I'm not a Christian, I'm a follower of Christ

1 Peter 4:16
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

Basically, I just typed out this huge thing about one of my biggest pet peeves. People saying that they are a follower/believer/lover of Jesus, but do not claim to be a Christian. And I went on a big tangent and remembered this verse. This verse is in the very same Bible you claim to be living by. So why don't we live by it and cut out the pride? Who are you trying to not offend anyways? I might be wrong in my accusations.. but if you don't want to be called a Christian, please let me know why. And if it's because you don't like the church and what it has done..THE CHURCH IS THE BRIDE OF CHRIST and I'm pretty sure He will not stand for us to call her names and talk trash about her. Now, I'm not married...but if I ever do I believe my husband would not be pleased if someone was going around saying that I'm a liar and that I'm a theif. Now, I might be those things...but the amazing part is that we all are. And it is only by His grace that I've been redeemed. So it is only by GRACE that the church (aka HIS BRIDE) has been and is being redeemed.

And if your reasoning is because you don't want to be "offensive" then you should really seek the Lord and find out what name He wants you to bear and what it means to "count the cost"....and read these scriptures.

Matthew 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:11
"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Matthew 5:12
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

John 15:20
Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

2 Timothy 3:12
In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

Don't take my word for it... as I said before. SEEK THE LORD and READ YOUR WORD.

If I am wrong, please correct me. I would love to find out that I am wrong and I actually shouldn't be persecuted. Honestly, we don't even know persecution. And saying you are a Christian in this country doesn't mean anything. It is the preaching of the Gospel and not being ashamed of the very thing that will save your soul that will get you made fun of..... I mean persecuted. They might even call you names. They might call you a Christian, which is apparently the worst of them all. I'd rather be called every name in the book by a man than be called a coward by God...what about you?
-pr

P.S. When I stated above that we are all liars and thieves I meant it. But I also believe strongly in accountability and seeking after righteousness. I do not think it is right or okay to do those things, by any means.

ALASKA

I'll admit that I'm a little sad to be home. I loved Alaska. I'd move there in a heartbeat. I uploaded some of the best pictures onto Flickr for everyones enjoyment.
We went to Glacier Bay National Park, Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, & Victoria (BC).


My Alaska pictures on Flickr.