For many of us, we grew up in or came into the Christian religion from other beliefs or backgrounds. Many of us embraced the fluent terms, titles, denominations, and any other traits that we identified with whether we knew the fullness of details surrounding such traits or not. Surely, it’s a common thing to trust the preacher, teacher, apostle, evangelist, or prophet with the incoming message….
As if the church is a right of passage and the podium is the key to acceptance.
Now I must say, that before I go on I have to acknowledge that some readers may stop and say, “…but Christianity is not a religion…it’s a RELATIONSHIP.” Yes, I’m familiar with this rebuttal and I would (as one of many) come with such “correction” to those outside the Faith years ago…for I was at one point in my life a Christian, or at least that was the terminology that was well-known and common for believers. I grew up in Christianity as a Baptist in my early childhood, then Pentecostal as a teen, then Non- Denominational for a short time in my mid-twenties…that is until The Lord called me out from among them.
This is when His Word became Life to me and literally, right before my eyes, The Holy Spirit became my Teacher and Comforter. I have the journals as a remembrance of the amazingly wonderful time that He shared miracles, teachings, parables, songs & psalms, ancient Aramaic/Hebraic prayers wrapped in a heavenly language unknown to man…I can still hear His Thunderous voice…
His miracles of healing and casting out were manifested through this vessel made of dust…Surely, The Potter was molding His clay. I am a vessel and yet a witness, for I, too, am watching the miracle of God unfold according to His Will, Word, and Way.
I bear witness of The Testimony of Jesus Christ Who taught me His Hebrew Name where the meaning, purpose, and identity lives…Yeshua HaMashiach. By His Grace and Will, I met Him and know Him by Spirit and in Truth. He taught me and showed me the significance of His Sabbath first, then the teachings of all of His Feasts followed suit. He taught me many things… the biblical order of birthright, the true engrafting and fellowshipping of the saints in one accord and of one mind being “ehhad”..unified in Him The True Vine. For The Father and Son are One and Unified.
He is still teaching…and His maidservant is reverencing, worshipping, praising, and yes eagerly learning in awe.
We who are found to have an open willing heart to face the Light even while we were in darkness have had a revelation of Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit and therefore must embrace righteousness over all people, places, and things. Humble ourselves taking on The King’s meek and lowly nature, that we may stay in a posture of humility to be repentant, obedient, and teachable. For in this, we will accept through His Holy Spirit, God’s Word which says:
John 14:26 NKJV
“26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”
In the KJV, The Holy Spirit Who is a person not a thing is known as The Comforter, which is relational to His many characteristics including but not limited to Advocate, Intercessor, Counselor, and Strengthener.
1 John 4:13 NKJV
13 By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.
So what does any of this have to do with my introductory statements regarding the Christian religion?
According to Scripture, The Holy Spirit is The Comforter and Teacher. This means we play a dangerous game when we trust man more than we trust God in life. It’s imperative we draw near to Him by reading the Word for ourselves, spending one-on-one time with God in the secret place, praying through The Holy Spirit in the Name of Yeshua HaMashiach, as well as accepting the fact that God ultimately has authority over His Authorship and He is more than capable of ordaining, teaching, comforting, protecting, healing and directing our paths.
God our Father in heaven, the Father and Creator of all, sent His Son Who is God The Son, Savior, Redeemer, and Testator among many titles describing His Purpose and Identity. Yeshua Jesus is our High Priest interceding on our behalf in His Eternal Priesthood in the midst of His Father.
We can only have a revelation of the mysteries of God according to His Word and Will through His Holy Spirit. This means that you cannot afford to gamble with your eternal soul. Unfortunately, many people do this when they rely solely on the teachings of men and parrot their words which are heard in the pulpit versus actually taking the time to get to know the Lord for themselves.
Hosea 4:6 NKJV
My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.
Because you have rejected knowledge,
I also will reject you from being priest for Me;
Because you have forgotten the law of your God,
I also will forget your children.
This is a well-known scripture because it is a verse that covers a multitude of pitfalls derived from humanism – our own understanding, or worse…someone else’s.
Psalm 118:8-9 NKJV
8 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in man.
9 It is better to trust in the Lord
Than to put confidence in princes.
Matthew 19:16-17 NKJV
16 Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?”
17 So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
Now the stage has been set and the premise is established on our King The Cornerstone and we have brought back the focus, honor, and glory to Whom it belongs.
