What Would Jesus Do

What would Jesus do? – Wikipedia

WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) became popular in the late 1800s, notably in the United States, with the publication of a widely read book by Charles Sheldon, In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do? (In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do). According to Christians, the phrase saw a rebirth in the 1990s and became a personal motto for followers of Christian faith, who used the phrase as a reminder of their conviction in the moral need to behave such that their actions would display the love of Jesus to others around them.

History

What Would Jesus Do? is a term used frequently in the Roman Catholic Church to describe the notion ofImitatio Christi (imitation of Christ), which is best expressed in the English phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” The Methodist Church was founded by John Wesley, who postulated the concept of Christian perfection in 1766. He defined Christian perfection as a point in a Christian’s life when the generation brought about by the Holy Spirit results in “perfection in love,” which means that at least at that point, one is motivated solely by love of God and neighbor, with no taint of sin or ulterior motives in effect.

Indeed, Wesley may compare the idea of sanctification by faith to the more commonly held belief in justification by faith, which is akin to the doctrine of sanctification by faith.

Earlier appearances of the term, 1420s–1891

In a sermon he delivered on June 28, 1891, Charles Spurgeon, a well-known evangelicalBaptistpreacher in London, used the phrase “what would Jesus do” numerous times, each time enclosing it in quotation quotes. Tomas à Kempis, who lived between 1418 and 1427, wrote a treatise in Latin calledImitatio Christi, which he claims in his sermon as the origins of the term (The Imitation of Christ). Both the text and melody for the Gospel Hymn “What Would Jesus Do” were written by the Rev. A.B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary AllianceChurch, and the copyright date for the song is 1891.

1896 novel

With the subtitle “What Would Jesus Do?” Charles Sheldon’s 1896 book In His Steps was designed to answer this question. It was a series of sermons Sheldon delivered at his Congregationalist church in Topeka, Kansas, that inspired him to write his novel. Theologically, Sheldon’s theology was impacted by his dedication to Christian Socialism, which contrasted with the earlier nuances discussed above. Her attitude to the Christian life was encapsulated in one statement, “What Would Jesus Do,” with Jesus serving as both a moral exemplar and an all-powerful Savior figure.

  1. Rauschenbusch himself stated that Sheldon’s novel, The Social Gospel, was a direct inspiration for his own work, and Sheldon himself associated his own theology with the Social Gospel.
  2. It was able to do so because the novel was reasonably priced, and it went on to sell 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the top 50 bestselling novels of all time.
  3. Henry Maxwell is challenged to take seriously the imitation of Christ.
  4. It appears to me that there is a great deal of distress in the world that would be alleviated if all of the individuals who sing such songs actually went out and lived their lyrics.
  5. But what would Jesus do in this situation?

The people in the big churches seem to have nice clothes and comfortable homes to live in, as well as money to spend on luxuries and the ability to travel on summer vacations and such, while the people outside the churches, I mean thousands of them, die in tenements and work on the streets, never have a piano or a picture in their homes, and grow up surrounded by misery, drunkenness, and sin.” As a result, when confronted with difficult decisions, many of the novel’s protagonists question themselves, “What would Jesus do?” This has the effect of encouraging the protagonists to take Christianity more seriously and to devote their attention to what they believe to be its essence — the life of Jesus Christ.

A modern version of Charles M.

Sheldon (great-grandson of the original author) and Deborah Morris.

What Would Jesus Do? As Garrett Sheldon explains, his revised version “is based on many real-life occurrences that have occurred in the lives of Christians.” It’s conceivable that Sheldon was familiar with either Spurgeon or Thomas, or that he was influenced by someone else entirely.

1990s

Janie Tinklenberg, a youth group leader at Calvary Reformed Church in Holland, Michigan, started a grass-roots movement to help the teenagers in her group remember the phrase. The movement spread worldwide in the 1990s among Christian youth who wore bracelets with the initials WWJD to help them remember the phrase. Later, a sequel bracelet with the initials “FROG” was created in order to offer a solution to the question “WWJD.” Frog was an acronym that stood for “Full Reliance on God.

2000s

Garry Wills published “What Jesus Meant” in 2005, in which he explored the question “What Would Jesus Really Do?” (also a book review inEsquire Magazine).

2010s

In April 2010, the DVD release of the film WWJD, starring Adam Gregory and based on the novel In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, was made available. A sequel film was released on March 31, 2015, following the success of the first. WWJD stands for What Would Jesus Do? The Journey Will Go On From Here. The Woodcarver was the second film to be produced under the title WWJD II, and it was released in 2012. It features a similar idea to the first, but the characters are different.

Parodies

The term has become asnowclone, and it is occasionally used for amusing purposes. As an example, “What Would Jesus Buy?” and “What Would Lincoln Do?” are questions that have been asked, as well as “What Would Brian Boitano Do?” and “What Would Mary MarvelDo?” and “What Would Johnny CashDo?” and “What Would Tintindo?”

Management and leadership

Given Jesus’ practice of travelling to the marketplace to teach and lead by example, the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” (commonly known as “WWJD”) has also come to be recognized as a basic management and leadership philosophy. Increasing numbers of academic and professional references are being made to thegembaorManagement by Walking Around in current management ideas.

