Following Jesus

What does it mean to follow Jesus? Let's cut to the chase and not beat around the bush or sugarcoat the obvious. Following Jesus requires self–denial, which is the reason many choose not to follow Him.

Luke 9:23 says, "And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me."

The type of self–denial the Lord demands is a willingness to obey His every command. Suffering, as well as service to others is included. Now, let's face it, we live in a self–centered culture, and that means we look out for number one. We are not willing to sacrifice ourselves to make sure that others come before us.

Yet, this is what true Christianity is all about.

Lip service is weak and not considered the crux of true discipleship. The "cross" represents suffering—a reality that many of us cannot and will not accept in our lives.  Perhaps that's the reason many are "soft–core" Christians—we roll with Jesus as long as we don't get hurt in the process.

Nevertheless, what does it mean to follow Him?

Total and unwavering commitment.

Be blessed

Go Hard

Bro. Sid.

On Church Ground

Here is the funniest phrase I have ever heard. “If I weren’t on church ground, I would…” I have heard so-called churchgoers say the church ground kept them from cussing and fighting, as if the premises had something to do with their behavior. In other words, they felt justified in acting crazy because they were not near the building. It is amazing how people respect an edifice, but will not respect the One the edifice represents.

           

What does it mean to be on church ground? Does it mean standing in the parking lot? The vestibule? The family life center? The administrative offices? The fellowship hall? 

Some churchgoers believe this. However, we must understand Christians are the church. When we are away from the building, we are still in church. 

           

Have you ever heard someone shout, “Thank you Jesus” and “I’m looking for a blessing,” and in the next breath use 4-letter words? At that moment, I assume they forgot they were on church ground. These actions reveal attitude. Imagine how they act away from the church building. 

           

As they ride closer to the church, the worship face surfaces. Church folk switch appearances faster than chameleons. The same way these lizards alter their skin color is the same way church folk shift to the facade. In church, they are saved, sanctified, Holy Ghost filled and fire baptized. But wait until the service is over and wait until the venues change.

           

For example, did you know restaurant servers do not like working on Sunday afternoon? Why? They know how church people act. I am embarrassed to say we often look for reasons not to tip the server. We want God to fill our cup until it overflows, but we make the server leave our tables empty handed.

           

On church ground we are spiritual, but in the restaurant we are stingy. Church folk fight the server to get a free meal, and then have the audacity to leave a tract on the table with no tip. Our conduct away from the house is the reason no one visits the house. If God has blessed us, why do we find it hard to bless others?

           

In Deuteronomy, God instructed Moses about payment (cf. Deut. 2). He told him and the children of Israel not to meddle with the children of Esau, because He was not going to give Esau’s possession to them (cf. Deut. 2:5). The word meddle means to stir up strife and contention.

           

This is exactly what church folk do when they pick a fight with the server. Instead of paying for the meal—as God said in verse 6—church players scam the meal. God said, “Ye shall buy meat of them,” not steal it! Do you see how we act? We will raise hell with the restaurant, but still consider ourselves God’s beloved children. 

           

So, what about church ground causes the actors flip? Maybe they fail to realize God is omnipresent. The Almighty is everywhere at the same time.

           

While expressing His displeasure of false prophets, God said, “Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD,” (cf. Jer. 23:24). 

Since the LORD is always present, church ground should not be the only place we live holy. A lukewarm church makes for an angry Lord (cf. Rev. 3:16).

Be encouraged

Go Hard

Bro. Sid

So, Who Do You Listen To?

"The one who belongs to God listens and responds to God's words. You don't listen and respond, because you don't belong to God" (cf. John 8:47, NET Version).

Strong words, aren't they? As we can see, Jesus never pulled any punches when addressing false disciples. In fact, this statement He makes comes on the heels of Him laying the wood to His attackers – (cf. John 8:44)

The first phrase reads, "You people are from your father, the devil and you want to do what your father desires..." (NET Version).

There it is. Whoever controls the ear controls the conduct.

My friends, we are either children of God or children of the devil. 

There is no other option. 

In his book Always Ready, the late Dr. Gregory L. Bahnsen said, "Neutrality is an immoral attempt to serve two lords." We will either listen to the devil or we will listen to God. And our response will either be disobedience or obedience. Sorry, but the Word of God does not make it any plainer than that.

How do we know we belong to God? When we love Him and when we obey His Word. It is an impossibility for one to love and to obey God but to hate His Bible at the same time. We cannot be His disciples when His Word is not the priority in our lives.

