ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN OR A DISCIPLE?

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God told me not to call myself a Christian.
Me

In 1994 before the advent of Google, YouTube and the worldwide usage of the worldwide Web, YAH God spoke those words to me. Little did I know how such a seemingly simple and personal instruction would not only affect me but my house and many multitudes.

I could use this article teaching to do a deep dive into all the words and meaning behind these words, the labels we use to identify ourselves. Instead I want you to take time and consider how you identify yourself and why. But, most importantly, what is the will of YAH God for you how does he want you to identify yourself, as a Christian or a disciple.

We now live in an era wherein our identity, how we identify ourselves, must, be recognised, acknowledged and respected by everyone, regardless of observable facts and truth. However the erosion of the identity and rights of Christians is intensifying worldwide.

Is this a totally negative thing, or, is this an opportunity to reassess our identity and position ourselves on the strong foundation of the rock of our salvation? Can you use this to reassess the doctrinal structure that you live in?

…be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… — Romans 12:1-2 KJV
Apostle Paul

DO NOT CALL YOURSELF A CHRISTIAN

When I was first given this instruction I did not question our Father in Heaven, I simply obeyed.

In the holy scriptures, Christian appears only three times

And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. — Acts 11:26 KJV

Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. — Acts 26:28 KJV

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. — 1 Peter 4:16 KJV

Here is a breakdown of the word Christian from THE INTERPRETERS DICTIONARY OF THE BIBLE

Needless to say, the term Christian, was a name that the DISCIPLES were called by unbelievers. We are called by the name of our father in heaven, hence the name YAHites

QUICK QUESTION: Did your enemies give you your personal name?

ARE YOU HIS DISCIPLE?

…If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; — John 8:31 KJV

There are two key things to note in what YaHushuWaH aka Jesus said here.

Firstly nearly every interpretation uses the exact same word of disciple, take a look;

Only the HNV, the Hebrew Names Version of the bible states the hebrew word for disciple which is Talmidim

Talmidim is the Hebrew plural word for “disciples,” derived from the root limmud meaning “instructed.” It refers to individuals who not only study under a teacher (rabbi) but seek to become like them in character, actions, and purpose. Unlike a student focused on acquiring knowledge, a talmid (singular) aims to fully identify with and imitate their rabbi in every aspect of life.

Key Characteristics of a Talmid

Lifestyle Imitation: A talmid / disciple doesn’t just learn what the rabbi knows—they strive to become like the rabbi, mirroring their behavior, values, and decisions.
Close Proximity: Talmidim / disciples lived with their rabbi, often following them everywhere, even into private moments, to observe and internalize their way of life.
Voluntary Commitment: The role required a radical life change—leaving family and home to dedicate oneself entirely to the rabbi’s teachings and example.
Intentional Training: The relationship was intense and personal, rooted in mentorship, observation, and hands-on learning.

Historical and Biblical Context

The term appears once in the Hebrew Bible (1 Chronicles 25:8), where it refers to Levitical singers in training—“teacher as well as pupil”—highlighting a structured, intergenerational model of instruction.
In the time of YaHushuWaH aka Jesus, rabbis had talmidim / disciples, and he uniquely invited people to follow him, calling them not just students but disciples committed to becoming like him.
Jesus’ talmidim / disciples were expected to “be with Him” (Mark 3:14), learn from him directly and indirectly, and later be sent out to teach and heal, empowered by his authority.

Being a talmidim / disciple requires believers back then and now to move beyond passive faith or mere belief to a life of discipleship—living, loving, suffering, and serving as YaHushuWaH aka Jesus did.

In essence: A talmid / disciple is not a student. A talmid/disciple is a life-transformed follower who seeks to be indistinguishable from their rabbi in purpose, action, and identity.

A disciple is not above his teacher” Luke 6:40

The goal is not just to know Him, but to become like Him.

In the new Testament the word used is the greek word mathētēs which means the same thing as talmidim.

Strong’s Definitions: μαθητής mathētḗs, math-ay-tes’; a learner, i.e. pupil:—disciple.

Now…

Can you guess how many times that word is used in comparison to the three times that Christian is used ?

It is used two hundred and sixty three times, a stark difference wouldn’t you say?

Do you remember that I said earlier there were two key things to note from John 8:31 ?

Well the second thing is that to be a disciple you must continue / abide / remain / endure in his word / teaching / doctrine / decree / mandate / order

The requirements to be a disciple are set firmly by YaHushuWaH aka Jesus, on the contrary the requirements on being a Christian are different with every denomination.

Now, this makes the great commission very clear.

Go ye therefore, and teach / make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: — Matthew 28:19

Christ and the Apostles focused on making disciples NOT Christians.

The question you should ask yourself is what are you, a Christian or a disciple of YaHushuWaH aka Jesus?

Ps.

Now you have a basic understanding of what it takes to be a disciple you can understand why the many who say to himYaHushuWaH aka Jesus lord lord will be rejected because he never knew them because they worked iniquity / compromise the never remained in his word, aka the Apostles Doctrine.

Shalom Love and Blessings