You may be surprised to find that the New Testament only uses the word -Christian- three times. By contrast, it uses the word -disciple- 268 times, and there is one important verse where both terms appear together- Acts 11-26 says in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. So what is the significance of these two terms appearing together in the same verse- It means that the New Testament understanding of what it means to be a Christian is to be a disciple of Jesus, and a disciple in the New Testament is one who comes under the instruction and example of a teacher in order to learn their particular set of views and values and to imitate their life. So this is why it is impossible to be a Christian as the Bible defines it and hold views and values that are contrary to those of Christ, and this applies across every societal, cultural, political, or religious spectrum. To be a Christian is to be a disciple, and to be a disciple is to be a follower of Christ, and this is what our passage today in Mark sets before us- an invitation to discipleship.