The devil's children simply go through the motions, pretending to belong to God. Let that not be us.

Listen to Christ. Obey His Word. 

He is the Word.

Blessings. 

Persecution is Real

Greetings my fellow disciples and family in Christ. Once again, I pray that all is well with you. Today's focus touches on our desire to live godly lives. With that comes a word that many in contemporary Christendom work hard to avoid.

Persecution.

In 2 Timothy 3:12, the Bible says, "Yea and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (KJV).

Let's face it. We live in a world that hates Christ. The world hates Christians. So, living in this hostile environment—a place that isn't our final home, by the way—what makes disciples believe that persecution will never drive down their street?

It hunts us.

It stalks us.

True disciples are to deny themselves and to follow Jesus—it's the first rule of discipleship (cf. Matt 16:24–28; Mark 8:34–38; Luke 9:22–27). When we desire to live godly in an ungodly world, we should expect resistance.

Remember, the servant is not greater than his/her Lord. So, if they hated Jesus, they will hate us. In that, do not deny Him....because we do not want Him to deny us (cf. Matt. 10:32–33; Matt. 7:21–23).

Be encouraged.

Go Hard.

STUDY!!!

Greetings fellow disciples. I pray that all is well with you. Wanted to talk today about a subject that many in contemporary Christendom find daunting. It's called study. Did I say that? Yes, I did.

Unfortunately, those who consider themselves followers of Christ barely have a surface understanding of the Word of God. It is critical that we develop solid study habits, if we are going to use the Word of God effectively in evangelism. Let's see what the Apostle Paul tells Timothy.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth" (cf. II Timothy 2:15). 

The NET Bible translation gives us a simple way of reading this. It says:

"Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately" (cf. II Timothy 2:15).

The Christian community is filled with messages. Many of these messages, which include useless clichés, clearly reveal a limited understanding of the Word of God. It's unfortunate, but the majority of the faith–based community is Biblically illiterate. Not good for evangelizing a world that DESPERATELY needs the unadulterated Word of God.

What do we do? The Bible makes it clear. Let us make every effort to show God that we are hard workers when it comes to consuming and to sharing His message.

We can do it.

Blessings.

Time Will Tell the Story

In response to a great deal of strong and negative feelings about God and about Christianity, I felt it necessary to remind us that as disciples of Christ, we WILL suffer persecution. No question about it. We live in a world that is anti-God, anti-Christ and anti-Christian. And if Jesus Himself suffered at the hands of His persecutors, so will we (cf. John 15:20; 17:14; II Tim. 3:12).

Nevertheless, I have good news. And this news is the very reason I refuse to argue with bullying skeptics about matters concerning the Lord Jesus Christ, His Word and His people. The good news is this: Time Will Tell the Story. No matter how much skeptics argue against the historicity and reliability of the Bible, there is ONE thing they ALL cannot escape - DEATH. 

I had the not so distinct pleasure of reading rants against God (i.e. He is not real, no such thing, so on and so on) this afternoon through comments made in response to a judicial ruling against a Christian bakery. There were also vicious attacks against Christians. But disciples of the Lord, hold on to our hope. The Bible promises that Jesus will vanquish all of His enemies. They can argue until they're blue in the face about Jesus being a farce, but once again, there is ONE thing they ALL cannot escape - DEATH. 

So, instead of us arguing and trying to convince people who seem to be already convinced, why not just wait? Time Will Tell the Story. Every person will take his or her last breath ONE day. And on that day, each and every person will learn whether God is real or not. 

Time Will Tell the Story.....so be encouraged and keep serving our Master. 

Blessings.

What is Ministry?

My brothers, sisters and friends....what is ministry? Very interesting and challenging question. I also have another question. Does society and even the church have a warped view of what ministry truly is? I believe that is a distinct possibility.

According to Bill Hull's The Complete Book of Discipleship, the term ministry means serving others in the name of Christ. Hull's definition is absolutely correct. So then, why do a great number of people - who claim to be Christians - want to be served instead of serving?

Jesus made it clear when He (the Master) washed His disciples feet (cf. John 13) - the lowest kind of servanthood in Palestine - that service is a prerequisite for discipleship. Perhaps that may be the reason so many care not to be disciples.

My friends....as we go about our daily activities, let us make a conscious effort to take advantage of opportunities to serve others.

It is the true meaning of ministry.

Blessings.

