what does it mean to be a christian?

What does it mean to be a Christian?What does it mean to be a Christian?

It must mean to be Christ-like! It must mean to be Christ-like! (Gal 2:20)(Gal 2:20)


Galatians 2:20 (NKJV)Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) - I have been - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the live, but Christ lives in me; and the lifelife which I now live in the flesh I live by faith which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.Himself for me.


The Sanhedrin faced some men that stood The Sanhedrin faced some men that stood up to them in a powerful way! up to them in a powerful way! (Acts 4:13)(Acts 4:13)


Acts 4:13 (NKJV)Acts 4:13 (NKJV) - Now when they saw - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.realized that they had been with Jesus.


These men had not followed a path of These men had not followed a path of development that the world respected.development that the world respected.



There was a power in these men that could There was a power in these men that could only have been found in Jesus Himself.only have been found in Jesus Himself.




Jesus had radically changed these men from Jesus had radically changed these men from

what there were.what there were.




Jesus had radically changed these men from Jesus had radically changed these men from what there were.what there were.

They often failed and gave their opponents They often failed and gave their opponents opportunity. opportunity. (Lk 9:37-41)(Lk 9:37-41)


Luke 9:40-41 (NKJV)Luke 9:40-41 (NKJV) - So I implored - So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Then Jesus answered and said, “O not.” 41Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”Bring your son here.”


They were slow to learn and overcome their They were slow to learn and overcome their prejudices. prejudices. (Lk 9:43-45)(Lk 9:43-45)


Luke 9:43-45 (NKJV)Luke 9:43-45 (NKJV) - And they were all - And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44“Let Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44“Let these words sink down into your ears, for these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” the hands of men.”


45 But they did not understand this saying, 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.ask Him about this saying.


They battled with pride. They battled with pride. (Lk 9:46-48)(Lk 9:46-48)


Luke 9:46-48 (NKJV)Luke 9:46-48 (NKJV) - Then a dispute arose - Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of greatest. 47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”great.”


They were easy to become angry and act They were easy to become angry and act unmercifully. unmercifully. (Lk 9:54-56)(Lk 9:54-56)


Luke 9:54-56 (NKJV) Luke 9:54-56 (NKJV) - - And when His And when His disciples James and John saw disciples James and John saw this,this, they said, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.them.” ” And they went to another village.And they went to another village.

They had learned the meaning of They had learned the meaning of authorityauthority

In the baptism of John. In the baptism of John. (Mk 11:30)(Mk 11:30)


Mark 11:30 (NKJV)Mark 11:30 (NKJV) - The baptism of - The baptism of John—John—was it from heaven or from menwas it from heaven or from men? ? Answer Me.”Answer Me.”


Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John had also to accept that he was a prophet!had also to accept that he was a prophet!


Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John had also to accept that he was a prophet!had also to accept that he was a prophet!

An understanding of authority causes you to An understanding of authority causes you to approach the scriptures in a certain approach the scriptures in a certain way. way. (Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18-19)(Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18-19)


Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV) - You shall not - You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. which I command you.


Deuteronomy 12:32 (NKJV) Deuteronomy 12:32 (NKJV) - “Whatever - “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from you shall not add to it nor take away from it.it.


Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV)Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV) - For I testify to - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and the holy city, and fromfrom the things which are the things which are written in this book.written in this book.


Controversies over baptism today can be Controversies over baptism today can be resolved through an understanding of resolved through an understanding of authority! authority!


Controversies over baptism today can be Controversies over baptism today can be resolved through an understanding of resolved through an understanding of authority! authority!

In the teachings of Jesus. In the teachings of Jesus. (Mt 28:18-20)(Mt 28:18-20)


Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) - And Jesus came - And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, you; and lo, I am with you always, eveneven to the to the end of the age.” Amen.end of the age.” Amen.


His entire ministry was focused on this His entire ministry was focused on this point.point.


His entire ministry was focused on this His entire ministry was focused on this point.point.

