Christian or Christ-Follower?

by Gregory A. Johnson

I feel compelled to bring clarity to the confusion existing that is hindering Jesus' purpose for the church and its witness in our day. In the post-Christian culture we now live in, many are confused about being a Christian and being a  Christ-follower. There is a vast difference between the two.

There are Christians who do not follow Christ, and there are Christians who choose to follow Christ. Sadly, non-Christ-following Christians can do much damage to people inside and outside the church through their words and actions. 

In all my years of ministry, it has always been a joy to pastor Christ-following Christians. Still, I have discovered non-Christ-following Christians to be abusive in their words and actions, making it difficult, if not impossible, for the church to reach and make a difference in its community. 

Building Hope Within You

by Gregory A. Johnson

Living in a famine of truth, when all around us in a state of confusion and turmoil with fear abounding, the Lord is our hope. We can always count on him.

The Psalmist in God’s word says, “I am counting on the Lord; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word” (Psalm 130:5).

You can also do that today, friend. You can count on the Lord. You can put your hope in his word. It will get you through whatever comes your way.

Please allow me to give you a good starting point. Get a Bible and read the first four books of the New Testament — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As you read, pay attention to how Jesus lives his life and what he teaches. Note the promises Jesus gives to those who will answer the call to follow him. As you follow Jesus, you can stand on these promises. They are for you and all who follow Jesus.

How to Live All out for God

by Gregory A. Johnson


Throughout history, God’s Spirit has been at work. You can read the Bible and see God’s Spirit leading and guiding, empowering, and prophesying, bringing God’s will on earth to fruition.

The events documented in the Bible did not come about by accident or chance. God sent His own son into our world to take care of our sin problem.

The word of God says, "Through the Spirit, Christ offered himself as an unblemished sacrifice, freeing us from all those dead-end efforts to make ourselves respectable, so that we can live all out for God (Hebrews 9:14-15 MSG)."