Out of Control? - Part I

I recently came across a couple of interesting ecards that seem to be contradictory to the life of the Christian disciple. The ecards said this - and I quote - "I love Jesus but I will cuss you the hell out" and "Guess who loves Jesus but will still curse your a-- out?"

Wow.

Where does a disciple of the Lord begin? Well how about we start with the Scriptures - after all, the Word of God is the foundation for the life of the disciple. Here is where we see the contradiction on lifestyle and lip service.

Jesus said, "If ye love me keep my commandments" (cf. John 14:15).

"He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him and will manifest myself to him" (cf. John 14:21).

Jesus answered and said unto him, "If a man love me he will keep my words: and my Father will love him and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me" (cf. John 14:23-24)

Let's continue:

"Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee" (cf. Proverbs 4:24)

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (cf. Ephesians 4:29).

"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how we ought to answer every man" (cf. Colossians 4:6).

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren these things ought not so to be" (cf. James 3:8-10).

Now, according to the Scriptures - the foundation for the life of the disciple - cursing out another person is contrary to the Word. Which means....if a person says he or she loves Jesus (i.e. John's references above), yet curses someone whom Jesus made (cf. John 1:3; James 3:8-10), how can that be love for Jesus? Jesus clearly stated that if a person loves me, he or she will do what I say. Well....the Word says we are to watch our mouths and not curse those who are made in the image of God (cf. Genesis 1:26; James 3:8-10).

Jesus also said that we are to love one another (cf. 1 John 4:7-8). How is cussing someone out exhibiting the love of God?

That (i.e. cussing you out) would be blatant disobedience...so it cannot be love - according to the Scriptures. Those who are proponents of cussing Christianity will disagree and will even fight and vilify me for saying this, but the Word of God is clear - the same book whereby we find the reality of Christianity. So, how can we claim to be Christians and saved by applying the salvation Scriptures, but violate the same Word of God by cussing out God's creation?

Jesus said, a person who DOES NOT love me, will not keep my sayings (cf. John 14:24). The only way that a Christian can prove and justify his or her love for Jesus is through obedience.

Just something to think on. More to come

Blessings

ACTION!

When a director on a movie set yells, "Action!" it's time for the actors to do something. It's time for the actors to get into character. Lights! Camera! Action! After the production is in the can, we have the pleasure of watching our favorite actors in ACTION.

Well, just as actors are required to get into action, so are competent Christians. If we aim to be faithful disciples, we must do more than just hear the Word of God. We have to be men and women of action. Let's face it, the ole cliche is true....talk is cheap. In other words, let us stop talking about being disciples and start being disciples.


The Bible says, "But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves (cf. James 1:22). In his commentary, Pastor John MacArthur said that "professing Christians who are content with only hearing the Word have made a serious spiritual miscalculation."

Action is defined as the state or process of acting or doing. In order for us to be true disciples, let us follow Jesus' example. He was powerful in word and deed. He truly was a Man of action.

Go Hard for Christ

Blessings

A Disciple's Response to The N-Word: Part II

Back for Part II of a Disciple's response to one of the most offensive words in American culture. The question is how do I respond to it's blatant use? And what do I do to counterattack the painful effects of its use?

NH Police Commissioner, Robert Copeland said this: "I believe I did use the 'N' word in reference to the current occupant of the White House. For this, I do not apologize - he meets and exceeds my criteria for such." Now, there are several problems with this racist comment.


First, He believes he did? I cannot help but wonder if he knew he did.

Secondly, the "current occupant" of the White House. Does he mean President Barak Obama? A man, whether he is Black or White, who holds the top office in the land? How can anyone not see this as flagrant disrespect for the office? Forget about personal prejudice, notice the disrespect for the office because a Black man holds it.

Thirdly, "For this, I do not apologize." No remorse for a comment that not only affects President Obama, but every other Black person in this nation. The "current occupant" as he says, has a wife (with feelings) and two daughters (with feelings). How should a family respond to a negative slur like that against a loved one? No remorse. No regret. Maybe it's me....but someone like that...is he dangerous? Or docile?

Fourthly, "meets and exceeds" - what does that mean? Should President Obama consider himself a 1st class N-Word? After all, he exceeds. Exceeds what? Copeland's personal prejudice (i.e. my criteria)

Fifthly, "my criteria" - Maybe it's me...but does this man think he is God? Based on the comments, his criteria does not sit very high on the mountain of morale and ethics - 2 characteristics that a police commissioner should have.

