Should I even call myself a Christian?

[ChristianGirlLivingLife]

I have considered myself a Christian practically all my life. I have had my faults and have had moments in my life where I've really felt God. Recently, I've been doing these bible studies with a close friend and mentor of mine. She is a bit more conservative and has more wisdom than me. She says that I cannot call myself a Christian until I commit fully to Christ. She reassured me that many people will consider themselves Christians, but not Disciples of Christ, even though it is the same context. She even said that the term "Christian" was considered being an insult at first (Look at Acts 11:26). The word Christian is only mentioned in the Bible three times. She told me that I shouldn't call myself a Christian until I go, baptize, and teach. This is in reference to Mathew 28:16-20.

Mathew 28:16-20: ...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

So does that mean that I cannot call myself a Christian until I do those actions? In the meantime, what should I even consider myself? Thanks

 

[Angela53510]

If you believe in Jesus Christ, trust him for your salvation, and follow him, call yourself a Christian disciple! That means that you are saved!

It also seems to me that perhaps you need to discontinue this Bible study with this person who is judging you based on her biased church doctrine. She may be older, but she is not wiser.

I believe she is seeking to pull you into her sect, which is fine, if that is what you want. But I would heartily suggest that you are better off finding believers who do not judge whether you are saved or not, based on a twist of Scripture.

If you follow Christ, you ARE a disciple. If you do not follow him, but merely said a prayer and put the "get out of hell free" card in your back pocket, then time to really dig into the Bible and see what it says about salvation and living for Christ.

As for winning souls to Christ, we are all to answer the Great Commission. But that doesn't mean you will be winning people to Christ every day. In fact, you may just loosen dry soil, plant seeds, or water them. God is the one who gives the harvest, our job is just to be on mission with him.

"I planted,Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. [SUP]7 [/SUP]So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. [SUP]8 [/SUP]He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.[SUP]9 [/SUP]For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." 1 Cor. 3:6-9

The following link should be read. This is another aspect of the movement which spawned the Church of Christ, a very legalistic movement which we sometimes get people in the BDF telling us we are all going to hell because we are not in their church. That is a cult, and I suspect that you are being pulled into a cult.

The Churches of Christ, the Christian Churches, the Disciples of Christ | Christian Research Institute

Praying you find your way out of this hypocritical cult, and rely on Jesus and the Bible, not those who pretend to interpret the Bible based on the words of an 18th century man.

 

[ChristianGirlLivingLife]

The woman that is mentoring me is a member of the Church of Christ. I am confused and anxious as to how it would be a cult though. It might just be ignorance that makes me confused. She is a great woman of God, usually more conservative than me. She takes everything that she says and bases it on the Bible. When I read the article, along with a couple others, some said that they don't have use musical instruments. That definitely caught my eye, because when I attended the church once, I immediately thought it was different that they didn't use musical instruments, but rather, a capella. It was abnormal, but I think it's just a different way of interpreting God. I am still confused.

 

[JesusLives]

To me being a Christian is trying to be Christ like. If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and are daily walking with Him you are a Christian. That does not mean that we are perfect all of the time I slip up more than I would like to, but I keep going back to Jesus and asking for His help to get me back on the right track.

Be faithful in the little things, smile at someone it will brighten their day, lend a helping hand if you know there is something you can do to assist someone in everyday chores, be ready to offer that prayer to that hurting friend, work hard at your job as if nobody is watching.

Jesus began a good work in you when you gave your life to Him and as you do your bible studying always ask the Holy Spirit to guide you into the truth and He will gladly teach you the truth. So keep praying, studying and walking with Jesus and He will give you opportunities to share your faith. It's o.k. to call yourself a Christian.

