tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203174451356862507.post2801197998010558757..comments2023-05-20T06:30:03.560-05:00Comments on Jon's Journey: Big Front PorchJonathanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01266729238990589293noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203174451356862507.post-9386133629537209212012-10-16T20:20:21.824-05:002012-10-16T20:20:21.824-05:00But Steve, what does it mean to become a disciple ...But Steve, what does it mean to become a disciple of Christ? Or follower of Jesus? Or follower of the way?<br /><br />I'm not saying we are saved by our works, but it seems clear that if we submit our live to Christ, and He becomes Lord and master... we will be changed.<br /><br />Matthew 7:20-23 (NIV)<br />20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.<br />21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’<br /><br />I suspect we may be agreeing but not understanding each others words...Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01266729238990589293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203174451356862507.post-32505297079683381632012-10-16T20:07:06.553-05:002012-10-16T20:07:06.553-05:00I've got news for you Jon, God isn't conce...I've got news for you Jon, God isn't concerned about you becoming more like Jesus. He knows who and what you are (me too) and we are so far from His righteousness and pure motives that it isn't funny.<br />And it will always be that way with sinners.<br /><br />But He lives in us and declares us to be holy and righteous, in spite of our lackluster performance.Steve Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13251554325064300307noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203174451356862507.post-37996249194576441112012-10-16T19:39:34.977-05:002012-10-16T19:39:34.977-05:00Thanks Steve, I hear what you are saying. And I ag...Thanks Steve, I hear what you are saying. And I agree Buxy likely hasn't got it all figured out, or found the perfect way of doing things. And I think he sounds humble enough that he'd be OK with me saying this. <br /><br />However, I do want to become more like Jesus... I think that is what it means to be a disciple of Christ. But I am no longer looking for the approval of men, or to fit in and support a system. To me that is freedom from Religion. <br /><br />However I do like your definition as well. Our good deeds don't earn us anything. But I still want to become more like Jesus. Can I agree with both of you?Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01266729238990589293noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203174451356862507.post-7799462973484325942012-10-16T09:44:11.251-05:002012-10-16T09:44:11.251-05:00I listened to some of what this gentleman had to s...I listened to some of what this gentleman had to say (audio from a sermon). <br /><br />He was pretty close, but not quite there yet. He spoke of "becoming like Jesus" "blending His energy with our energy"...<br /><br />Talk like that STILL is prodding the hearer on to ascend...to progress...and that is STILL religion.<br /><br />Christ said "it is finished" on the cross...thereby ending religion. We are like Him not because of anything that we do, but rather because He declares us to be like Him...in Him...and He in us. Totally apart from anything that we do, say, feel, or think.<br /><br />That understanding is the true 'end of religion'.<br /><br />Thanks, Jon.Steve Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13251554325064300307noreply@blogger.com