable.bubhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02069037989701356678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2736720231951988221.post-56426870417726334812014-07-12T15:50:38.881-04:002014-07-12T15:50:38.881-04:00Excellent post Elizabeth. I too have been bothered...Excellent post Elizabeth. I too have been bothered by that phrase "I follow Jesus" put couldn't quite put my finger on why. You have spelled it out perfectly. KemBlankhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09061360792746708898noreply@blogger.com