See also

  • Choosing the right
  • Jesusism
  • The Law of Christ
  • The Ministry of Jesus
  • Christian ethics Mount of Transfiguration
  • Sermon on the Mount

References

  1. ^abcde”What would Jesus do?: The rise of a slogan”. BBC News. RetrievedMarch 14,2021
  2. s ^abHelmeke, Karen B
  3. Sori, Catherine Ford (December 6, 2012). The Therapist’s Notebook for Integrating Spirituality in Counseling I. Routledge. p. 150.ISBN9781135884710. In recent years, largely among Protestant and Catholic circles, the catch phrase “What Would Jesus Do” has become popular. The phrase is an attempt to call people to consider how Jesus Christ might respond to personal situations in daily life. While the idea of thinking about Jesus Christ might respond in a given situation is not new, the popularity of the catch-phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” or WWJD, has increased. Bracelets, keychains, T-shirts, bumper stickers, and other items initialized with WWJD have become commonplace
  4. s^ “WWJD What Would Jesus Do Bracelets”. Mortal Journey. RetrievedNovember 3,2013
  5. s^ Rothman, Josh (February 8, 2011). (February 8, 2011). “”What Would Jesus Do?”: A History”. The Boston Globe. RetrievedDecember 27,2016. What would Jesus do?” has its roots, Shore explains, in the tradition of imitatio Christi – that is, of imitating the life of Christ. In this tradition, which dates back to early Christianity, a true believer might imitate Jesus by giving to the needy, traveling to the Holy Land, or, in the case of Saint Francis of Assisi, “receiving the stigmata, the bodily marks of Christ’s suffering.” Imitatio Christi encouraged Christians to “do as Jesus did
  6. s^ Sermon no. 2210. Spurgeon.org Spurgeon, Charles.”The Agreement of Walking by Faith”.Spurgeon.org
  7. s^ Hymns of the Christian Life(1908) Christian Alliance Publishing New York
  8. s^ Sheldon, C. (1896). (1896). In His Steps ArchivedNovember 7, 2012, at theWayback Machine. First published by theChicago Advancein serial form
  9. s^ Charles Monroe Sheldon/Central Congregational Church Collection, 1811-1984
  10. s ^ abBurnidge, Cara L. (Spring 2009). (Spring 2009). Charles M. Sheldon and the Heart of the Social Gospel Movement(M.A.) (M.A.). Florida State University. Archivedfrom the original on November 10, 2016. RetrievedJune 2,2017
  11. s^ Sheldon, C. (1896)In His Steps, p. 10
  12. s^ Garrett W. Sheldon with Deborah Morris,What Would Jesus Do?: a contemporary retelling of Charles M. Sheldon’s classic In His Steps(1993), p. iv
  13. s^ “What would Jesus do?: The rise of a slogan”. BBC News. December 8, 2011. RetrievedJanuary 24,2017
  14. s^”What would Jesus do – about copyright?”. October 25, 2000. Archived fromthe originalon October 31, 2003. RetrievedMarch 14,2021
  15. s^”What Would Jesus Do?”. Archived fromthe originalon September 10, 2009. RetrievedMarch 14,2021
  16. s^”FROG bracelets answer WWJD question”.Pentecostal Evangel(4417–4442): 23–24. 1999
  17. s^”What Would Jesus Do?”. Amazon.com. RetrievedNovember 9,2016
  18. s^ “WWJD What Would Jesus Do? The Journey Continues (2015)”.IMDb. RetrievedOctober 26,2018
  19. s^”The Woodcarver (2015)”.IMDb. RetrievedOctober 26,2018
  20. s^ A small book investigating Tintin as a role model for young people
  21. s^ King del Rosario.”MBA Buzz: Pope Francis and the Rebuilding of the Catholic Culture”. RetrievedJune 11,2013

The Power of Really Asking “What Would Jesus Do?”

Over the last few of decades, the question “What Would Jesus Do?” has become a well-known campaign slogan. Individuals as well as entire religious congregations have utilized it as a guide for behavior and as a benchmark for living a fulfilling life. There’s no doubting that asking the question and putting it into practice may have a good influence on every aspect of our life. WWJD was an abbreviation that I first became aware of in the 1990s, and I was curious as to what it stood for. During the intervening period, I’ve observed it on bumper stickers and heard it discussed in texts from various sources.

Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/hannahgleg

Where Did The Phrase What Would Jesus Do Come From?

What Would Jesus Do is based on the Biblical notion of “Imitatio Christi,” or “Imitation of Christ,” which is one of the teachings emphasized by the Roman Catholic Church. In the 1400s, Thomas a Kempis produced a book with the titleImitation of Christ, which is still in print. John Wesley later expanded on the foundation of this concept by including a component relating to social welfare. In 1881 in London, the preacher Charles Spurgeon was inspired by Kempis’ book and peppered one of his lectures with the question “What Would Jesus Do?” as a result of his reading of it.

