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Talking about what it means to be a Christian.
presented 3/2/2011 at Casa de Cristo
I was asked one evening many years ago if I was a Christian. "Yes", I replied.
But what does that mean? What is a Christian?
That's what I want to explore tonight.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 - NIV)
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. (Acts 2:21 - NIV)
You accept Christ & you're a Christian.
There are a lot of people out there who say they are Christian, but don't "act" like it.
Maybe they have accepted Christ, but it sure doesn't look like they're living it.
What does "being" a Christian really mean?
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. (Mark 16:14 - KJV)
So, according to this scripture, we're not a good Christian unless we bug everybody all the time about Christ Jesus and his salvation.
But, ... not everyone is called to be an Evangelist or Apostle.
The good news is that all the answers are in the Book ... and it's an open book test!
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. (Matt 25:31-32 - NIV)
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. (Matt 25:35-36 - NIV)
Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:7-8 - NIV)
The Lord himself watches over you!
The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. (Psalm 121:5 - NLT)
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 - NIV)
So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matt 6:31,33 - NIV)
Remember, we are the bride of Christ...
Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight. (1 Peter 3:1-4 - NIV)
We don't need words to preach. We can "tell" the gospel many different ways.
Is this for real? Or just a bunch of B.S.
Translation: Are Christians just talking the talk ... or are they walking the walk?
Sadly, there are too many bad examples out there. Each of us need to be one of the good examples.
To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen. (Revelation 1:5b-6 - NIV)
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. (Matthew 5:16 - NLT)
We preach by example much more than by our words!
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." -- Maya Angelou
We need to make people feel loved. If we don't do that, it's probably all for naught.
Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. (John 14:1 - NIV)
A Christian is someone who loves ...
"'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' ... And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' (Matt. 22:37,39 - NIV)
... and does not judge.
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:12 - NIV)
All the answers to life's tests and questions are in the Bible.
And it's an open book test!