 

[psalm6819]

Hi Christiangirl,

If you believe Jesus is the only way for your salvation, you are a Christian. Some goofy people quibble about labels. God sees your heart. He knows your intention and loves you dearly. If this lady isn't pointing you to Jesus but instead alot of doctrinal stuff I'd be very careful. Read your Bible yourself instead of letting her pick out verses. Start with John or Psalms, God speaks to us through His Word and He speaks plainly and clearly enough for us to understand. Keep the faith

 

[Angela53510]

The Church of Christ believes only THEY are saved. You have to be baptized by them, and believe all their assorted doctrine, which is scripture twisted out of context.

Please read the link I provided above. And please walk away from this woman, NOW!

Anyone that tells you that you are not saved because you do not go their way, and their way only, is in a cult.

This site (CC) has Christians from all sorts of denominational backgrounds, and we are all saved! Except if you believe the Church of Christ, and don't use instruments, and do exactly as they say, or you are not saved.

So would you rather be seduced by a cult member or honestly follow Christ? This woman already has you in her power with her lies about the Bible and their church. They believe they are the ONLY church, in direct descent from the apostles. Except it wasn't formed until the 18th century, so hard to believe God left the world without a witness for almost 18 centuries, wouldn't you say??

Walk away, walk away, please walk away! Praying for you to do the right thing and follow God, not man!

 

[JDecree]

I will first make the point that not all Church of Christ churches are the way they are portrayed in this video I have posted, but unfortunately some are. Be careful!

[video=youtube;bYAMMibEXBA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYAMMibEXBA[/video]

 

[ChristianGirlLivingLife]

The video is very convicting. I did not know that I was being put into this situation. The woman that is mentoring me is my friend, and I have noticed that the church is so much like this. Is this like the evangelical, yelling-at-the-corners type of church? This makes me scared. I don't want to discontinue the bible studies, because it is really making me more involved in reading the Word, but at the same time, I do not want to be sucked into her perspectives and beliefs. How can I end the weekly bible studies without being rude?

 

[ji]

I have considered myself a Christian practically all my life. I have had my faults and have had moments in my life where I've really felt God. Recently, I've been doing these bible studies with a close friend and mentor of mine. She is a bit more conservative and has more wisdom than me. She says that I cannot call myself a Christian until I commit fully to Christ. She reassured me that many people will consider themselves Christians, but not Disciples of Christ, even though it is the same context. She even said that the term "Christian" was considered being an insult at first (Look at Acts 11:26). The word Christian is only mentioned in the Bible three times. She told me that I shouldn't call myself a Christian until I go, baptize, and teach. This is in reference to Mathew 28:16-20.

Mathew 28:16-20: ...Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

So does that mean that I cannot call myself a Christian until I do those actions? In the meantime, what should I even consider myself? Thanks

Personal values of a person doesn't count.The only real Mentor for a Christian is Holy Spirit.Rest are all weak and good in their own ways.While denying Christ is not easy,it is achieved with continued relationship with Jesus,despite failures or probs.Yes,denying self is a must.But that's not on our scale.
Look unto Jesus,and He will give you the apt and sharp conditions to meet the criteria.Look at people,confusions will come.
All the people mentioned in Holy Scripture were open books with clear testimony of their weakness and victories.Unless you have such a mentor in another person than Jesus,it will be hard for you to comprehend Scriptural Truths.
Jesus himself was an open book when He lived in flesh.
Plead to God to Talk to you.When He starts speaking,there will be no more doubts.
If you have got Salvation experience,it is Salvation indeed.Take Water Baptism based on Biblical Truths.Wait for God's Anointing of Holy Spirit,and continue walking with Jesus till you are taken form this world to Heaven.Yes,there is no Glory and status for Christians in this world,but in the world to come there is, and its Eternal.
God Bless.

 

[Angela53510]

First, find a Bible study in a recognized Bible believing church. Then you can simply tell this woman that while you have appreciated learning WITH her (not from) you have found another Bible study and won't be coming back!

Be prepared for anger, tears, manipulation or anything else! Just be firm and polite. You might need to change your phone number if they have it, or maybe they will just call you a few names and leave it at that! Praying for you!