  • Simpson wrote a hymn using that words as the title, which was published.
  • During the year 1890, Reverend Sheldon served as pastor of the Central Congregational Church in Topeka, Kansas.
  • Sheldon acknowledged the difficulties associated with emulating Christ while living in contemporary culture.
  • A cliffhanger was used at the end of each message, followed by the question, “What would Jesus do?” The number of people attending Central Congregational soon increased.
  • Because of a faulty copyright, the book was eventually published by 70 different publishers across the United States and beyond.
  • After reading one of Sheldon’s tales about how a newspaper editor applied the question “What Would Jesus Do?” to his work, the editor of the Topeka Daily Capital invited Sheldon to take over his newspaper for a week.
  • Ads that were deemed inappropriate by the Reverend were either removed or rewritten.

What Would Jesus Do?: A Contemporary Retelling of Charles M. Sheldon’s Classic In His Steps is a book written by Garrett W. Sheldon, Reverend Sheldon’s great-grandson, who produced an updated version of the book under the title What Would Jesus Do? Photograph courtesy of Unsplash/Ben White

WWJD in the Modern World

In the 1890s, the song “In His Steps” became an immediate classic. However, over a century later, the phrase from Reverend Sheldon’s lectures would resonate with a whole new generation of people. A youth leader in Michigan, Janie Tinklenberg, read the book and became enamored with the phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” after hearing it. When Janie was looking for an effective approach to convey this topic to her group, she reduced the term into an acronym, WWJD (World Wide Junior Development). She made bracelets for each pupil to wear every day as a reminder of what they were learning.

T-shirts, mugs, and banners have all been printed with the acronym since its inception, and it has even been included in the Oxford English Dictionary as an entry.

The film “WWJD” was released in 2010, and a sequel, “WWJD: The Journey Continues,” was released the following year in 2015.

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What Does the Phrase What Would Jesus Do Really Mean?

The question “What Would Jesus Do?” is a shortened form of the following inquiry:

  • I’m curious as to what Jesus did in circumstances like these. What would Jesus do if he found himself in my circumstances
  • What can I do to be like Him?

“In light of what I know about Jesus’ character and instructions, how would He advise me to respond in this situation?” would be a more full way of phrasing the sentence. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Rawpixel

How Is “What Would Jesus Do” Used Today?

It acts as a reminder, just as it did for Janie Tinklenberg’s youth group, not to react on the spur of the moment. It is a tool that we may use to take a moment to pause, reflect, and pray about a situation before reacting. We are not flawless in the same manner that Jesus is, but we may imitate His perfect ways. Ideally, if we choose to act in the manner of Jesus, we will demonstrate greater insight and enjoy greater serenity, regardless of the outcome. Planning to follow the WWJD phrase as a guide is not always the most straightforward approach to do.

  1. Are we ready to hear the answer to the WWJD question? (Do we truly want to know what God’s will is? ) Are we prepared to abide by the answer to WWJD’s question? (Are we going to connect ourselves with God? )

ScriptureVerses That Support the Phrase

The New Testament is replete with verses that exhort us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. The Apostle Paul believed it to be the highest calling a Christian could have, and he spoke openly about it in all of his writings to the churches he visited. For this reason, “follow in God’s footsteps as dearly loved children and walk in the path of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:1-2). “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit in your own self-importance.

Try to think about your interactions with one another with the same perspective that Christ Jesus did ” (Philippians 2:3-5).

In addition to Paul’s words, several New Testament writers repeat his sentiments: “To this you were summoned because Christ suffered for your sake, setting you an example, that you might follow in his footsteps” (1 Peter 2:21).

“Anyone who professes to live in him must live in the same way that Jesus did” (1 John 2:6). Photograph courtesy of Getty Images/Monkey Business Images.

So, What Would Jesus Do?

It may seem obvious, but in order to be able to appropriately answer the WWJD question, we must be conversant with what Jesus accomplished during His life and ministry. The New Testament writings of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the most reliable sources for information concerning Jesus’ life and teachings. Reading and understanding the four Gospels is an excellent first step toward reacting in the manner of Jesus Christ. Despite the fact that WWJD is concerned with New Testament history, understanding of Old Testament principles is crucial for us as well.

  1. When Jesus spoke in the Gospels, He used God’s laws from the Old Testament as a foundation for His teachings, referencing similar chapters to provide context for His audience.
  2. It has been brought to your attention that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.'” (See Matthew 5:27.) “You are not permitted to commit adultery” (Exodus 20:14).
  3. However, on rare occasions, Jesus used parables, or stories like these, to convey a life lesson to his listeners.
  4. Using our talents (time, talent, and money) to further God’s Kingdom is the message of the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:111-27).
  5. While delving into what Jesus would do, it’s also beneficial to consider what Jesus would not do in the same situation.
  6. As a result, everything of His activities were directed at giving honor and credit to His Father.
  7. He continued to glorify God despite the fact that He was being tempted by Satan in the desert on a regular basis (Matthew 4:1-11,Luke 4:1-13,Mark 1:12-13).
  8. Despite the fact that Jesus was about to be crucified, He remained faithful to His Father’s desire (Matthew 26:39).
  9. However, if a term has been around for a long enough period of time, it may begin to be used more casually or perhaps disappear entirely.
  10. Photograph courtesy of Getty Images /kevinschreiber Heather Adams is a Connecticut-based author, lecturer, and vocalist who works in the entertainment industry.
  11. A practical 30-day devotional about worship based on the words of King David, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is available via her publisher, iUniverse.

