Why I Don’t Just Call Myself a Christian Anymore

A declaration of intent in a world of diluted definitions.

In today’s cultural landscape, the word Christian has become a very large, very vague umbrella.

It is often treated as a demographic checkbox, a political affiliation, or a cultural heritage passed down like an heirloom. You can claim the title without ever opening the Book that defines it. You can wear the label without ever submitting to the Lord who bought it.

That is why, for this ministry and for my life, I find it necessary to be specific.

I do not simply say I am a Christian.

I say I am a Bible-believing Christ-follower.

Why the distinction?

1. The Authority of Every. Single. Word.

To be a Bible-believing follower is to accept that Scripture is not a buffet. We do not get to walk down the line with a tray, picking the verses that affirm our lifestyle and skipping over the ones that challenge our sins.

When I say I believe the Bible, I mean every single word.

It means believing the difficult passages as firmly as the comforting ones. It means acknowledging that God’s definition of truth trumps my definition of happiness. If the Bible says it, that settles it—whether modern culture agrees or not.

2. Rejecting the Distortions

We are living in an era of customized Christianity, where Jesus is often remade in our own image. To be clear on where I stand, I must also be clear on what I reject:

I am not a Progressive Christian. I reject the notion that the Gospel needs a software update to fit modern sensibilities. God’s Word is immutable; it does not change with the times. We do not judge the Bible by our culture; we judge our culture by the Bible.

I reject the Prosperity Gospel. I do not view Jesus as a means to financial gain or worldly comfort. The Gospel is not a transaction; it is a transformation. We do not twist God’s Word for our own benefit or treat the Cross as a ladder to success.

3. The Jesus of the Bible

Many say they follow Jesus, but are they following the Jesus of the text?

The Jesus of the Bible is not merely a life coach or a symbol of tolerance. He is the Suffering Servant, the Risen King, and the Judge of the living and the dead. He calls us to deny ourselves, pick up our crosses, and follow Him—not to self-actualization, but to sanctification.

Unashamed

This distinction isn't about arrogance; it’s about accuracy. It is about standing on the Rock rather than the shifting sands of opinion.

The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 1:16:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes...

I am not ashamed of the hard truths. I am not ashamed of the narrow path. I do not water down the Gospel because a watered-down Gospel has no power to save.

I am a Bible-believing Christ-follower : I. Believe. Every. Single. Word.