Radio brother says being a follower of Christ makes us Christians

[enoob57]

Matthew 7:16 (KJV)

[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

[FriendofJonathan]

Only when we are born again in Christ are we Christians, because that is what a Christian is, at which time we will follow Christ. 

[TheBlade]

On 3/6/2025 at 9:11 AM, Vine Abider said:

I heard this yesterday from a popular radio brother - he's heard on around 80 stations across the US.  I really like his speaking as he is quite versed in scripture and ready to give a thoughtful answer in love to anyone calling into his program (the format is all Q&A).  I've gotten a lot of help from his show, and from some of his writings. He's a solid brother in the Lord, whom I love.

However, I think he's a little off in saying that Christians are just those who follow Christ.  He points out that in Acts 11:26 it says, "The disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch," and this is certainly true.  But saying that being a disciple or follower of Christ makes one a Christian, is, I believe, shortsighted towards the revelation of the new covenant.

According to the vast weight of scripture, what makes someone a Christian is by being born-again and having the Spirit and life of God come into their spirit and heart.*  They then become a child of our Father God with a new life in them.  To me, this is the deepest truth of what makes us Christians; whereas being a disciple/follower of Christ is about obeying His life within us.

I've actually heard this brother basically say this a number of times over the years, but yesterday it became quite clear to me.  It's not anything to be divisive over, yet I have thought about emailing him to address this matter . . . just not sure the Lord is leading me to do this.

What fellowship would you give me?

* "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?" (2 Cor 13:5)

Haha.. well not at you but I've lol always said when asked are you a Christian.. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. Yet for me I can see the two as meaning the same. I understand where "Christian" came from how in history some were treated by "Christians". I don't see him based on just what you posted I don't see how this off. 

[Vine Abider]

On 3/8/2025 at 6:45 AM, enoob57 said:

 

Matthew 7:16 (KJV)

[16] Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

[17] Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

[18] A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

[19] Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

[20] Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

 

 

And that is the evidence of the new life within.