Heather, a native New Englander, is settling into her new house in the South, tasting out the local cuisine and keeping an eye out for the alligators that reside nearby. You may get in touch with her at her website, http://www.heatheradamsworshipwalk.com/.

Heather Adams is a Connecticut-based author, lecturer, and vocalist who works in the entertainment industry. In order to equip and encourage Christians to seek more of God’s truth and to experience more of His pleasure each day, Heather has made it her mission to equip and encourage believers. A practical 30-day devotional about worship based on the words of King David, Bow Down: The Heart of a True Worshipper is available via her publisher, iUniverse. Heather’s blog, Worship Walk Ministries, provides weekly Scripture passages and thought-provoking thoughts for readers to consider.

You may get in touch with her at her website, http://www.heatheradamsworshipwalk.com/.

What Is the Origin of the Phrase ‘What Would Jesus Do’?

The phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” is well-known to many people throughout the world. WWJD is an acronym that is frequently seen on colorful wristbands, t-shirts, and bumper stickers, among other things. It is true that this term gained widespread appeal among young groups in both Catholic and Protestant circles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, but the word’s origins may be traced back to the nineteenth century. The term, which was popularized by Rev. Charles Sheldon, has a number of different inspirations from a range of different backgrounds.

A Brief History of WWJD

“What Would Jesus Do?” became famous in 1896 when Rev. Charles Sheldon released a best-selling book titled “In His Steps,” in which he popularized the term “What Would Jesus Do?” His work was based on narrative sermons he had delivered at the Congregationalist church he served in Topeka, Kansas, where he was pastor at the time of writing. The Social Gospel movement, of which Sheldon was a proponent, aimed to draw attention to the necessity of Christian participation in society. Because the Social Gospel emphasizes the importance of being like Jesus, Sheldon naturally developed characters in his novel who are more concerned with copying Christ than they are with finding redemption in Him.

  • Tinklenberg coined the abbreviation WWJD, which stands for “What would Jesus do?” in order to make the term more accessible to modern audiences.
  • Tinklenberg produced fabric bracelets with the words “WWJD” on them for teenagers to wear as a visual reminder to follow Christ as soon as possible.
  • Many adolescents and young people who wore these bracelets and other ornaments in the 1990s and 2000s did it on purpose, thinking about what Jesus would do in their own situations.
  • Several films based on the notion of WWJD were produced in the 2010s as a result of the publication of Sheldon’s book, In His Steps, and the impact of Tinklenberg in establishing a grassroots movement among both Catholic and Protestant Christians, respectively.

The movies, like the narrative sermons delivered by Charles Sheldon, portray persons who are dealing with the issue, “What would Jesus do?” These films challenge the viewer to examine their own lives and determine whether or not they are following Christ in their everyday decisions.

The Phrase’s Major Influences

For a long time before Sheldon began preaching and writing with the term, there were other locations where the expression could be traced back to its roots. The notion of following in the footsteps of Christ has a lengthy history in Christian history. In the same way that St. Augustine of Hippo felt that following Jesus was vital for progress in the Christian life, Thomas a Kempis believed that following Jesus was essential for growth in the Christian life. Written in the 1400s, Kempis’Imitation of Christ is a famous devotional work that essentially encourages believers to imitate Jesus’ example in a manner similar to WWJD.

  • As a matter of fact, in a sermon, Charles Spurgeon cited fromImitation of Christ and questioned strongly, “What would Jesus do?” Spurgeon presented this lecture in 1891, some years before Charles Sheldon popularized the phrase in his book The Greatest Generation.
  • Followers of the Social Gospel, a movement that flourished in the second part of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century, aspired to better society by instituting sweeping social changes.
  • People like Charles Sheldon, who popularized the phrase WWJD, were not concerned with changing sinful people’s hearts and minds through the gospel, but rather with seeking to transform sinful people’s hearts and minds through social reform.
  • Not everyone who took the term as their slogan, however, was guilty of adopting the Social Gospel, in order to be very clear.
  • Following the example set out earlier in this article, there is a long record of Christians throughout church history who have strived to resemble Christ while simultaneously holding sound theological convictions about Jesus and the necessity of personal salvation.

Does the Phrase Have a Biblical Origin?

There are Bible scriptures that describe copying Christ and following His example, despite the fact that many other historical causes have affected the term. Similarly to how he attempted to resemble Jesus, Paul encouraged the Corinthian Christians to imitate him (1 Corinthians 11:1). In another epistle, the apostle also exhorted Christians to “imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, since you are his darling children” and “imitate God in everything you do, because you are his dear children” (Ephesians 5:1, NLT).

  • In terms of discipleship, Jesus underlined the need of following Him on a number of occasions (Matthew 16:24;Mark 8:34;John 8:12).
  • The pursuit of Christ entails much more than simply attempting to be a “nice person.” A disciple dies to himself on a regular basis, putting aside his own goals and plans in order to follow Jesus’ teachings.
  • In addition, following Christ entails executing His mandates, which include spreading the gospel and making disciples of all peoples across the world (Matthew 28:18-20).
  • In the lines that reference copying and following Christ, it appears that the question of what Jesus would do in a certain scenario is expressed.