 

[presidente]

The ICOC, at least some of them, may have used cultic approaches from a sociological perspective. They have these 'breaking meetings' where a disciple meets with a disciplee and makes that person feel like dirt. I've heard of them using sins you confess to your disciple against you. You feel like they'll tell others if you don't comply. Back in the early 1990's, I've heard of disciplers writing out a schedule for a disciple, telling them what to do every hour of the day. I don't know if the whole organization endorses that or not. Also, disciplers could be new believers, and have quite a bit of influence over another person--more than an elder of the church would in another church. I think some of the churches in the organization may have loosened up. I think McKean split with the other leaders of the church over something and started something along the lines of an International Christian Church after the split.

I was overseas in Asia once, walking with another American. Americans and western people in general were kind of rare there, and we saw a couple of other American young men walking toward us on the sidewalk. We talked a minute or two and one of them said, "I go to this really cool church. Do you want go with me some time." or something like that. I said, "Is it a Church of Christ." "Wow, how did you know?" I don't remember what I said. I had met guys from that church in college and I could recognize the look on his face as he tried to muster up a lot of enthusiasm to invite us. That's how I knew. I also noticed that the people who went to their church tended to dress the same and even sort of have the same Midwestern accent, even in the south. They did have one recruit with a do-rag who seemed very evangelistic, and I wondered how long it was before the do-rag came off and he got a short hair cut.

The doctrine of the ICOC is similar to the mainline church of Christ, except the mainline movement tends to be non-instrumental, they believe in independent autonomous congregations led by a plurality of elders combined with a pulpit minister, sometimes called an evangelist. The ICOC has (or had) a much more complicated structure, set up like a denomination, with layers of disciplers, zone leaders, etc. interwoven with the elder and evangelist structure, which way back when led up to Kip McKean, I suppose, at the top of the organization. The ICOC considered themselves to be the one true church, though some of them would allow for mainline COC folks to be real Christians if they were evangelistic enough.

 

[NewWine]

Sometimes we are the only Jesus people see. Going therefore and teaching can simply be showing everyone you meet Christ working in your life. Try not to let anyone else tell you how to be a "Christian", because God gives based on our ways, our knowledge and our experiences. Why would God give you the exact same gifts as your friends, when you've never walked in their shoes to have their life experiences? On the same turn, why would God give your friends the exact same gifts as you? God created us individually, we're not cookie cutters. We all see different things in creation and we all react differently to what we see. Go and be the amazing masterpiece God created in you. Seek God through prayer and praise, and you will be shown the right ways.
Even people with the best intentions can confuse and hurt us, but they are the hired hands.......only God is our shepherd. Peace!

 

[ChristianGirlLivingLife]

I have talked to my mother about this, and told her what my mentor has told me, and she said that I shouldn't continue the bible study. I am going to call her later, and get back to you all on that. Thank you so much for your advice! I was totally not aware that it might've been a cult, but by the personalities of what I've seen there, I am considering it being one. They are loving people, probably the loveliest people I've ever met. But they are non-instrumental, and she is giving me bible studies where I am feeling really guilty of my faults. I am going to discontinue the bible studies before I get sucked into it more. Thank you for advising me!

 

[doseofreality]

First of all, great thread...nice to see when someone gets the help and advice they need.

Second, I must add that I find more and more that its the Christians who are telling other Christians they are not really Christians.
Oh how sparsely populated heaven's gonna be if God goes by the standards Christians place on each other. lol

 

[Elizabeth619]

The Church of Christ believes only THEY are saved. You have to be baptized by them, and believe all their assorted doctrine, which is scripture twisted out of context.

Please read the link I provided above. And please walk away from this woman, NOW!

Anyone that tells you that you are not saved because you do not go their way, and their way only, is in a cult.

This site (CC) has Christians from all sorts of denominational backgrounds, and we are all saved! Except if you believe the Church of Christ, and don't use instruments, and do exactly as they say, or you are not saved.

