That was this past Sunday’s sermon title from Mark 8: 27-38. If we asked the average person on the street “What it means to be a Christian?”, what do you think their response would be? Now, ask the same question using a different word: “What does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ?” See the difference? I agree there should not be a difference, but I think there would be. Remember that words have usages, not meaning. The way the term “Christian” is used today is often at odds with what it means to be a Christian. But what does it mean to be a follower of Jesus Christ? That seems to have held its meaning through the ages.
We spent some time on what it does not mean. It does not mean “just” believing. I think we have come short if all we ask people to do is to “believe”…as though being a disciple of Jesus was an intellectual exercise. After all, even the demons and the devil believe but are not followers of Jesus. It is also not enough to be “religious.” The tricky thing about being religious is you can have the right “form and look” but still miss the goal. You can be religious on the outside and be a heathen on the inside. Religion is part of what we need to be saved from. It is possible to be very religious and be twice as fit for hell! And certainly we do not believe that being “Baptist” automatically makes you a Christian. Oh, that it were true, that anyone who claimed the name of Christ and happened to be Baptist was totally sold out to be a follower of the Lamb.
Jesus summed it up pretty neatly…not easy, but certainly very clearly. If anyone would follow me he must do this: deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me. It is counter intuitive and even counter culture to deny yourself. Dethroning yourself, your ego is perhaps the hardest thing you will ever do. We are wired up by our old sin nature to preserve, protect, and look out for #1. Jesus calls his followers to a new style of life. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Love your neighbor as yourself. That requires a change…who sits on the throne, who is in control, who are you following?
Got discipleship? Yes, I think you do!
Pastor Tom