As Christians, the Bible urges them to demonstrate Christlike behavior in their daily lives. However, there is no Bible scripture that directly compels Christians to ask themselves, “What Would Jesus Do?” As a result, the expression WWJD has been inspired by Scripture, but not in a direct sense.

A Diverse and Enduring Heritage

The phrase “What Would Jesus Do?” has been influenced by a wide range of persons, sources, and movements, and there is no one source that can be traced back to its inception. Throughout the Bible, there are various scriptures that exhort believers to mimic and follow the example set by their Savior. In addition, many Christians throughout history, such as Augustine and Thomas a Kempis, acknowledged the necessity of following in Christ’s footsteps. Both John Wesley and Charles Spurgeon recognized the necessity of following Jesus and having Christlike attitudes and behaviors in their own lives.

  1. Because of Janie Tinklenberg, who developed the acronym WWJD, the term has gained even more popularity in recent years.
  2. Please see the following article for more information:How Is Representing Christ a Great Responsibility?
  3. /hannahgleg Currently, Sophia Bricker works as a freelance writer, where she likes studying and producing essays on biblical and theological subjects.
  4. The Bible and her faith in Jesus are two of her greatest passions, and she is presently pursuing a Master of Arts in Ministry while also completing a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry.

What Would Jesus Do?: In His Steps What Would Jesus Do?: Sheldon, Charles Monroe, Quattrocchi, J.: 9781468115383: Amazon.com: Books

The story opens on a Friday morning when a guy who is out of job knocks on the door of Henry Maxwell, who is in the midst of preparing for the next Sunday’s sermon. Maxwell just gives the man a brief moment of his pitiful pleading before pushing him away and slamming the door. At the conclusion of the Sunday sermon, the same guy enters the church and walks up to “the open area in front of the pulpit,” where he faces the congregation. No one is able to stop him. He addresses the congregation in a calm but direct manner—”I’m not complaining.”—about their sympathy, or their callous lack of concern, for jobless people like himself in Raymond.

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The next Sunday, Henry Maxwell, who has been emotionally impacted by the events of the previous week, issues a challenge to his congregation: “Do not do anything without first asking yourself, ‘What would Jesus do?'” This problem serves as the novel’s central topic and serves as the plot’s driving force.

Another cast member is Ed Norman, senior editor of the Raymond Daily Newspaper, who is also a brilliant vocalist. Another character is Virginia Page, an heiress, who appears in the novel.

Hypocrites and Moral Code: What Would Jesus Do?

Greetings, Roger It was only recently that I noticed a bumper sticker with the initials “WWJD?” [“What Would Jesus Do?”] on it. In spite of the fact that I haven’t worn my bracelet in a long time, I am contemplating putting it back on. I recall you mentioning WWJD bracelets in a sermon and explaining why you didn’t wear one at that time. Please refresh my recollection on this. Sincerely, Susan Greetings, Susan My recollection of the lecture is hazy, but I do recall the reason why I chose not to wear a tee shirt.

  • I wish now that I hadn’t spoken what I said at the time.
  • “In His Steps,” written by Charles Sheldon in 1896, was the inspiration for the WWJD bracelets that are currently being sold.
  • Sheldon’s theology was informed by his personal dedication to what we could call Christian Socialism in today’s day and age.
  • A Christian who fails to satisfy the needs of the impoverished and downtrodden isn’t a Christian at all, to put it another way.
  • Her motto for approaching the Christian life, “What Would Jesus Do?” captured the essence of Sheldon’s approach to the Christian life.
  • The idea of the novel centres around Rev.
  • It is difficult for the unlucky individual to understand why such a large number of Christians can turn their backs on the impoverished.
  • But what would Jesus do in this situation?

People in the big churches seem to have nice clothes and nice houses to live in, as well as money to spend on luxuries and the ability to go away on summer vacations and all that, while the people outside the churches, thousands of them, I mean, die in tenements and work on the streets, never have a piano or a picture in their home, and grow up surrounded by misery, drunkenness, and sin.

  1. As a consequence, many people have accepted Christianity in the manner in which Jesus taught it, and many more are finding themselves carrying out the life of Christ.
  2. In more recent history, Thomas à Kempis (ca.
  3. The phrase “What would Jesus do?” serves as a personal reminder that the life and example of Jesus should serve as a model for behavior in all aspects of one’s existence.
  4. The initialized bracelets were worn in every state in the country in an astonishingly short period of time.
  5. “What Would Jesus Buy?” or “What Would Jesus Listen To?” are examples of such questions.
  6. First and foremost, I arrogantly pointed out that Jesus was always surprising people with what He would accomplish in the New Testament.
  7. I was completely mistaken.

His declaration in Luke 4:18-19, for example, reads: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.” In order to declare liberation for prisoners and sight restoration for blind people, as well as liberate oppressed people and proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, he has enlisted my assistance.

Second, I was concerned about the negative image Christianity would receive as a result of people who appeared to be hypocrites by wearing the wristbands but then acted in anything other than a Christ-like manner.

I was completely mistaken. The good done by those who sincerely desire to live out WWJD would much exceed any negative implications, even if some thought it would bring Christianity into disrepute.

