Have you ever wondered why people who say they are Christians have so many different, even contradictory beliefs? They certainly can’t all be right, can they.
Many people today claim to be Christians or followers of Jesus. Yet, whether a person is a Jesus’ follower is not a matter of personal opinion. Jesus Himself defined what it means to be His follower and the costs involved.
Jesus clearly set forth three marks that every follower of His was instructed to obey and experience. These three marks are clearly seen in the history of the early church recorded in the book of Acts. However, all three marks were lost for over one thousand years until being completely restored in the last hundred years.
The first mark is when a person is saved through repentance and putting their faith in Jesus alone, not through good works.
John 3:16 (ESV) “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
The second mark is that every believer must be water baptized after they have believed, following Jesus’ example.
Matthew 28:19 (ESV) Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
The third mark is receiving the promise of the Father, Spirit baptism, to be empowered to carry out God’s mission for your life., also following Jesus’ example.
Luke 24:49 (ESV) And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”
These three marks or experiences are just the initiation of person into the kingdom of God and there is much more required of every believer.
My message, Count the Cost of Following Jesus will help you understand Jesus’ teaching on what it means to be His disciple. These simple biblical truths are not taught or experienced today in the majority of American churches claiming to be Christian.
You can learn the truths that will change your life forever. Click the button below to watch the message and gain access to the free study guide.