What Makes A Christian? Part II
What makes a Christian? What does it take to be one? The Baseline is found in the Bible in Genesis 15:6. It says that the man Abraham believed God, and God counted that as righteousness. Later in the New Testament portion of the Bible, Abraham is mentioned again as a man of faith. God was asking Abraham to believe in God's promise even though he saw no immediate tangible evidence. Abraham said yes to God, and acted on that belief. This is important, because it's really easy to say, "I believe in God".
Most everybody believes there is a God. Satan believes in God, and he is big time enemies with the Lord. By the way, yes there really is a real Satan. He's not pretend. Anyway, the saving belief is a life changing belief. It moves one to action. Now, Abraham was by no means perfect. He messed up a lot (so glad God is into forgiveness). Nevertheless, his life was centered on trusting and following what God said.
The next thing to see is that it's not enough just to believe in something. People say that now days. "Not important WHAT you believe in, just that you have faith." That's just plain old ignorance talking. What goof ball came up with that idea. Unless you believe in and follow the God of the Bible, you are out of luck.
There's another guy that had a very basic belief. When Jesus was being crucified for our sins, there were two other men being crucified for crimes. One of them hurled insults at Jesus, the other defended Christ, and said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Jesus responded by saying, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." This man didn't know anything about Jesus dying for his sins nor that Christ would raise from the dead. He didn't even have a chance to live out his new life changing belief. However, Jesus knew what was in the man's heart, and saw that the man's faith was genuine.
So, it's not how much you know that counts. It's your willingness to give your life to Christ. Act on what you know, even if it is a little bit. Make a life changing decision of faith to believe in Jesus Christ. One more thing, I know this seems basic. Perhaps too simple. In one sense it is very simple, and it does not require that you be able to perform certain activities. Jesus takes you as you are no matter what you've done. At the same time it is very costly. God is a king. He is the creator. He wants you to give him your whole life. It will change you forever. Weird, but this free gift offered by Jesus costs everything.
Later,
Adam
www.sojournband.com
Most everybody believes there is a God. Satan believes in God, and he is big time enemies with the Lord. By the way, yes there really is a real Satan. He's not pretend. Anyway, the saving belief is a life changing belief. It moves one to action. Now, Abraham was by no means perfect. He messed up a lot (so glad God is into forgiveness). Nevertheless, his life was centered on trusting and following what God said.
The next thing to see is that it's not enough just to believe in something. People say that now days. "Not important WHAT you believe in, just that you have faith." That's just plain old ignorance talking. What goof ball came up with that idea. Unless you believe in and follow the God of the Bible, you are out of luck.
There's another guy that had a very basic belief. When Jesus was being crucified for our sins, there were two other men being crucified for crimes. One of them hurled insults at Jesus, the other defended Christ, and said to Jesus, "Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Jesus responded by saying, "Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise." This man didn't know anything about Jesus dying for his sins nor that Christ would raise from the dead. He didn't even have a chance to live out his new life changing belief. However, Jesus knew what was in the man's heart, and saw that the man's faith was genuine.
So, it's not how much you know that counts. It's your willingness to give your life to Christ. Act on what you know, even if it is a little bit. Make a life changing decision of faith to believe in Jesus Christ. One more thing, I know this seems basic. Perhaps too simple. In one sense it is very simple, and it does not require that you be able to perform certain activities. Jesus takes you as you are no matter what you've done. At the same time it is very costly. God is a king. He is the creator. He wants you to give him your whole life. It will change you forever. Weird, but this free gift offered by Jesus costs everything.
Later,
Adam
www.sojournband.com
posted by Sojourn @ 2:44 PM
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