What Would Jesus Really Do? Here are 10 Examples of What We are Called to Imitate

We should all strive to emulate Christ in our daily lives, and I understand the motivation behind the WWJD (What Would Jesus Do?) movement. However, we must acknowledge that Jesus had a very different ministry than any of us, and drawing direct analogies will be tough. For example, what would Jesus do in the case of a paralyzed man who was in desperate need of healing? He would absolve him of his crimes (that would be blasphemy coming from me). What would Jesus do if he had the power to undo an evil curse that was responsible for all that was wrong in the world?

He intends to overturn tables and money changers, push merchants out of business, and make sweeping allegations.

However, while the WWJD paradigm may not directly apply in many instances, there is, in general, submission to God’s authority and His rule, which Jesus both demonstrated and taught.

Worship God alone

It’s normal for the heart to fall in love with what it considers worthwhile; sentiments will inevitably follow. “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone must you serve,” Jesus cautions. (Matthew 4:10).

Preach the message of repentance

The biggest demand of Jesus was for everyone to repent: “Unless you repent, you will all die likewise.” (See also Luke 13:3). It was the teachings of Jesus that “repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in His name to all countries, beginning at Jerusalem.” The Bible says (Luke 24:46-47).

Make disciples

The continual effort to educate and encourage is an important part of discipleship, aside from the evangelistic component of it. It is plainly stated in the Bible that discipleship involves “training them to obey all things that I have ordered you.” (Matthew 28:20; Mark 12:20). It is critical to expose individuals to a degree of biblical teaching that actually fosters sanctification and spiritual progress over the course of their entire lives.

Help the poor

What you are doing is actually pretty simple: when you love and serve the poor, you are also loving and serving Christ (Matthew 25:35). “.He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” This is how Jesus taught us to share from the abundance of our blessings. (See Luke 3:11 for more information.)

Pray

It is beneficial to recite the Lord Jesus’ message on prayer on a consistent basis. Start with learning the fundamental structure of the Lord’s Praying, which can be found in Luke 11. This will assist you in developing habits that will lead to more effective prayer in the future.

Be careful what you sow

It appears throughout the gospels, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount; for example, the kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are poor in spirit; those who are meek will inherit the earth; those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be satisfied; and those who are merciful will receive mercy.

“Do not be misled; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap,” Paul the Apostle writes in Galatians 6:7-8. Indeed, “he who sows to his body will harvest corruption,” but “he who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life,” according to the Bible.

Not worry

God provides for the sparrow, and He dresses the lilies in a beauty that surpasses that of even Solomon in all his splendor – God is good. How much more does your heavenly Father want the best for you and your family? As the rest of the verse in Matthew 6:31-34 explains, “Therefore, do not be concerned about what to eat and drink or what to dress, for these things are not up to you.” Because your heavenly Father understands that you require all of these things. Rather, seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you.

Love His enemies

Do kind to those who hate you, Jesus says (Luke 6:27); pray for those who persecute you, Jesus says (Matthew 5:44); and bless those who curse you, Jesus adds (Luke 6:27-36). “If you love people who love you, what reward do you have?” says the author. What makes you think that even the tax collectors don’t do the same?” (See Matthew 5:46.)

Adhere to the Golden Rule

Simply simply, you should treat people how you would like them to treat yourself. ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’, according to Jesus, is considered one of the most important commandments. Take appropriate precautions.

Honor Father and Mother

We are taught by Jesus to honor and respect our mothers and fathers, no matter how much they have merited it. With the first commandment comes the promise that “everything will be well with you and that you will live a long time on the world.” (See also Ephesians 6:3).

WWJD Bracelet Pack

Around 500,000 satisfied consumers help non-profit organizations all over the world with free delivery. The book BE THE LIGHT is a compilation of stories from all around the globe that offers people hope, provides strength, and motivates them to share their faith with others. BROOKE M.Minnesota, United States “My “W.W.J.D.” bracelet set serves as an excellent reminder to follow Jesus, as well as an opportunity to spread His word! Please accept my sincere gratitude to Elevated Faith for giving me with a bracelet that is not only really attractive, but also serves as an excellent conversation starter!

  1. Having this on my wrist serves as a reminder to me to be more like Jesus and treat people the way He would treat me.
  2. I told them all He’d done and why I choose to spend my life for Him every day!
  3. ” KOURTNEY B.
  4. When someone complemented me on my bracelet since it matched my clothing, I couldn’t contain my excitement.

I inquired as to whether or not they understood what it meant, and they said that they did not. As a result, I felt privileged to be able to explain the significance of the bracelet and the firm. Greetings, Elevated Faith, and thank you for your dedication to spreading the kingdom!”

The book BE THE LIGHT is a compilation of stories from all around the globe that offers people hope, provides strength, and motivates them to share their faith with others. BROOKE M.Minnesota, United States “My “W.W.J.D.” bracelet set serves as an excellent reminder to follow Jesus, as well as an opportunity to spread His word! Please accept my sincere gratitude to Elevated Faith for giving me with a bracelet that is not only really attractive, but also serves as an excellent conversation starter!

  1. Having this on my wrist serves as a reminder to me to be more like Jesus and treat people the way He would treat me.
  2. I glance down at my wrist and see my bracelet, and I remind myself “What Would Jesus Do?” ✨ ✝️ ” AVIE H.
  3. I told them all He’d done and why I choose to spend my life for Him every day!
  4. TYRONE, from Georgia “On one occasion, I wore one of the WWJD bracelets to school.
  5. I inquired as to whether or not they understood what it meant, and they said that they did not.
  6. Greetings, Elevated Faith, and thank you for your dedication to spreading the kingdom!”