So would you rather be seduced by a cult member or honestly follow Christ? This woman already has you in her power with her lies about the Bible and their church. They believe they are the ONLY church, in direct descent from the apostles. Except it wasn't formed until the 18th century, so hard to believe God left the world without a witness for almost 18 centuries, wouldn't you say??

Walk away, walk away, please walk away! Praying for you to do the right thing and follow God, not man!

You're terribly misinformed about the Church of Christ and this is very insulting. Yes, there are corrupt people withing the CoC just as there are in other churches, but you are incredibly misinformed.
It is funny how I was raised in the Coc and still worship with them and that isn't at all what is taught. Unless you know exactly what the CoC teaches instead of listening to religious fanatics that pervert the doctrine then its best to keep quiet.

 

[Elizabeth619]

I know the Church of Christ has a bad name, and there is one member of the CoC hanging out in CC that has many in an uproar. That individual is misguided, and those that believe his teachings are of the Church of Christ is misguided as well.

The Church of Christ is nondenominational, and anyone who says "If you aren't a member of the Church of Christ isn't going to heaven" is obviously judging, misguided and worshiping in a denominational way. No where in the bible does it say only the CoC will go to heaven, and it is a shame people hold to this. This is not what the doctrine teaches. Nthing in the bible says that people who worship in a church of Christ building will go to Heaven either. John 14:15 says it all. "If you love me, keep my commandments." There are many different churches out in the world and with all the different understandings they can't all be "right".
Look at the churches in Asia in Revelation. There were good and bad churches. It was shown how the churches had been faithful and were doing some good, but had problems within them and werent fully obedient. . That has always been the case.
It isn't where you attend church. It is whether or not the group you worship with is obedient To God's commands.

So anyone who chastises you that you don't worship a certain way within their church is automatically in the wrong, and I am here to tell you as a member of the Church of Christ that is NOT WHAT IS TAUGHT!!!

So please, everyone who is slandering the church to please stop. You don't know what you are talking about.

James 4:11 Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.

​

 

[JDecree]

I hope I didn't offend. As you said, there is a certain portion of the CoC that are in the wrong. I tried to make that clear after reading your posts in the other thread. Is there some way to refer to the offending group that wont lump everyone together? As you know, they go by the same denomination name as you do. ICoC? Boston CoC?

 

[Elizabeth619]

I hope I didn't offend. As you said, there is a certain portion of the CoC that are in the wrong. I tried to make that clear after reading your posts in the other thread. Is there some way to refer to the offending group that wont lump everyone together? As you know, they go by the same denomination name as you do. ICoC? Boston CoC?

Theres many branches of it, and I prefer to be called a Christian rather than a member of the Church of Christ. The church I attend could have a sign over the door that says "Christians Meet Here" and t would be the same, but going by a specific label is a denomination, and that is not what te doctrine teaches.
Yes, I am offended. Not really at you but others. I shouldnt have to come to a site where brothers and sisters congregate and get bashed and insulted. This hurts.
Many here agree with views I share but as soon as "Church of Christ" comes out then I am labeled and judged. These people don't see that what they accuse the CoC of doing they are guilty of as well.

Honeslty, I started coming back to CC and posting due to the fact I am dealing with alot of issues. I needed encouragement. I need help. I thought I could get that here. Im truly hurt.

 

[JDecree]

Yeah unfortunately I cant think of any Christian group that doesn't have negative labels and accusations leveled against them. We're all just trying to find the right path. I do wish there could be more community amongst believers. I just get drawn in when the condemning(and clearly wrong) salvation police come in and shake peoples faith...

I can pray for you, did you make a prayer request here yet?

 

[Elizabeth619]

Yeah unfortunately I cant think of any Christian group that doesn't have negative labels and accusations leveled against them. We're all just trying to find the right path. I do wish there could be more community amongst believers. I just get drawn in when the condemning(and clearly wrong) salvation police come in and shake peoples faith...

I can pray for you, did you make a prayer request here yet?

Thank you, you can pray, but I wont make a request. I have been the subject of enough judgement as it is.