Should I even call myself a Christian?

[CHRISTENE]

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

The first thing Jesus said to His disciples Simon and Andrew was Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, ......So its quite clear we need to Follow Jesus. You believed in Jesus , accepted Him as the Lord and Shepherd of your soul , you are His sheep and the child of God. No one can change this now.Regarding Matthew 28:16-20 , Jesus was saying this to His disciples after they were well equipped to face the world for what it is. They had seen His ministry, learnt from Him at least for 3 and half years , got authority and gift's from Him{ Luke 10:9,19 9 Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 19 I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.}Besides this Jesus had asked them not to leave unless they were given the power of the Holy Spirit to be His witness {Luke 24:44-49 44 He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”}Matthew 10 :16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Its always best to be good students and pass the trial and tests God gives us in our lives before we venture to be the teachers and try to teach the world. At least its best to try learning/ reading Bible from Genesis to Revelation and learn the complete truth . Jesus fasted forty days before He began His ministry , We are His followers so at least we can pray for forty days if not fast before we try to help this dark world.Hope this may help.

 

[wwjd_kilden]

You are a Christian

No matter what church you are in, or who you study with:
Always check scripture against scripture! And always read the context (surronding verses, maybe even chapters)

 

[Archie14]

I have been searching the answers to this question myself, I'm not fully versed in the bible but I do know the greatest commandment which is that of love, this is the first thing God requires of you, that is what means the most, I have not been baptized yet but im still looking to be. . .

 

[hattiebod]

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

Its lovely that your friend has led you towards the lord. It is not difficult to be saved. It is simple..because He says it is, He, our creator God wants us all to know Him. Do you believe you are a sinner? do you believe you need forgiveness? do you believe you need this to be able to have a relationship with GodIs it all in Christ as your saviour? and why?....answer this, accept Christ. End. All the rest is semantics. God Bless you and I pray that you will ask for wisdom, for desire to want to know and understand the Word of God. Amen!!

 

[John_agape]

You are a Christian

No matter what church you are in, or who you study with:
Always check scripture against scripture! And always read the context (surronding verses, maybe even chapters)

This is excellent advice and remember that different books are also different contexts. The letters to the Corinthians is different to Hebrews and Jude and John's letters. The letters to the Corinthian church were letters of correction to an out of line church, while the letter to the Philippians has a very different tone.

The book or letter is therefore also a vital part to consider in the context the verse is in. Most errors come from some theologian cherry-picking out-of-context verses to suit a preconceived idea. Cults also use out-of-context verses to justify their beliefs.

That is why it is so important to study the Bible ourselves, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. When we study God's Word alone with time to reflect and check other parts of Scripture we are able to absorb in our spiritual soul the lessons God wants to teach us. When we listen to people without testing and checking that is when we learn with our natural brain.

 

[jimmydiggs]

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.

You are the only person who has claimed t obe CoC who has contradicted what the CoC denomination claims of itself that I have met thus far.

 

[jimmydiggs]

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.

The CoC denomination denies original sin, and basic doctrines of scripture. Christians believe Original Sin, so I fail to see what you're saying. Where has anyone here denied reality, and tried to say that their church is the only true church?

 

[Lucy68]

I attended a Church of Christ for many years and really learned a lot about the Bible. I also enjoyed the singing without instruments. But, my husband and I left when we found that we differed in some of the theological issues.

It's important to remember that we are still called to love and be considerate of those who have doctrinal differences.

One thing about these differences...they can really make you study the bible, and that's always a good thing!

 

[faroukfarouk]

I attended a Church of Christ for many years and really learned a lot about the Bible. I also enjoyed the singing without instruments. But, my husband and I left when we found that we differed in some of the theological issues.

It's important to remember that we are still called to love and be considerate of those who have doctrinal differences.

One thing about these differences...they can really make you study the bible, and that's always a good thing!

Hi Ms Lucy, the watchword is always: 'What saith the Scriptures?' right?

Blessings.

 

[RedTent]

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.

I don't think you should turn your back on your friend because she interprets scripture in a way that you do not think is right. Scripture talks often of instruments being used for worship, simply go by scripture and stand firm with the Lord.

I go to a church where they believe that the new covenant in Christ cancelled all old covenants. I do not believe scripture teaches that. My friends are there, I agree with most other scripture, I can worship the Lord with them.

I have two very wise, very Christian friends who see many scriptures clearly so we can discuss and learn from each other. One believes that having statues of Christ in church is fine, I could not go to a church that did that. Another actually believes that when Christ said, before He went to the cross and was still part man, "the Father is greater than me" that it is true for all time. To me, it is a major disagreement we have, but after I made my point about my belief we still discuss together the scripture we agree on, our disagreement does not have to be rehashed.