Let’s revisit our topic at hand to understand the difference between a Christian and a follower of Christ. Then we can chip away at the misconceptions, misunderstandings, and choose our side. For Yeshua has drawn the line in the sand and we are indeed in the last hour; therefore we must according to Revelation 2 & 3, be wise and take heed to correction that we may overcome and receive our eternal reward in heaven.
This is a crucial time in history where we must be holy for He is Holy, not even 99% but 100% genuinely come with clean hands and a pure heart and NOT compromise His Word nor who we are in Christ by doing the least of the worst because even that God hates and He also hates the ways of the Nicolaitans.
Did you know that Christians are indeed the modern-day Nicolaitans?
I know, I know…this is a harsh reality.
You may in fact love the Lord with all your heart, mind, and soul. You may in fact present your body as a living sacrifice. You may in fact obey His Commands, and meet Him in His appointed times that are dress rehearsals for the eternal fulfillment of prophetic Feasts that set apart. You may in fact live and endure in the good fight of faith walking in light – as salt &light in the earth. Embracing His heritage as your own, called out of the world for we live in it but are not of it. Although a righteous man falls seven times – you may, in fact, adhere to the Word of God that you may be found to be perfect [Hebraic translation means complete], holy and acceptable in all your ways; thereby proving God’s perfect, Holy and Acceptable Will by the evidence of His Holy Spirit in you. (Deut. 6/Matt. 22/Romans 12/Exodus 24/John 15/Leviticus 23/Rev. 19&20/1 Timothy 6/1 John 1/Matt. 5/Isaiah 54/ Psalm 119/Proverbs 24)
And this is why…
If you truly love The Lord, then you will love Him Who is Righteous over the way of the world and the traditions of men. This includes doing a “quality assurance check” of you on the inside because what is in the heart will manifest on the outside. If you draw near to God according to His Truth keeping His Word in biblical context, seeking His Face and not His Hand, having the conduct of the kingdom in all gentleness and meekness, among all that God has established through His spoken prophetic word that we may know Him as the True and Living God…(Jeremiah 10/Isaiah 45)
Then…He will draw near to you…
Be holy for He is Holy…let not His Glory depart from you as His Spirit departed from the temple in Ezekiel 10-12.
So…Are you a Christian or a follower of Christ?
By now you may be thinking back to Yeshua’s reference of the Nicolaitans from Revelation 2:6:
6 “But this you have, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.”
Here’s the truth…and to some this may be shocking but better to know NOW than found to be lawless LATER.
According to the Scriptures:
Acts 11:19-26 NKJV
Barnabas and Saul at Antioch
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
According to Acts 14,
Iconium was filled with division and violence…
At Iconium
14 Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and [a]poisoned their [b]minds against the brethren. 3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who was bearing witness to the word of His grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.
4 But the multitude of the city was divided: part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles. 5 And when a violent attempt was made by both the Gentiles and Jews, with their rulers, to abuse and stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region. 7 And they were preaching the gospel there.
Lystra was filled with idolatry…
Idolatry at Lystra
8 And in Lystra a certain man without strength in his feet was sitting, a cripple from his mother’s womb, who had never walked. 9 This man heard Paul speaking. [c]Paul, observing him intently and seeing that he had faith to be healed, 10 said with a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your feet!” And he leaped and walked. 11 Now when the people saw what Paul had done, they raised their voices, saying in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called [d]Zeus, and Paul, [e]Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, intending to sacrifice with the multitudes.
14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard this, they tore their clothes and ran in among the multitude, crying out 15 and saying, “Men, why are you doing these things? We also are men with the same nature as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these useless things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, 16 who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they could scarcely restrain the multitudes from sacrificing to them.
In Antioch…
Stoning, Escape to Derbe
19 Then Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead. 20 However, when the disciples gathered around him, he rose up and went into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
Strengthening the Converts
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.” 23 So when they had appointed elders in every church, and prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed. 24 And after they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 Now when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they had completed.
27 Now when they had come and gathered the church together, they reported all that God had done with them, and that He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 So they stayed there a long time with the disciples.
Here’s a quick evaluation…
Notice that the disciples who were Jewish preached and were witnesses of The Jewish Messiah were first called Christians by the people in Antioch(Acts 11:26)[which is a Gentile term, made by Hellenists(Acts 11:20)].
