The word “CLAIM” is defined this way: To state or assert that something is the case, typically without providing evidence or proof”. So just because someone makes a claim, does it make it true? Certainly not. Unfortunately, the kind of society that we live in today lends itself to people making all kinds of claims without substantiation. We see it on a regular bases in politics, advertising, sports and virtually every other aspects of life. Unfortunately, we see it in religion as well. Many people today claim to be followers of Jesus, But are they? And, an equally important question is...Does it Matter? Should we care that someone makes a false claim that they are a follower of Jesus? We would care if the claim they were making was that they are a doctor! Would we want to go to a doctor that is only claiming to be a medical specialist but has no formal education nor training? Certainly Not. In a similar manner, it is dangerous for a person to claim to be a follower of Jesus and is not.
Matt. 7:15-16 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
Even Jesus informs us that a claim should not be taken on face value. Instead he said that we shall know someone by their fruits. Something more substantial than simple, superficial claims. But rather, to identify discipleship by one’s actions. In fact, he even goes one step further, He tells us that some that make that claim are actually INTENDING on being deceptive. They are wolves in sheep’s clothing. That is false teachers...agents of Satan....PRETENDING to be Christians and teachers. Their sole purpose is to lead away those that would follow Jesus. Now that is not to say, that I believe that all that make claims are false prophets. Not by a long shot. But none the less,even false disciples are making claims that are not true, regardless of the intentions. And it is at the very least dangerous for the one making the false claim.
Matt. 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Jesus here shows us that there will be folks that make that claim, EVEN TO HIM, They demonstrate it by saying unto him Lord, Lord. What is worse is that they have deceived themselves and BELIEVE with all of their hearts that they are true followers of our savior. But Jesus specifically and clearly says that NOT everyone that makes that claim, Will go to heaven. Who then? Those that do the will of God. In general, It is those that not only CLAIM to be a follower, but actually ARE TRUE followers of Jesus as he has defined it. Can we therefore know who is a disciple? Does Jesus tell us who are his followers? He does and that is the basis of our study. The most important question of the day then is...Who does the Bible define to be a follower or Disciple of Christ. For the next several days, we will look at the characteristics that Jesus says makes one of his disciples.
Reflecting the SON,
Dennis Hogan
12 Hours of Jesus is a community focused effort to teach the world more about Jesus. Our first event is May 10th in Radcliff Kentucky.
Questions, comments or further explanation? Contact me at: dennis.hogan@icloud.com
If you have friends, family, or acquaintances that you feel could benefit from RTS, please forward
their e-mail address to me and I will add them to my mail list.
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