Does one need to be a Disciple to be a true Christian?

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Matthew 28: 18-20 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

I’m confused, does one need to be a disciple to be a true follower of Christ? Please help
 
Disciple means follower, one that is being taught, one that is a pupil. So yes, we need to be disciples. There’s always something to learn. Being a disciple doesn’t mean we have to go out there and teach, but we must be followers and always open to His teachings.
 
Loboto-Me said:
Disciple means follower, one that is being taught, one that is a pupil. So yes, we need to be disciples. There’s always something to learn. Being a disciple doesn’t mean we have to go out there and teach, but we must be followers and always open to His teachings.
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What he said…

OP - I note in your description that you are looking at Catholic and “Evangelist”. Is there something perhaps in the use of the term “disciple” in one or both of these faith traditions that has prompted this question?

Peace
James
 
It’s just a friend introduced me to this church called City of Angels: International Christian Church, which feels different. At the time when I went through the studies with them and everything made sense but now I feel like everything just happened too fast and I didn’t look for answers from the Catholic faith as they were telling teaching me. They claim their church is the true one. This is a link to the manual in pdf format they shows how they teach people and bring them to their church. caicc.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/FirstPrinciples_Eng.pdf It just feels so confusing to me. I was really not ready to defend my faith when I went through with it. I just always had this doubt about going through with converting. After, everyone I asked for help did not take it seriously or pointed me in the right direction.
 
JRKH said:
What he said…

OP - I note in your description that you are looking at Catholic and “Evangelist”. Is there something perhaps in the use of the term “disciple” in one or both of these faith traditions that has prompted this question?

Peace
James
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Yes, it has to do with Evangelist. I was thought that Disciple=Christian
 
Just remember that Catholic and Evangelist are not necessarily separate. In fact, Catholic is an Evangelical faith and should be, and is being encouraged by our bishops. Check out the documents on Evangelization from the USCCB.

New Envangelization
 
Yes, I do believe that. It is just that the usual thing happens where different Religions point out that what the other one is teaching is “wrong” which is one of the things I find conflicting.
 
jofc87 said:
Yes, it has to do with Evangelist. I was thought that Disciple=Christian
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Well no - disciple does not equal Christian.
As already explained disciple is simply a follower. The devil has many disciples too.

An Evangelist is one who goes out to teach - to spread a teaching. In this case the Good news of Christ.

So it appears that you are Catholic but are being evangelized to join this different community…Is that the case??

Peace
James
 
Yes, I believe I am. They had used Acts 11:26 where it says “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch”. Saying that Christian is a nickname for disciple.
 
As has been said, a disciple is a follower. So one could be a disciple of someone other than Christ. But all Christians need to be disciples.

Oftentimes today (and I have heard this in both Catholic and non-Catholic Christian circles) people want to emphasize discipleship because they see it as a contrast to cultural Christians who are just going through the motions but do not necessarily have a vibrant faith in Christ. I think that’s a fair point.

But if any non-Catholic group starts claiming that they are true disciples while “those Catholics” are not really disciples, then I would take issue with that because it’s simply not true.
 
jofc87 said:
Yes, I believe I am.
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Well you’ve come to the right place to get your questions answered…👍
I have learned so much here.
They had used Acts 11:26 where it says “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch”. Saying that Christian is a nickname for disciple.
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Well - now you know of at least one error in their teaching…

Christian is not a “nickname” for disciple…Christian would be more of a designation of who (or what) the person is a disciple of. In this case the disciple (follower) of Christ is a Christian.

Are you drawn toward this particular church - as opposed to the Catholic Church? If so, why?

Peace
James
 
I thought I felt drawn to it but like I said before my friend introduced me to it but there was this doubt that I had about it. Also, another thing is the way they fellowship.
 
jofc87 said:
I thought I felt drawn to it but like I said before my friend introduced me to it but there was this doubt that I had about it. Also, another thing is the way they fellowship.
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Such doubt is good. When you already have the Summit of Worship - the mass and Eucharist…It’s best to stick with it and learn more about it rather than allow yourself to be drawn way by something that is NOT the Eucharist.
I speak from experience here for I allowed myself to depart from the practice of the faith for 35 years…I am soooo glad to be back…

What troubles you about the way hey fellowship?

Peace
James
 
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