His future ministry would depend upon men His future ministry would depend upon men that accept His authority as expressed that accept His authority as expressed through the written word. through the written word. (Jn 16:13)(Jn 16:13)


John 16:13 (NKJV)John 16:13 (NKJV) - However, when He, - However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own His own authority,authority, but whatever He hears but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.come.


Authority will produce a careful appeal to Authority will produce a careful appeal to Book, Chapter and Verse. Book, Chapter and Verse. (Col 3:17)(Col 3:17)


Colossians 3:17 (NKJV)Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - And - And whateverwhatever you do in word or deed, you do in word or deed, dodo all in the name all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.Father through Him.


In the stands of Jesus. In the stands of Jesus. (Jn 2:13-17)(Jn 2:13-17)


John 2:13-17 (NKJV)John 2:13-17 (NKJV) - Now the Passover of - Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15 When He money changers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.the tables.


16 And He said to those who sold doves, 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was Then His disciples remembered that it was written, written, “Zeal for Your house“Zeal for Your house has eatenhas eaten Me Me up.”up.”


Authority will show the purpose of God.Authority will show the purpose of God.


Authority will show the purpose of God.Authority will show the purpose of God. Jesus stood upon that authority and would Jesus stood upon that authority and would

not yield.not yield.


Those who objected had yet to understand Those who objected had yet to understand the right source of authority. the right source of authority. (Jn 2:18-21)(Jn 2:18-21)


John 2:18 -21 (NKJV)John 2:18 -21 (NKJV) - - So the Jews So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.His body.

They had learned the meaning of They had learned the meaning of charactercharacter

Their calling to follow Jesus tested their Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. character. (Lk 9:58-62)(Lk 9:58-62)


Luke 9:58-62 (NKJV)Luke 9:58-62 (NKJV) - And Jesus said to - And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air havehave nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay to lay HisHis head.” 59 Then He said to another, head.” 59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”go and preach the kingdom of God.”


And another also said, “Lord, I will follow And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go You, but let me first go andand bid them bid them farewell who are at my house.” 62 But farewell who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”for the kingdom of God.”


Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their own.own.


Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their own.own.

Relationships will be a great test for you!Relationships will be a great test for you!


Some problems men face are not easily Some problems men face are not easily solved because of the fear of disappointing solved because of the fear of disappointing others. others. (Jn 12:42-43; 9:20-23)(Jn 12:42-43; 9:20-23)


John 12:42-43 (NKJV)John 12:42-43 (NKJV) - Nevertheless - Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess not confess Him,Him, lest they should be put out lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.praise of men more than the praise of God.


John 9:20-23 (NKJV)John 9:20-23 (NKJV) - His parents - His parents answered them and said, “We know that answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.” speak for himself.”


22 His parents said these 22 His parents said these thingsthings because because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed agreed already that if anyone confessed thatthat He He waswas Christ, he would be put out of the Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”“He is of age; ask him.”


They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of compromise. compromise.


They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of compromise. compromise.

They were not afraid to answer by a simple They were not afraid to answer by a simple lesson on authority. lesson on authority. (Acts 4:17-21)(Acts 4:17-21)


Acts 4:17-21 (NKJV) Acts 4:17-21 (NKJV) - But so that it - But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” 18 So they speak to no man in this name.” 18 So they called them and commanded them not they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. Jesus.


19 But Peter and John answered and said to 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21So when they had have seen and heard.” 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.had been done.


Their understanding of authority and the Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them God behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose! confidence and purpose!



Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.since left any teaching on authority.



Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.since left any teaching on authority.

When authority is neglected then character When authority is neglected then character in neglected.in neglected.


Their understanding of authority and the God Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose!confidence and purpose!

Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.any teaching on authority.

When authority is neglected then character in When authority is neglected then character in neglected.neglected.

Ex. “How can we get the Elders to attend on Ex. “How can we get the Elders to attend on Wednesday night?”Wednesday night?”


Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, drinking and divorce.drinking and divorce.


Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, drinking and divorce.drinking and divorce.

The lost battles over “small” issues have The lost battles over “small” issues have compromised the foundation!compromised the foundation!

They had learned how to deal with They had learned how to deal with their heartstheir hearts

They had to overcome pride. They had to overcome pride. (Mk 10:39-45)(Mk 10:39-45)


Mark 10:39-45 (NKJV)Mark 10:39-45 (NKJV) - They said to - They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but give, but it is for thoseit is for those for whom it is for whom it is prepared.”prepared.”


41And when the ten heard 41And when the ten heard it,it, they began to they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to 42 But Jesus called them to HimselfHimself and and said to them, “You know that those who are said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. authority over them.


43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but 43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44And whoever you shall be your servant. 44And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”His life a ransom for many.”


Pride comes from abundance, achievements Pride comes from abundance, achievements and blessings, that is why it is so dangerous.and blessings, that is why it is so dangerous.


Knowledge is good, but watch for pride. Knowledge is good, but watch for pride. (1 Cor 8:1-2)(1 Cor 8:1-2)


1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV)1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV) - - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.


One may have some understanding of One may have some understanding of authority but use the scriptures to glorify authority but use the scriptures to glorify themselves.themselves.



Do you look down on your brethren Do you look down on your brethren because of their “ignorance?”because of their “ignorance?”



Do you look down on your brethren Do you look down on your brethren because of their “ignorance?”because of their “ignorance?”

Be careful at who you put into positions of Be careful at who you put into positions of responsibility. responsibility. (1 Tim 3:6)(1 Tim 3:6)


1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV)1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV) - not a novice, lest - not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the being puffed up with pride he fall into the samesame condemnation as the devil. condemnation as the devil.


The same attitude that is manifested within The same attitude that is manifested within the home will be manifested within the the home will be manifested within the church.church.



Pride will enslave and destroy other people.Pride will enslave and destroy other people.



Pride will enslave and destroy other people.Pride will enslave and destroy other people. The apostle Paul needed help to avoid The apostle Paul needed help to avoid

pride. pride. (2 Cor 12:7)(2 Cor 12:7)


2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) - And lest I - And lest I should be exalted above measure by the should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.measure.


They learned patience and longsuffering. They learned patience and longsuffering. (2 Tim 2:24-26)(2 Tim 2:24-26)


2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV)2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) - And a servant of - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26and know the truth, 26and thatthat they may come to they may come to their senses their senses andand escapeescape the snare of the devil, the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to having been taken captive by him to dodo his will. his will.


They showed this even when dealing with They showed this even when dealing with their enemies. their enemies. (Acts 3:17-19)(Acts 3:17-19)


Acts 3:17-19 (NKJV)Acts 3:17-19 (NKJV) - “Yet now, brethren, I - “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did know that you did itit in ignorance, as in ignorance, as diddid also also your rulers. 18 But those things which God your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,may come from the presence of the Lord,


Many try to intimidate and run over another Many try to intimidate and run over another rather than to patiently teach.rather than to patiently teach.


Many try to intimidate and run over another Many try to intimidate and run over another rather than to patiently teach.rather than to patiently teach.

Names and labels are used against those Names and labels are used against those who do not line-up. who do not line-up. (Jn 9:34)(Jn 9:34)


John 9:34 (NKJV)John 9:34 (NKJV) - They answered and - They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.cast him out.


Social pressure is used instead of an appeal Social pressure is used instead of an appeal to Christ’s authority. to Christ’s authority. (Jn 9:22, 34)(Jn 9:22, 34)


John 9:22 (NKJV)John 9:22 (NKJV) - His parents said these - His parents said these thingsthings because they feared the Jews, for the because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed confessed thatthat He He waswas Christ, he would be Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. put out of the synagogue.


John 9:34 (NKJV)John 9:34 (NKJV) - They answered and - They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.cast him out.


Some will approach a subject by saying Some will approach a subject by saying “there are several people who are “there are several people who are going to leave if you do not….”going to leave if you do not….”