What Would Jesus Do?

Bracelets, caps, and other youth items are decorated with this catchphrase. However, for the majority of people, it is merely a fad, a gimmick, or a fashion statement. Only a small number of people appear to be interested in learning the solution to the query. What do you think Jesus would do, and what do you think we should do in response? This is a question that millions of people are asking. However, the majority of individuals become completely perplexed when it comes to this crucial subject!

  • Young people all around the United States are sporting “WWJD” caps, wristbands, and other memorabilia to show their support.
  • However, for the majority of people, it is simply a trend, an item of apparel, or a funny gimmick.
  • Ah, the glory days of youth.
  • Fergus Ferguson, a 14-year-old with blue eyes who was hanging out at a local pool club in Dallas, explained why she wore it: ‘It complements my swimming suit.” WWJD wristbands are no longer reserved for Sunday school children.
  • It’s really fantastic.” While running for president in the previous election, Al Gore stated that he frequently questioned himself, “What would Jesus do?” Going after the “religious vote,” both Al Gore and George W.
  • If people truly want to know what Jesus would do, where can they go to get the most definitive, authorized answer?
  • The solution is straightforward.
See also:  What Did Jesus Say About The Holy Spirit

Because if you believe that the Bible is genuinely the inspired Word of God, you can very well predict what Jesus would do in the vast majority of circumstances if He were still alive and well on our planet today!

While in the human body, this inspired passage reveals that Jesus would perform what He has already done!

John 10:30 quotes Jesus as saying, “I and My Father are one.” And in Malachi 3:6, God informs us, “I am the Lord, and I am not a man who changes!” “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means fade away,” Jesus himself reminds us once more (Matthew 24:35).

teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).

How simple can it possibly be?

Not only did He want His faithful servants to go forth and teach the same message, but He also wanted them to teach the same way of life —”all things” —to “all the nations,” not just the Jews!

What about professing Christianity throughout the previous 2,000 years? Isn’t it what they’ve been up to? In no manner, shape, or form!

“Another” Jesus Now Presented

Currently, few people are aware that a “different” Jesus Christ and a “different” style of life have been taught to the world by professors who have mistakenly claimed to be acting in His name! “For if he who comes teaches another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if you get a different spirit, which you have not received, or a different gospel, which you have not embraced, you may easily put up with it,” the Apostle Paul cautioned the Christians of His day (2 Corinthians 11:4). For decades, professing Christians have been spreading the gospel of “another Jesus” – a message that is diametrically opposed to the one Jesus preached!

  • In that case, ‘heresy’ would have meant a departure from His method, his teaching, his spirit, and his kingdom; it does not mean that presently “In Rufus M.
  • But what exactly is wrong with Jesus’ own teaching and “His” style of life—the complete way of life that Jesus and the original Apostles taught and lived—that no one else seems to see?
  • Several biblical beliefs and practices were altered with the hope of making it “easier” for the Gentile world to become “Christian,” as they perceived it.
  • True Christianity has nothing to do with this “Christianity”!
  • 45).
  • Hurlbut expresses regret once more, saying: “The magnificence of the services of worship rose, but they were less spiritual and heartfelt than those held in previous eras.
  • Some of the old pagan feasts were transformed into church festivals, with a change in name as well as in place of worship.
  • 79).
  • What, however, was the outcome?
  • 79).

So, what was the actual Jesus like, according to the Bible? What was His true teaching—his “style of life” and his example—and how did He convey it?

Jesus’ Actual Example

The Jesus Christ of the Bible was born and raised as a Jew in Israel, but He was also known as “Immanuel,” which means “God with us,” since He came in the flesh of a human being. And He provided us with the ideal example of how we should “follow in His footsteps” (1 Peter 2:21). “He who claims to abide in Him needs himself to walk in the same manner as He walked,” the Apostle John was inspired to declare (1 John 2:6). That a result, sincere Christians must live — or walk — in the same manner as Jesus did.

“All right,” you respond, “it seems really straightforward.” Right.

What precisely was Jesus’ ideal example—His flawless “style of life”—and how did he achieve it?

Even while this may come as a surprise to some of you, every honest Protestant or Catholic scholar knows that Jesus Christ observed the seventh-day Sabbath, just as the rest of the Jews did!

He walked into the synagogue on a Sabbath day, as was his routine, and stood up to recite the Torah portion.” The fact that the Sabbath had been changed or that it would subsequently be changed to Sunday was not revealed to Jesus’ accusers when He was confronted about His followers’ violation of the Sabbath day.

Then Jesus began to demonstrate how to observe the Sabbath and that it was appropriate to supernaturally heal and “do good” on the seventh day of the week (Mark 3:1-5).

As a result, the Sabbath was established for the benefit of all people as a day of rest and worship.