So, how does a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ respond to such negativity? Well, since the President took office, the trend of racism - that was subtle for long periods of time - has surfaced with a vengeance. I personally cannot return insult for insult (cf. 1 Peter 3:9-11).

However, I can motivate and encourage my people to build upon our own gifts and talents. If this is the current trend, we cannot and will not advance as a people. Black college graduates and even those with advanced degrees are still jobless. As a disciple of the Lord, I am to respond to negativity with humanitarianism - particularly concerning my fellow African Americans. That does not negate the fact that my humanitarian efforts will extend to all people - all cultures - all nationalities.

I am a lover of the human being.

Blessings.

A Disciple's Response To the N-Word Part I

Wow. Where can we even start?

The world learns how a NBA owner feels about people of color. The world then learns of a police commissioner's racist rant against the President of the United States - a man who holds the top office in the land. Without question, the spirit of racism and hatred is still alive and well in the good ole U.S. of A.

So, how do I respond, being a disciple (i.e. pupil, learner and follower) of the Lord Jesus Christ and yet being a Black man? I would first state there is a controversy about the origin of our nation's philosophy - that the country was built on Christian principles.

That is debatable and I am sure the Native Americans would have something to add to the debate.

Nevertheless, despite how Colonial racists misused and abused Scripture and crookedly applied the use of the name of Christianity, it does not make Christianity illegitimate - no more than a young man who "claims" to be a gangster rapper can delegitimize the reality of true gangster rap. True gangsters and true fans of the genre can sniff out a fake...a fraud....and a phony.

Likewise with Christianity. So-called racist Christians are not Christians. I stand by that.

First off, Christianity is NOT a religion...it is a lifestyle. It is a way of life that continues long after we leave the sanctuary. Therefore, as a disciple....a true disciple....how do I respond to such negative and racist overtones? I'll be honest. Truthfully, I know what I would LIKE to do, but I also know that my allegiance is to the Lord.

More on my response in Part II

Castor Oil Conviction

I don't believe there is anyone who seriously enjoys persecution. It's painful. It's piercing. If we are not focused on the Lord and His demands for lifetime allegiance, suffering can cause us to have a sour taste for discipleship. That's right, I said it....a sour taste for discipleship.

How many of us can remember a medicine we had to swallow as kids called Castor Oil? For those of us who remember, it wasn't a very tasty medicine. Was it? In fact, in was downright nasty. We hated the taste of it going down. However, once the medicine hit the blood stream, we began to feel the effects of its healing power. We did not like it going down, but we certainly did appreciate the end result.

Persecution is somewhat like that nasty Castor Oil. It hurts when people dismiss us from their company. It hurts when people despise and ridicule us. It hurts when people make us the butt end of their inappropriate jokes. It hurts when we are misunderstood because we aim to be true disciples.

But we have to have Castor Oil Conviction.

Be encouraged. For I remember Jesus saying, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (cf. Matt. 5:11-12).

Castor oil was bad tasting, but it was good healing.
Persecution is a bad feeling, but it reaps a good reward.

Let us hold on to our faith. Never give up. Go Hard for the Lord.

Be Blessed

Your Brother.

A Mind Consumed With God's Word

Disciples are very careful about how they think. The mind is so powerful and if we are not careful about what we entertain in our thoughts, we may not enjoy the consequences of the actions that follow. Thinking bad thoughts lead to bad actions. And although we are in control of what we do, we are NOT in control of the consequences. 

True followers of Christ think like Him. Are we always successful at doing so? Not all the time, let's be honest. Nevertheless, be encouraged. We can DO right as long as we THINK right. And how do we make sure that we are thinking correctly? 

Our delight must be in the law of the LORD. We must meditate day and night (cf. Psalm 1:2). In other words, let our minds be consumed with the Word of God. 

Study the Word

Learn the Word

Practice the Word

Successful discipleship

Blessings

Focus Verse: Philippians 4:8

    

At The Heart of The Matter

Greetings and blessings to you:

It is our prayer here at the Discipleship Society to build a community of Christ followers. Discipleship is at the very heart of what it means to be a Christian and making disciples is the very heart of God's work. 

Pastor and writer, Bill Hull made a very good point in his book The Complete Book of Discipleship. He said, "Following (Jesus) isn't short term. Discipleship isn't a program or an event; it's a way of life" (end quote). I will also say that discipleship is no easy task. Yet, despite the many difficulties and persecutions that come with the territory of being a disciple, it is all worth it. 

We will be sharing together in the coming weeks, months and prayerfully years, as we grow together in the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Be Encouraged.