Messengers of Jesus will be hated to the end of time

The messengers of Jesus will be hated to the end of time. They will be blamed for all the divisions which rend cities and homes. Jesus and his disciples will be condemned on all sides for undermining family life, and for leading the nation astray; they will be called crazy fanatics and disturbers of the peace.
~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship, 1961 edition, 239.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Related articles

• Dietrich Bonhoeffer's birthday
• Dietrich Bonhoeffer on the Ministry of Authority " bonhoefferblog
• Today, I'm honoring Dietrich Bonhoeffer's birthday, a German pastor who was hanged for standing against Hitler.
• Today Is Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Birthday
• Shining the Light of Jesus in INDIA

Called Christian

DISCIPLES FIRST CALLED CHRISTIANS

It is noteworthy that our Lord never gave a name to His people, but called them disciples -- pupils, learners. The Apostles have applied to the Church various terms; such as, "Church of the living God," "Church of God," "Church of Christ," "the Church." But gradually the name Christians, identifying God's people with their Redeemer, came to be the general name everywhere.

It is a pity that any have thought it necessary to adopt any other names than these, which are common to the entire Church of Christ, or to use these names in a sectarian manner. Evidently the name Christian should represent one who trusts in Christ as the Messiah -- one, therefore, who trusts in Him as the Redeemer and who accepts all the fundamental doctrines of the Scriptures. These doctrines are based upon three declarations: (1) That all were sinners, needing to be redeemed before they could be acceptable to God. (2) That the believer accepts God's forgiveness through the precious blood of Christ. (3) That he has accepted the Leadership and name of Christ and henceforth will seek to walk in His steps.

There was a start toward sectarianism in the early Church, some saying, "I am a Christian, but of the order of Paul." Others said, "I am a Christian of the order of Apollos;" still others, "I am a Christian of the order of Peter." St. Paul promptly rebuked this spirit, assuring them that relationship in Christ was all that was necessary, that neither Peter nor Paul had redeemed them, and that neither Apostle could therefore occupy the place of a head to the Church. Furthermore, the Apostle calls attention to the fact that such a spirit on their part was an evidence that much carnality still remained, much of a worldly, partisan spirit, contrary to the teachings of the Holy Spirit.--`1 Corinthians 1:10-13`; `3:1-7`.

It is to be regretted that ever since the Reformation this spirit has prevailed to a large extent, some taking the name of Luther, others, Wesley, Calvin, others non-personal, sectarian or party names such as Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, etc. We are not claiming that those who do so are wholly carnal, without the Lord's Spirit; but with the Apostles we do claim that a disposition to such partisanship is contrary to the Spirit of the Lord, and to that extent is carnal, fleshly, and should be overcome by all who would be recognized of the Lord as overcomers.

What we ought to have is one Church, one Household of Faith, accepting the plain fundamentals of Scripture, and with limitations as to acceptance of more or less conjectural views outside of those fundamentals-- all fellowshipping each other, and all known as Christians, and thus separated from all who deny the Atonement, from all who deny the results of the Atonement in the resurrection, and from all who deny the propriety of a newness of life in the present time. In this view of the matter, each individual Christian would have an independence as respects his own thought, aside from fundamentals which are clearly stated in the Scriptures.

 - ZWT - 1916 R5888 : page 122:April 15, 1916
C.T.Russell

+++
 

2014 January update: Related articles

• Being Submitted
• Christian Martyrs
• Those who believe the bible - The World Mission Society Church Of God (WMSCOG)
• Thomas Helwys, the Baptist Church, and the Churches of Christ
• In Defense of Parity, Chapter 9
• The Scandal of Division
• The Apostle verses Disciple Difference as explained by the Universal Life Church
• Newman: the conversion of St Paul

Discipleship way of life on the narrow way to everlasting life

"The disciple has entered the narrow way to everlasting life, and he must journey in faith until death closes his eyes in sleep in his Lord, or, should it be so, the Lord himself comes back in the midst of his travelling. The narrow way is well marked with good signposts. The path itself is imprinted with the footsteps of those who also have walked the pilgrim way, including the Lord Jesus Christ, who commanded us to follow him.

The Bible is full of guidance. It tells us about the path, about the snares and pitfalls, about the places of refreshment and about the true companions on the way:

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path ..." (Psalm 119:105)

"The commandment is a lamp; and the law is a light." (Proverbs 6:23)

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

"Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble. When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet." (Proverbs 3:23 - 24)

"For the Lord shall be thy confidence, and shall keep thy foot from being taken." (Proverbs 3:26)

"Enter not into the path of the wicked, and walk not in the way of evil men. Avoid it, pass not by it, turn from it, and pass on." (Proverbs 4:14, R.V.)

"There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Proverbs 16:25)

"The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter fill the full light of day." (Proverbs 4:18, N.I.V.)

Such counsel is practical and sound. There are things which have be done, and those which must be altogether avoided. Discipleship is a way of life. We must follow the footsteps of the men of Scripture, particularly those of the Lord himself. The Bible is the inspired handbook, the traveller's compass and road map; it provides unfailing, positive and clear advice for everyday living. No man can keep a true course without using the Bible. It is to be read every day."

--------------------------

---
Brother Harry Tennant
Discipleship
The Christadelphians - What they Believe and Preach