The Biblical Holy Days

How many annual Holy Days or religious festivals would Jesus observe if He were to appear in the flesh once more on this planet? Would He be observing Christmas and Easter, as professing Christians do today? Christmas and Easter are never addressed in the Bible, which may come as a surprise to many of you. However, there were seven biblical Holy Days that were set aside for annual observance—and Jesus did observe these, setting an example for us to follow in his footsteps. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” we should remember (Hebrews 13:8).

  1. What did He accomplish as a result, guided by the Holy Spirit of God, is as follows: What was Hisexample, exactly?
  2. And when He was twelve years old, they traveled up to Jerusalem according to the tradition of the feast.
  3. Jesus, along with His parents, observed the Jewish religious festivals of Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, which had been observed for centuries by the Jews.
  4. As Jesus lectured at this historical holiday, He informed the people: “My message isnotMine, but His who sent Me” (John 7:16).
  5. Jesus did not come to “change” the fundamental spiritual laws and teachings that He and the Father had given to Israel.
  6. He came, rather, to “magnify” those rules and to bring forth the true spiritualmeaningof God’s commands and ordinances (Isaiah 42:21).
  7. For instance, Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount: “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).

Did Jesus “do away” with God’s law against adultery?

He “magnified” it and made it all the more binding!

“Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed.

Please read carefully Zechariah 14, which answers the question: “When Jesus Christ returns to earth, which religious festivals will He and true Christians observe?” We read that Christ is coming to this earth to bring the rebellious nations into submission.

9).

9).

As King of kings, Jesus willabsolutely ensurethatallhumans learn to keep the Feast of Tabernacles and the annual Holy Days, given by Him and the Father for Christians to keep forall time!

(Isaiah 66:23).

In doing this, we will learn more about the greatplanof God—the greatpurposeHe is working out here on earth.

And God’s annual Holy Days show us— step by step —how God’s plan for the salvation of all humans who are willing is to be worked out.

This is,in part, because they have been deceived into keeping pagan,non -biblical religious festivals which came right out of the ancient worship of the various “gods” of the heathen world.

If you would like to learn thetruthabout God’s Sabbath and the biblical Holy Days which Christ and the Apostles observed, which picture God’s greatplan, please call us or write us immediately and request your copies of our “eye opening,” fully documented booklets Which Day is the Christian Sabbath?andThe Holy Days—Master God’s Plan.

Remember,allof our literature is absolutely free upon your request.

Jesus’ Example, Day by Day

What was Jesus’ life like throughout the year, day by day, as God manifested in the flesh, providing us with the ultimate example? Every sincere biblical scholar understands that, while in the flesh, Jesus was completely submissive to the Father’s will. “I have obeyed the commands of My Father,” Jesus said (John 15:10). Jesus further declared, clearly referring to the Ten Commandments, “Whoever then breaches even one of the smallest of these commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:19).

  • Jesus prayed and communed with His Father on a consistent basis.
  • According to Mark’s Gospel, “Now in the morning, having risen early and gone out to a secluded location, He prayed” (Mark 1:35-36).
  • Throughout the day, Jesus was loving, serving, healing, and instructing His fellow man in the ways of God (Matthew 4:23).
  • He was considerate and patient with me.
  • Jesus was known as a “giver.” “It is more fortunate to give than it is to receive,” he stated (Acts 20:35).
  • Instead, He “emptied” Himself of the heavenly splendor He had shared with the Father in order to serve and subsequently die for all of mankind, a sacrifice that is unprecedented in history (Philippians 2:5-8).
  • “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” the second great commandment, was illustrated by Jesus throughout His life (Matthew 22:39).
  • Because the Apostle John was prompted to share the following information with us: “Because it is through God’s love that we are able to obey His commandments.
  • The Ten Commandments serve as a “channel” or “riverbed” for God’s love to flow down!
  • Many psychologists, sociologists, and “authorities” today, on the other hand, are attempting to develop numerous human “value systems” or standards of behavior, despite the fact that our Creator already accomplished this —thousands of years ago!
  • There are many “religious” persons, particularly theologians, who devote a great deal of their time and attention to finding reasons to argue that God’s spiritual Law does not have to be followed.

If Jesus were to reincarnate as a human being, he would approach every circumstance with two everlasting principles in mind: “How can I love God with all of my heart, soul, and mind?” and “How can I love my neighbor as myself?” How can I exhibit love to my neighbor in the same way that I would like people to offer love to me?

Jesus would make every effort to assist, support, and inspire everyone in His immediate vicinity to reach their full human potential.

As He did with the religious authorities of His day, He would reprimand individuals harshly if they displayed rebellious or self-righteous attitudes if it was absolutely necessary (Matthew 23:15).

(Hebrews 12:6).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever,” we should remember (Hebrews 13:8).

When faced with a problem, he would respond with entire, out-pouring care for his fellow man as well as with profound love, devotion, adoration, and obedience toward the Almighty God the Father.

God’s spiritual Law will be propagated across the entire world from Zion, which will be Christ’s earthly headquarters at that time (Isaiah 2:2-3).

4).

We will send you a free copy of our important pamphlet, Restoring Apostolic Christianity.

The only need is that you are willing to follow His instructions: “Studyto present thyself acceptable unto God, a workman who needeth not to be ashamed,rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15,KJV).

Hopefully, God will provide you with the enthusiasm and confidence to do so—and to follow in the footsteps of the Biblical Jesus Christ!

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