Notice that in Acts 14 we learned that Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there; and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing him to be dead.
After the disciples gathered around him, he rose up went into the city and then the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.
This is an excerpt from Paul’s letter regarding his experience in the three cities mentioned above:
2 Timothy 3:10-15 NKJV
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
DID YOU KNOW?
Christianity is infused with paganism.
The First Council of Nicaea was a council of Christian bishops convened in the Bithynian city of Nicaea by the pagan Roman Emperor Constantine I in AD 325. This ecumenical council was the first effort to attain consensus in the church through an assembly representing all Christendom.
This council sought to unify church and state as well as merge pagans with the growing popularity of the Gospel by substituting pagan deities with biblical figures. For instance, Mary (mother of Jesus and baby Jesus were replaced with the madonna and child, the christ-mass song “Silent Night” is a song attributing praise to these deities derived from semiramis a.k.a ishtar or (easter, sound familiar???) and tammuz, also known as baal.
From The First Council of Nicaea came the roman catholic religion which is today infused into not only Christianity but pagan festivals also known as holidays which are celebrated by the world. At the same time, pagan traditions deriving from other cultures have evolved into popular holidays and are masqueraded as fun and harmless despite the gruesome and perverse history. At the root, all of these pagan themes and celebrations come derived from the devil. The only difference is each culture has a different name to the deity or fallen angel or baal himself, surrounded by their similar fables of mythology and mysticism.
Antioch was named after Antiochus an Antichrist figure in ancient times.
(Credit: Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antioch)
After the Battle of Ipsus in 301 BC, Seleucus I Nicator won the territory of Syria, and he proceeded to found four “sister cities” in northwestern Syria, one of which was Antioch, a city named in honor of his father Antiochus; according to the Suda, it might be named after his son Antiochus.
A BRIEF LOOK AT HISTORY – (Wikipedia)
Antiochus III the Great
Antiochus III the Great was a Greek Hellenistic king and the 6th ruler of the Seleucid Empire. He ruled over the region of Syria and large parts of the rest of western Asia towards the end of the 3rd century BC.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes
(some believe he is the antichrist figure referenced in Daniel 8 & 11)
Antiochus IV Epiphanes also called Epimanes was a Greek Hellenistic king of the Seleucid Empire from 175 BC until his death in 164 BC. He was a son of King Antiochus III the Great. His original name was Mithradates; he assumed the name Antiochus after he ascended the throne.
Who was Antioch founded by?
(Credit: Brittanica – https://www.britannica.com/place/Antioch-modern-and-ancient-city-south-central-Turkey)
Seleucus I NicatorAntioch was founded in 300 BCE by Seleucus I Nicator, a former general of Alexander the Great. The new city soon became the western terminus of the caravan routes over which goods were brought from Persia and elsewhere in Asia to the Mediterranean.
What does the name Antioch mean?
Word-forming element of Greek origin meaning “against, opposed to, opposite of, instead,” shortened to ant- before vowels and -h-, from Old French anti- and directly from Latin anti-, from Greek.
(Credit: Online Etymology Dictionary – https://www.etymonline.com/word/antioch)
Antioch
ancient city, modern Antakya in Turkey, anciently the capital of Syria, founded c. 300 B.C.E. by Seleucus I Nictor and named for his father, Antiochus. The name, also borne by several Syrian kings and an eclectic philosopher, is a Latinized form of Greek Antiokhos, literally “resistant, holding out against,” from anti “against” (see anti-) + ekhein “to have, hold;” in intransitive use, “be in a given state or condition” (from PIE root *segh- “to hold”). Related: Antiochian.
An article excerpt, “Who is Daniel Chapter 8 Talking About?” Part 1 :: By Steve Schmutzer – https://www.raptureready.com/2018/09/19/antiochus-epiphanes-daniel-chapter-8-talking-part-1-steve-schmutzer/
(This article is provided for the purpose of historical explanation only)
“Antiochus Epiphanes was the eighth of roughly 30 rulers of the Seleucid dynasty which emerged following the demise of the Greek empire. He ruled from about 175BC to 164BC, and historians consistently mark him as an eccentric, impulsive, and dangerous despot.
Antiochus Epiphanes gave himself divine-sounding titles such as Theos Epiphanes which means “God Manifest” in ancient Greek. This led some of his contemporaries to call him Antiochus Epimanes, or “The Mad One.” It was a wordplay off of Epiphanes.
