WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

Week Fifty, 2021

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17).

A recent survey revealed that 71% of the respondents claiming to be a Christian “consider their feelings, experiences, or the input of family and friends as their most trusted sources of moral guidance.”

The study, recently released by the George Barna Group in connection with the cultural research center at the University of Arizona, came to this conclusion: “The meaning of “Christian” in America today is far from monolithic, with a number of diverse and often conflicting theological views—even beliefs that are thoroughly unbiblical perspectives—among those who embrace the label.” In addition to specifically lacking a clear authoritative Biblical directive and moral guidance for their lives, here are a few other findings.

▪ 66% say that having faith matters more than which faith you pursue

▪ 64% say that all religious faiths are of equal value

▪ 58% believe that if a person is good enough, or does enough good things, they can earn their way into Heaven

▪ 58% contend that the Holy Spirit is not a real, living being but is merely a symbol of God’s power, presence, or purity

▪ 57% believe in karma

▪ 52% claim that determining moral truth is up to each individual; there are no moral absolutes that apply to everyone, all the time

I suppose we should be shocked, but it ought not to be surprising given the drift of pastors, preachers, and churches in the last 50-60 years toward a social gospel. When churches become more like country clubs or a sanctified Salvation Army doing social work, and preachers can deliver entire sermons without any Scriptural basis, no wonder people lack a Biblical worldview.

Many might be saying, “I’m glad that’s not happening in our congregation.” However, you might be surprised at the number of young people, and some not so young, who’ve abandoned Biblical authority and are motivated more by subjectivism than Scripture.

Among “us,” we too often hear rationalizations for unscriptural practices or lifestyles that begin with expressions like…

…I feel…

…I think God loves me too much to…

…I don’t believe God will…

…I feel God wants me to be happy so…

From a Biblical perspective wearing the name “Christian” means I am a follower of Christ. A learner. A pupil. His disciple. Jesus said,” A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.” To become like Him, we must hear Him (Matt. 17:5). And obey Him.

“If you love Me, keep My commandments,” Christ said to the apostles and by implication to all His followers (Jn. 14:15). To know His commandments, Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to reveal His Word that would “guide (us) into all Truth” (Jn. 16:13).

The apostle Paul affirmed that he as well as other apostles and prophets, received the inspired Word, recorded it “in a few words,” so that we can read and understand it (Eph. 3:3-6).

The Scripture, therefore, offers the Lord’s directives for moral guidance, spiritual growth, and a world view that is based on and in absolute divinely revealed Truth. Consider these passages.

Being a Christian, therefore, is following Christ by obeying His Word. Accepting His moral authority. Being inwardly formed and fashioned by His teaching. And outwardly allowing His Word to govern our lives.

Ken Weliever, The Preacherman

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SOMETIMES TRUE STORIES

Colon Powell’s 13 Leadership Rules:

1. It ain’t as bad as you think! It will look better in the morning.

2. Get mad then get over it.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

4. It can be done.

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

6. Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

7. You can’t make someone else’s choices. You shouldn’t let someone else make yours.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision. Be demanding.

12. Don’t take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

Colin L. Powell

1937-2021

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THOUGHTS:

• Happiness is external while joy is internal.

• My joy is my job, not others.

• What is seen is temporary. What is unseen is eternal.

• Don’t let the things you can’t control, control you.

• Jesus changes us supernaturally from the inside.

• God doesn’t want to leave us the way we are.

• Every day creates new opportunities I can discover.

• Don’t ask why, but ask what you can do about any situation.

• Don’t focus on what you can’t control, but re-focus on what really matters.

• Prayerlessness is my declaration of my independence from God.

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QUOTES YOU CAN USE

You can’t worry and have faith at the same time. Jim Cymbala

God is capable of bringing order out of chaos—even the chaos we create in our personal lives. Dan Shock

Only in eternity will we see how much fruit on earth and reward in heaven we forfeit by sins we believe we can commit without consequence (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:12–15). Jim Denison

Turn your cares into prayers. Florida Marlet Place Ministries

Choosing not to forgive yourself is like being the judge, jury, and defendant of your life all at once. Dr. John Delony

The devil doesn’t need to destroy us. He just needs to distract us. Daniel Henderson

You’ll never find a rainbow if you’re looking down. Jim Denison

When we walk through dark or fearful moments, it is our hope for the future that sustains us. Dan Shock