Are You A Disciple?
Just because you are a Christian does not necessarily mean that you are a disciple. Every disciple is a believer, but not every believer is a disciple.
Jesus gave us the definition of a disciple in Luke 14. Three times in this passage, He said that if we do not do these things, we cannot be His disciples.
3 Things from Luke 14
Jesus said, “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (verse 26). A statement like that is shocking, but let’s understand what Jesus was saying. He obviously was not telling us to hate in the traditional sense. Rather, Jesus was saying that your love for God should be so strong, so intense, that all other loves would be like hatred in comparison.
Jesus said, “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (verse 27). If you want to live life to its fullest, then you must deny yourself and put Christ first. You take your goals, desires, dreams, and aspirations, and you present them to God. And ultimately you will discover that God’s plans for you are always the best.
Jesus said, “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? …So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple” (verses 28, 33). You must count the cost to follow Jesus. Yes, it costs to follow Jesus. But it costs more not to follow Him.
Find Out More
The links below may help you understand what it means to be born-again, following Him in believer’s baptism, and why it is important to get involved in a local church and begin growing as a disciple of Jesus Christ.
Connecting with the church begins with connecting with Christ. Here’s a brief overview of the gospel message:
MAN’S PROBLEM
The Bible explains that God created us and sustains us and, therefore, has the right to absolute authority in our lives. Out of His love, He made us in His image so that we would seek to honor Him as the true Creator (see Acts 17:24-27).
Instead of seeking God, man rebels against God’s authority and chooses to live his own way. The Bible says that failure to recognize God’s authority is sin. The penalty for our sin is death–not just physical death, for all men die–but eternal separation from God in hell. Man rightly deserves this judgment for failing to honor his Creator.
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
GOD’S SOLUTION
“When we were yet without strength…God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” (Romans 5:6, 8-9).
God’s great love and mercy can extend a pardon to sinners. God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for sinners and pay sin’s penalty. In His death, Jesus endured the punishment that sinners deserve and therefore satisfied the wrath of God, making it possible for sinners to be made right with Him and receive eternal life.
Christ rose from the dead and will one day judge all men: “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
OUR RESPONSE
God commands you to repent from your rebellion and to trust in Jesus Christ alone for your salvation. You must admit that you are a rebel against God, and rely only on Jesus’ death to pay for your sins.
“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36).
If you would like more information about Christ, please Contact Us today!
“Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:41
Baptism is a public testimony of what Christ has done in your life as a Christ-follower. It is a symbolic picture of death, burial and resurrection— and new life! When you are baptized, you are obeying Christ’s command in the Bible for all believers, and you are telling the world that Jesus Christ is the Lord of your life. No matter what your age or background, baptism is a natural and important step in your journey as a Christ-follower.
At Charity Baptist we believe that biblical baptism is symbolic— it doesn’t “save” you— but also that it’s very important in the life of every believer. It’s a symbol of both your commitment to Christ and to His church. We require that those desiring membership at Charity Baptist be baptized— either previously at the time of your commitment to Christ, or when you desire membership at Charity Baptist Church.
The New Testament records that baptism always followed conversion, never preceded it, and was not necessary for salvation (Acts 2:1-41; 8:36-39; 16:30-33). Christ commanded believers to follow him in this ordinance. Baptism by immersion pictures what Christ did on the cross for us. It also pictures our old life being put away and our new life in Christ (Romans 6:4).
What’s so important about your local church? At a time when there’s more Bible teaching than you could ever consume available through radio, television, and the Internet, why should it matter where and how you’re taking in God’s truth? What’s wrong with virtual, web-based congregations for the digital-age church? Why can’t your iPod be your worship leader, your tablet be your pastor, and your friends your fellowship and accountability?
The answer is simple: that’s not the way God designed it.
The New Testament repeatedly emphasizes the importance of local assemblies. In fact, it was the pattern of Paul’s ministry to establish local congregations in the cities where he preached the gospel. Hebrews 10:24-25 commands every believer to be a part of such a local body and reveals why this is necessary.
“And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
The New Testament also teaches that every believer is to be under the protection and nurture of the leadership of the local church. These godly men can shepherd the believer by encouraging, admonishing, and teaching. Hebrews 13:7 and 17 help us to understand that God has graciously granted accountability to us through godly leadership.
Furthermore, when Paul gave Timothy special instructions about the public meetings, he said, “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching” (1 Timothy 4:13). Part of the emphasis in public worship includes these three things: hearing the Word, being called to obedience and action through exhortation, and teaching. It is only in the context of the local assembly that these things can most effectively take place. God has ordained that the church provide the kind of environment where an uncompromising life can thrive and His people can grow spiritually. We would love for you to consider being a part of our Charity Baptist Church family.