Antiochus Epiphanes was noted for his persecution of the Jews during the intertestamental period. He murdered over 40,000 of them in three days, he plundered their temple in Jerusalem, and he defiled it with unclean animals and the construction of a pagan altar. He so prohibited and penalized the religious practices and customs of the Jews that he spawned the revolt of the Maccabees. (The Maccabean Revolt was a Jewish rebellion led by the Maccabees against the Seleucid Empire and against Hellenistic influence on Jewish life.)
Antiochus Epiphanes also waged military campaigns against Egypt in the south, and against the region of Cyprus. He had limited success in these efforts. While he had inherited the territory of the Jewish nation, “the beautiful land” (Dan. 8:9) from his predecessor, he lost control of it in the Jewish revolt.
Historians mostly agree that Antiochus Epiphanes died of some sort of incurable bowel infection.”
Now we have a look into the history of this particular city, the origins and heritage of the city which is derived from pagan (Hellenistic traditions, beliefs, and rulers).
What did Hellenists believe?
Hellenism is, in practice, primarily centered around polytheistic and animistic worship. Devotees worship the Greek gods, which comprise the Olympians, divinities and spirits of nature (such as nymphs), underworld deities (chthonic gods) and heroes. Both physical and spiritual ancestors are greatly honored.
AND THESE ARE THE PEOPLE (THE HELLENISTS) WHO CALLED THE DISCIPLES CHRISTIANS!
These gentile people groups from these three cities (especially Lystra) were known for replacement theology. This is seen in Acts 14 as outlined above and is why Paul and Barnabas tore their clothes, Paul was stoned, dragged, and presumed dead. For even though some came to the faith MANY heard and were taught the Word in hope and faith that they would turn from their wicked ways. Nevertheless, the title of Christians was established by men and pagans for that matter. Remember Paul reflected in his writings of the persecution he endured in Antioch, The Jewish disciples bring the Gospel of The Jewish Messiah, would not embrace this terminology. In fact, they embraced God’s Word and not the word of man. This is a great stumbling block for many because they are lost in the translations.
BUT WHAT DOES GOD CALL HIS DISCIPLES AND COLLECTIVELY ALL HIS CHILDREN?
(including but not limited to)
FISHERS OF MEN (Matthew 4:19)
CHILDREN (Ephesians 5:1 / 1 John 3:2)
INHERITANCE (Psalm 33:12)
HIS / MY PEOPLE (Isaiah 40)
CHOSEN, CHOSEN GENERATION (1 Peter 2:9)
ISRAEL (Jeremiah 30)
JUDAH (Jeremiah 30)
JACOB (Genesis 32:28)
SPECIAL, PECULIAR PEOPLE (1 Peter 2:9)
SONS OF GOD (ROMANS 8:14)
SONS AND DAUGHTERS (2 COR. 6:18)
SERVANT OF THE LORD (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
BOND-SERVANT / MAIDSERVANTS (Psalm 116 / Luke 1 / Rev. 7:3-4)
DISCIPLES (Luke 6 / Mattew 4 & 10 / John 13:35)
FOLLOWERS / IMITATORS (Mark 8:34 / Matt. 19:21 / Matt. 4:19 / Eph. 5:1 [KJV] / 1 Cor.11:1-6)
SAINTS (Proverbs 2:8)
HEIRS / JOINT HEIRS (Romans 8:17)
CITIZENS (Ephesians 2:19)
HOLY PEOPLE (Ephesians 2:19)
ROYAL PRIESTHOOD / HOLY NATION (1 Peter 2:9)
1 John 3:1
Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
The bible is very clear of the terms of purpose and identity of God’s People. We are marked by His heritage and covenant. If we embrace terms that are not first established by God then we tread on the line drawn in the sand. Even worse, if we embrace the customs, beliefs, traditions, etc. that are not biblical then we are in opposition to God and are living outside His Will and Covenant.
Remember God hates the ways of the Nicolaitans (Rev. 2). This group represents those who follow pagan ways, traditions, and beliefs.
