Being a Christian versus being a follower of Jesus Christ!

Over the years, the Christian Church has dropped in popularity. I believe, many people have left the Church for a very good reason; we’ve departed from teaching and living as Jesus did. We have become very judgmental, and “law” driven; “You better do this, or that, or else!” We have become very non-Christ-like, threatening people with the wrath and fire of God’s eternal judgment. I believe Churches do that to have power and control over people.

An alternative view of God, found in the Gospels, is the “judgement” of God’s “grace”; God’s gift of forgiveness and love, for all. That view of judgment is seen in all the people Jesus spoke to, called to be disciples, fed, healed, and performed miracles for: men and women, adults and children, religious and unreligious, Jews and Gentiles, all outcasts, and even His enemies. To see the fullness of God’s grace the best, we only need to look at Jesus on His Cross.

What would be the most egregious thing we could ever do to have God condemn us for forever? I believe crucifying, killing God, which we all did because of our sin. And what was Jesus’ response? “Father, forgive them! They do not know what they’re doing!” Since Jesus, God, forgave everyone, for killing Him, who then will God condemn?

As we look at all Jesus did throughout His life to demonstrate God’s love, for all; as we look at all God always did in the Old Testament, to forgive and restore God’s people; what if the Christian Church learned to do the same? What if we were as welcoming, accepting, loving, and forgiving - of all people - as God and Jesus were, and still are?

There shouldn’t be a difference in being a Christian and a Follower of Christ; however, when we don’t follow the way of Jesus, there is. The question is, how we define God, defines how we will live our lives! Do we define God as wrathful and judgmental, “out to get us, or else; bringing pain and suffering?” Or, do we define God as being grace-filled, who came down, to help us see and know, God’s wrath, was on sin, not the sinner, and, to know God has already “gotten” us with eternal love? As Followers of Jesus Christ, may we learn from Jesus’ grace-filled life, to bring God’s peace and hope to the world God so loves.

As always, I welcome your comments and questions.