"Christians are not perfect, by any means, but they can be people made fully alive." - Phillips BrooksSimply calling oneself a "Christian" doesn't make it so. You're probably familiar with those "Hello, my name is ________" identification badges that are passed out at meetings or gatherings so others can know who you are. All you have to do is fill in the blank space with your name.
As such, "Christian" can become just a label for many that can be slapped on their lapel whenever they feel like it. But one must understand that there's more to being a Christian than self-designation. There is a divine power at work in the life of a Christian; a real disciple of Christ.
American evangelist David Wilkerson once said, "Today, some Christians are content to merely exist until they die. They don't want to risk anything, to believe God, to grow or mature. They refuse to believe his Word, and have become hardened in their unbelief. Now they're living just to die."
Contrary to common, misguided belief, just because a person attends church, has Christian friends, or lives in a Christian nation does not make them a Christian by association or default. Nor does the number of puppies you pet, babies you kiss, or little old ladies you help cross the street.
Luckily for you and I, there are no longer any strict Laws or sacrificial ceremonies that must be adhered to in order to draw closer to Him. What's the big deal about that? Because as I mentioned above, we can't please God by our actions. The only path to God is through Jesus Christ. There is no other way (James 2:18).
Therefore, being a Christian signifies our commitment to follow, desire, have a close relationship with, have Him abide within; and glorify Christ in our life. True Christians put their faith and trust in His person and work, thus becoming a child of God, a member of His family. And the best part is the gift of a "new" life in Jesus Christ. It is the gift of a loving God (Acts 4:12).
Scripture: Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:28; 1 Timothy 4:12; Ephesians 2:8
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your infinite grace which has saved me from my sins. change my life so that I may bring glory and honor to You alone and no one else, amen.
Have a blessed day!
Bethany
Luckily for you and I, there are no longer any strict Laws or sacrificial ceremonies that must be adhered to in order to draw closer to Him. What's the big deal about that? Because as I mentioned above, we can't please God by our actions. The only path to God is through Jesus Christ. There is no other way (James 2:18).
Therefore, being a Christian signifies our commitment to follow, desire, have a close relationship with, have Him abide within; and glorify Christ in our life. True Christians put their faith and trust in His person and work, thus becoming a child of God, a member of His family. And the best part is the gift of a "new" life in Jesus Christ. It is the gift of a loving God (Acts 4:12).
Scripture: Acts 11:26; 1 Peter 4:16; Acts 26:28; 1 Timothy 4:12; Ephesians 2:8
Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your infinite grace which has saved me from my sins. change my life so that I may bring glory and honor to You alone and no one else, amen.
Have a blessed day!
Bethany
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