What is the difference

between being a

Christian

and a

Disciple

of Christ?

 _______

Philippe Paquette

Indeed, Christians and Disciples of Christ. What is the difference between being a Christian and a Disciple of Christ? Do you consider yourself as one of the few “Disciples of Christ”? From the outset, you may believe that you have the answer but you don’t (respectfully). We all know what a “Christian” is.

A Christian is someone who “believes” in Christ.

Now, what is a “Disciple”?

Easy answer is:

“A Disciple of Christ is someone who, not only believes,

but promotes Christ.”

Great.  We all agree so far.

My words are of little consequences.

HIS WORDS COUNT. Here they are.

_______

Allow me to “paraphrase” with the limited knowledge that I have received during my brief University time at St-Paul’s on “Koine” Greek (the street language that was spoken then when Jesus was on earth), (Koine is as dead today, as Latin is) but “Koine” is very similar to our street language of today.

Luke 14: 25-35 25 And great crowds went with him; and, turning round, he said to them, 26 If any man come to me, and shall not hate his own father and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yea, and his own life too, he cannot be my disciple; (OkChrist.com): Paraphrase: If one truly desires to be a Disciple of mine, then, all is secondary to Christ. _______ 27 and whoever does not carry his cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (OkChrist.com): Paraphrase: There is a “burden” associated with being a “Disciple”.  One of them is – rejection, laughter, talking in you back, Facebook entries with your name as being a “Bible Banger”… and so much more… – Well, if you are not ready to “feel” that pain, then, you can’t be a “promoter”, a “Disciple of Christ”. _______ 28 For which of you, desirous of building a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, if he have what [is needed] to complete it; 29 in order that, having laid the foundation of it, and not being able to finish it, all who see it do not begin to mock at him, 30 saying, this man began to build and was not able to finish? 31 Or what king, going on his way to engage in war with another king, does not, sitting down first, take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him coming against him with twenty thousand? 32 and if not, while he is yet far off, having sent an embassy, he asks for terms of peace. (OkChrist.com): Paraphrase: This portion are interesting verses.  Remember.  The Lord’s “topic” is Discipleship.  It seems that our Lord is saying to his “want to be” Disciples that desiring to be a Disciple simply doesn’t cut it.  Unless you are “smart”, as in “know what and how to say it”, then, don’t be a Disciple.  Promote with ART, MUSIC, etc. but don’t expect that in your daily human exchanges that you can be a “real” disciple.  You can do more harm than good.  Especially if you are not considering “logic”.  In Discipleship, “logic” can only be “Christ oriented”.  Not you.  If you promote yourself/activity first, you are fabricating a hardship to the Spouse.  Christ has no need of “legalistic” persons, “unintelligent” beings, “self centered souls”, etc. Don’t attempt to BE a Disciple if you don’t truly have all the tenuous requirements.  You must die to serve HIM.  Period. _______ 33 Thus then every one of you who forsakes not all that is his own cannot be my disciple. (OkChrist.com) Paraphrase: “You must die to serve HIM.  Period”. _______ 34 Salt [then] [is] good, but if the salt also has become savorless, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is proper neither for land nor for dung; it is cast out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. (OkChrist.com): Paraphrase: It appears that “salt” gives more flavor to the food we eat.  Well, a Disciple of Christ most certainly provides substantial delicacies of hope, salvation, redemption, contrition, confession to those who hear the Gospel and accepts the Person of Christ, sincerely.  If you don’t do that, as a “natural” way of being, you have no taste, you taste nothing good… not even for “shit”… so if you can’t do that, you are not a “Disciple” but a simple well beloved Christian. _______ Having said that, there is NOTHING WRONG IN BEING A “CHRISTIAN“.  You have your life, you have your calling.  This article is not directed towards “Christians”.  It is a call to integrity to all those who claim to be “DISCIPLES“.  Three times in this Chapter of Luke 14, Jesus used the phrase, “cannot be my disciple.” Just a thought. In fact, food for thought.  So! Are you a “Christian or a Disciple”?

A “nickel” for your thought? (Being Canadian and since the “penny” has been taken off our streets, we need to work with “nickels” now…).

    Do you know about this topic: https://okchrist.com/son/son-his-glory/ Knowing about HIS GLORY is a wonderful thing to know. #philippepaquette _______