Tag: disciples

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Bible Insights

A Card Carrying Member of the Jesus Party

life party

Tuesday’s post was about Jesus’ invitation to side with his life-party. This is not a raise-your-hand, say-a-prayer, or sign-a-card decision made without careful consideration, but a total, lifelong commitment regardless of the consequences.

To grasp the enormity of this, contemplate the verses where these phrases appears in the Amplified version of the Bible:

…became His disciples [sided with His party and followed Him] (Matthew 4:20).

…joined Jesus as disciples [sided with His party and followed Him] (Matthew 4:22).

“Be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me],” (Matthew 9:9).

“…be My disciple [side with My party and follow Me]” (Matthew 19:21).

…become Your disciples [sided with Your party and followed You] (Matthew 19:27).

“…you who have [become My disciples, sided with My party and] followed Me,” (Matthew 19:28).

…followed [with] Him [joining Him as disciples and siding with His party] (Mark 1:18).

…went off after Him [to be His disciples, side with His party, and follow Him] (Mark 1:20).

Follow Me! [Be joined to Me as a disciple, side with My party!] (Mark 2:14).

…take up his cross, and [joining Me as a disciple and siding with My party] follow with Me (Mark 8:34).

“…we have yielded up and abandoned everything [once and for all and joined You as Your disciples, siding with Your party],” (Mark 10:28).

…they left everything and joined Him as His disciples and sided with His party and accompanied Him (Luke 5:11).

“Join Me as a disciple and side with My party and accompany Me” (Luke 5:27).

And he forsook everything and got up and followed Him [becoming His disciple and siding with His party] (Luke 5:28).

“Become My disciple, side with My party, and accompany Me!” (Luke 9:59).

“I will follow You, Lord, and become Your disciple and side with Your party,” (Luke 9:61).

“…follow Me [become My disciple, join My party, and accompany Me],” (Luke 18:22).

…many believed in His name [identified themselves with His party] (John 2:23).

This is what it means to follow Jesus.

[Biblical references to Jesus’ party (and a few others, too)]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Bible Insights

What’s Your Party?

Jesus party

Regardless of what country you live in, there will be at least one political party, and usually many to choose from. People who read and follow the Bible often affiliate with a particular party in order to best align their politics with the Bible.

What’s interesting is they can read the same book and reach different conclusions about which party to join. This, I think, points to the diversity of the Bible—and the God behind it—as much to the varied interpretations of its readers.

But setting politics aside, what if there was a life party, a holistic philosophy that covered everything? Might you join a compelling life party? I have.

In the Amplified Bible, Jesus invites people to “side with my party.” This wasn’t about politics, but about life.

When Jesus calls people to do this, it usually accompanies phrases such as “be my disciple” and “follow me.”

Other supporting thoughts include “take up your cross,” “forsake everything,” “identify with me,” “leave everything,” and “join with me.”

Being part of Jesus’ party isn’t about politics; it’s about all of life. It’s not an opinion to be held, it‘s about a complete, all-in, sold-out commitment to side with him.

Will you side with his party?

[Biblical references to Jesus’ party (and a few others, too)]

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.

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Christian Living

Are You a Disciple or Believer?

Disciple

Those who follow Jesus used to be called “disciples” but that term has fallen out of favor. Now the common label is “believer.”

It is easy to believe; it takes a lot more to be a disciple.

To believe is essentially a one-time act, a singular decision made at one point along life’s path. To be a disciple is a continuing commitment, an ongoing determination to steadfastly follow Jesus.

Although believing in Jesus is a great place to start—and the requisite beginning—merely believing isn’t enough. James notes that even the demons believe.

Jesus wants more and deserves more. He desires that all will believe, but once we believe he wants us to become his disciples: fully committed, totally dedicated, and steadfastly pursuing him throughout our entire life.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”
​
​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.