Followers of Jesus

I was reading recently about how a certain large church in America has a strict don't preach Jesus rule for their church, and I have no idea if this is true or not, but it certainly made me stop and think. I pray that it is not true, for many people are affected by their ministry.

Upon further reflection, I find it amazing that any church, founded on Christian principles and beliefs, can not talk about Jesus. He is the only reason we have a "Christian" church. He is the one we follow, the one we want to be like, hence the name Christian from the Greek word Christianos or Christ-follower. It is sad that in our day and age that many are afraid to proclaim their allegiance to their leader, Christ Jesus. Of course their are many who claim the title Christian who do not follow the teachings and leading of Jesus, or who poorly represent Him to the world. There is also a strong media bias against Christianity, and the portrayal of Christians in the news and TV and Media is often as ignorant or bigoted people. But, we cannot and we must not abandon the very one we follow and worship, for that is idolatry in its worst expression.

It is not enough to teach the feel-good messages found in the Gospels. We must follow Christ, and like it or not Jesus has established His Kingdom here on Earth, and it is in conflict with the worldy kingdoms. Jesus knew that would be the case as He clearly stated in Luke 12:49-52 NIV: “I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! [50] But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! [51] Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. [52] From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three."

I don't think we can effectively preach the gospel, which is the Good News, without it causing conflict. It will cause that which is in us that is aligned with other kingdoms, or our own fleshly desires, to resist. It will cause conflict for those that experience conviction, knowing the truth but not walking in it. It will cause conflict when we walk fully in His ways choosing His will over ourselves. The life of a Christian is supposed to be a light of life to those around him, and light will conflict with darkness and drive it away. This does not mean that we need to have a battle mindset, but we must recognize the truth that He that we follow is the King, and He rules with sovereignty and has defeated the enemy, and will ultimately come again in victory. The battle was waged and was won, and we are drawn into that battle as His followers. We don't get to choose to fight, there can be no conscientious objectors.

The way we fight though is with love, mercy, compassion, prayer, intercession, service, self-sacrifice, laying down our lives for each other, loving our enemies. As Paul said, "For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds." 2 Cor 10:3-4. We must not shy awy from the Lord, His words, all His teachings, and His call to us to preach the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations (Matt 24:14) Our lives lived out before men are meant to be our message to the world that we follow Jesus.

John 13:34-35 NIV:

[34] “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Amen Lord! Let the world know that we are Your disciples, that we follow You. Jesus, we are proud to be your followers.