Some will approach a subject by saying Some will approach a subject by saying “there are several people who are “there are several people who are going to leave if you do not….”going to leave if you do not….”

How long did Jesus work with these men How long did Jesus work with these men until they developed? until they developed? (Eph 4:31-32)(Eph 4:31-32)


Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV)Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) - Let all - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.as God in Christ forgave you.


Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. (Lk 9:58-62)(Lk 9:58-62)


Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. (Lk 9:58-62)(Lk 9:58-62)

In their calling their heart was revealed.In their calling their heart was revealed.(Lk 5:27-28; 18:28-30)(Lk 5:27-28; 18:28-30)


Luke 5:27-28 (NKJV)Luke 5:27-28 (NKJV) - After these things - After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.up, and followed Him.


Luke 18:28-30 (NKJV)Luke 18:28-30 (NKJV) - Then Peter said, - Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who shall not of the kingdom of God, 30who shall not receive many times more in this present receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”time, and in the age to come eternal life.”


Who are you really loyal to?Who are you really loyal to?


Who are you really loyal to?Who are you really loyal to? We can over time shift in our loyalty.We can over time shift in our loyalty.


Who are you really loyal to?Who are you really loyal to? We can over time shift in our loyalty.We can over time shift in our loyalty. Look at how Jesus put them into difficult Look at how Jesus put them into difficult

situations. situations. (Lk 18:31-34)(Lk 18:31-34)


Luke 18:31-34 (NKJV)Luke 18:31-34 (NKJV) - Then He took the - Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge HimHim and kill Him. And the third day He will rise and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”again.”


34 But they understood none of these 34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which and they did not know the things which were spoken.were spoken.


Imagine hearing Jesus say this to you! Imagine hearing Jesus say this to you! (Jn 6:66-70)(Jn 6:66-70)


John 6:66-70 (NKJV)John 6:66-70 (NKJV) - From that - From that timetime many many of His disciples went back and walked with of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”


70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose 70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”


Jesus knew that these situations will Jesus knew that these situations will produce spiritual growth.produce spiritual growth.


Jesus knew that these situations will Jesus knew that these situations will produce spiritual growth.produce spiritual growth.

Look at how they responded under Look at how they responded under pressure! pressure! (Acts 5:40-42)(Acts 5:40-42)


Acts 5:40-42 (NKJV)Acts 5:40-42 (NKJV) - And they agreed with - And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten and beaten them,them, they commanded that they they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41So they departed from the presence of them go. 41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And daily worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus cease teaching and preaching Jesus asas the Christ. the Christ.


They did not pray for the destruction of They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.their enemies.



They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?this?




Who have you been with?Who have you been with?




Who have you been with?Who have you been with? Some are loyal to a paper and men that Some are loyal to a paper and men that

write in them.write in them.


They did not pray for the destruction of their They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.enemies.

They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this? Who have you been with?Who have you been with? Some are loyal to a paper and men that write in Some are loyal to a paper and men that write in

them.them. When the editor and his friends change their When the editor and his friends change their

views their followers do to.views their followers do to.


Others may follow a family or a local Others may follow a family or a local church.church.


Others may follow a family or a local Others may follow a family or a local church.church.

Those who have been with Jesus will show Those who have been with Jesus will show it by their fruits. it by their fruits. (Jas 3:13-17)(Jas 3:13-17)


James 3:13-17 (NKJV)James 3:13-17 (NKJV) - Who - Who isis wise and wise and understanding among you? Let him show understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct by good conduct thatthat his works his works are doneare done in in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but above, but isis earthly, sensual, demonic. earthly, sensual, demonic.


16 For where envy and self-seeking 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist,exist, confusion and every evil thing confusion and every evil thing areare there. 17 there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. partiality and without hypocrisy.

what does it mean to be a christian?

Documents

untrained men

hands of men

path of development

son of god

john saw

disciples james

son of man

little child