Here’s a short guide to summarize the difference between a Christian versus a follower of Christ…(including but not limited to):
If we chose to celebrate the world’s holidays instead of The Lord’s Holy Days, which are forever according to Lev. 23,
If we parrot phrases and also “do away with” God’s Instruction(meaning His Torah / Law of The Spirit)
If we partake in SUN-day worship and/or we don’t take the time to rest on The Lord’s day, which is God’s gift to man, a holy sacred dress rehearsal in the appointed time
If we repeatedly defile ourselves in living unholy lifestyles, thereby not repenting but living according to the misrepresentation of “Grace through Faith”
If we believe that the old testament law of tithing applies and yet refuse to acknowledge the eternal prophetic unvoided 4th Commandment keep the Sabbath holy
If we only go by The Greatest Commandment and forget it’s the GREATEST but not the ONLY (btw, The Greatest Commandment is in the Old Testament (in several places) and the New testament Deut. 6 / Matthew 22 this is because Yeshua confirms His Fathers Word which He spoke and also gave to the Prophets to speak. He didn’t abolish or do away with Torah, which is God’s Instruction, i.e. Light, Law, Law of The Spirit, Truth, Yeshua Who Is The Word…no, He didn’t do away with Himself…He is His Father’s Word Who Is also called Wisdom)
If we believe we’ve replaced the Jews as the chosen people,
[instead of the Truth that both Jews and Gentiles who have a revelation of Yeshua are engrafted into The Olive Tree. Those who obey God’s Commands, believe, and have faith in Him and in His finished work on the cross for our redemption and the fulfillment of the oath given by God the Father.] (Hebrews 6:13-20)
If we partake in these ideologies or replacement theories. Then we would be living outside of God’s Covenant living as Nicolaitans, the pagans. Many modern-day Christians partake in such acts among being misguided in what true obedience and faith are. A lack of knowledge will cause many to perish. Take heed.
Not that some are purposely living in opposition to God’s Commands / Law / Torah.
(Please note: I’m not referring to Mosaic Law, Noahide Law, Rabbinic Traditions of men or Roman Law) God’s Law is His Torah, which is translated from the original ancient Hebraic text as His Instruction or The Way Forward). It’s not only the more well-known first 5 books written by Moses but it’s actually the entire bible…God’s Torah is His entire Word from Genesis to Revelation.
(Second note: I’ll reserve the biblical explanation of Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets for a future article. However, it’s important to note that the Hebraic word used in the biblical text means complete/completion….meaning King Yeshua Was, Is and Will Be The Only One Worthy to Atone our Sins and Confirm that the Prophetic Word of God is True and Everlasting.
Passages from John 14 NKJV:
Jesus Promises Another Helper
15 “If you love Me, [d]keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another [e]Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.
Indwelling of the Father and the Son
19 “A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20 At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and [f]manifest Myself to him.”
If we accept terms at face value we do a disservice to ourselves for the true riches and glory which are in heaven will be jeopardized. If we are outside of God’s Will then God’s blessings will not pursue us(Psalm 23:6). In fact, believing another gospel brings another kind of reward, that in which the enemy will have no need to persecute those who are deceived and blinded. This is because they are not a threat to the kingdom of darkness. Unfortunately, many people are unknowingly worshipping satan through SUN-day worship and holidays. All the while attributing defiled worship of idols/deities to God…committing idolatry and adultery like in the golden calf passage in Exodus 32 which is an abomination unto God.
Please note: The level of ease or smoothness in your life is not a measure of living holy or being upright in heart in God’s eyes.
God’s Holy Standard determines and divides lawfulness from lawlessness.
Psalm 34:19 NKJV
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.
Acts 14:22
strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
Romans 5:3-5 NKJV
3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
So again, I ask you…
Are you a Christian or are you a follower of Christ?
Do you embrace and love the world over righteousness?
Or are you denying yourself, taking up the cross and following Messiah Yeshua?
Ephesians 1:13 NKJV
13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 1:13 NCV (additional translation)
So it is with you. When you heard the true teaching—the Good News about your salvation—you believed in Christ. And in Christ, God put his special mark of ownership on you by giving you the Holy Spirit that He had promised.
2 Corinthians 1:20-22 NKJV
20 For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
May we be wise to take heed to the correction, chasten, and warnings of The Lord our God that we may be counted as worthy to inherit citizenship into the kingdom.
May The Holy Spirit guide you and may you be open and willing in humility to be teachable that the evidence of The Holy Spirit will be in you shown in your ways and conduct according to The Holy Standard of God.
Selah. Amen.
Be holy for He is Holy.
LuvsCure Ministries 
3 thoughts on “Are You A Christian or A Follower of Christ?”