This Is Christianity

Mark Twain is quoted as saying; "If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be - a Christian." The sad truth is the way many people who claim to be Christians today live their lives, Mr. Twain would be correct. A Christian by definition is a person who believes in and strives to live as Jesus Christ would live. Christianity is not an organized religion, it is not a certain denomination, it is a way of life.

Recently in the news, I've seen way too many news stories of child abuse, cruelty to children, and other disgusting actions. These acts are terrible in themselves, but what also really frustrates me is when the story goes on to state that the person committing the acts claims to be a Christian, or is a member of some church that lists Christianity as its foundation. Some of these people use Christianity as an excuse for their actions. Equally exasperating is when someone commits murder or other crimes, and then says something like; "God told me to do it!"

I see a major dilemma in America and the world, of people claiming to be of the Christian faith, but not acting in a manner that backs up their claims. People such as these ruin and destroy the name of God, and devastate the impression that the world has of true Christianity.

The problem is there are many people who know about God from what they've heard at church, things their parents have told them, and programs they've seen on television. However, just knowing about God doesn't change lives. In order for someone to truly be a Christian, they must have a personal relationship with God.

Let me illustrate it this way. I have letters from President Bush. I even have several Christmas cards from the White House. I've read the President's story, and watched him as he's led our country. So, I know a lot about him. However, if I were to call up the White House, and say; "This is Joshua, patch me through to the Oval Office." I wouldn't get to talk to President Bush, because he doesn't have a clue who I am. I know about him, but I don't personally know him.

The same is true in regards to a lot of people's "Christianity". They know a great deal about God, about the Bible, and about certain rituals and traditions of their certain denominations, but they have no personal relationship with God. And that isn't just referring to people who commit crimes and then claim to be "Christians". There are even pastors, church leaders, and others who claim the name of Jesus Christ, but whose life hasn't been changed.

The Bible even mentions these kinds of people:

"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you..." (Matthew 7:21-23)

Notice He says; "I never knew you", which indicates there was never a personal relationship. So, just because someone "claims" to be a Christian, and even preaches or promotes the Christian faith, that doesn't necessarily mean they are a Christian. There are some people who only are in it for the money or the fame, and then there are those who only think of Christianity as a "fire escape" from hell. There are also people who twist the Bible around to form their own version of Christianity. You can tell a genuine Christian by the way they live, and I'll get more into that in a moment.

First of all, let me define what a real Christian is.

Attending church at a certain denomination, being kind to your neighbor, or living a good life doesn't make anyone a Christian. The Bible is very clear when it comes to the Christian faith.

Being a member of or attending a Baptist church, a Catholic church, a Presbyterian church, a Methodist church, (and I could list all of the hundreds of denominations who claim to preach the Christian faith) doesn't make one a Christian. When you die and stand before God, He's not going to ask you what denomination you were a member of.

Let me clarify here that attendance at a local church is good, and should be part of our lives, but my point is that church attendance doesn't make you a Christian.

In the same light, being a good person and helping others doesn't make you a Christian. Now, those are some of the actions that a genuine Christian will participate in, but those acts alone don't make you a Christian.

The Bible tells us exactly what makes a person a Christian:

"That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." (Romans 10:9-10)

Notice that there are two distinctions here. 1. confession with the mouth (a head knowledge) and 2. believing in the heart (a personal relationship).

One way of illustrating this is: Suppose we meet a person and they become an acquaintance of ours. When we see them we recognize them simply because in our head we know who they are. Then we meet a person that we become friends with, we know them by recognition, but also because they are a friend. So when we see them, there is that visual recognition, but there is also that heart recognition, we have special feelings towards them because we know them personally. The same is true of the Christian. We must know about God, but we must also know Him in a personal way. Of course, in order to personally know Him, one must realize their own need of knowing Him, and their inability to change their life themselves.

Many people say that they don't need God, but yet they never find true joy in their lives. When a person repents of their sin and selfishness and chooses to begin that new and personal relationship with God, they will experience happiness and their life will be different.

The Bible tells us that anyone who is truly a Christian will have a new life; they will live differently than others.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Now, here is where a lot of people miss the mark. They claim that being a Christian means that they act weird in some way, make fools of themselves, etc. However, when the Bible says that a Christian is to be different, it is referring to the way in which a person lives their life, such as being kind to others (even those who are not kind to you), honoring and respecting your parents and those in authority, seeking to help those in need, not ruining your body by things such as smoking and other things hazardous to one's health. In other words....living a "clean" life.

A true Christian is to follow the commands of the Bible, paying close attention not to twist verses out of context or claim things mean what they really don't. One must interpret scripture in light of all other scripture. And one must learn to live for others.

In the Gospel of John, we find the following story:

"So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them." (John 13:12 - 17)

Back in the time period in which this story took place, people wore open sandals, and the roads were just dirt and dust. So, when people would come into a house, they would remove their sandals, and the servant or lowliest person in the household would wash their feet.

Here Jesus Christ took it upon Himself to do this task. Here was the Son of God washing feet, one of the lowest jobs of the day. He did it to leave us an example of how we are to live our lives as Christians. We are to put others first, we are to be kind and helpful. People should notice something different about us.

There are a lot of people in today's world who wouldn't dare stoop to such a task, but yet they claim to be Christians. They look down there nose at other people, they fly off the handle at the slightest irritation, they scream and holler at their family, and then they claim the name of Jesus. That is NOT a Christian attitude, or how a Christian should live.

I should point out here that even Christians aren't perfect. Anyone who claims to be perfect is wrong. There will be times in even the best Christian's life where he/she makes wrong choices, and does things they're not supposed to. The true Christian will however shortly realize the error of their ways and make steps to correct them.

Now there are some religious groups who try to force their doctrine upon others, and who claim anyone who does not follow their beliefs as their enemy. That is not the proper attitude of a Christian. While I firmly believe in God and know my personal relationship with Jesus Christ has made a difference in my life, I am not foolish enough to think that everyone is going to agree with me. What you choose to believe is your choice to make. However, I will tell you from experience that a genuine relationship with Christ can bring peace to your life and give you the joy and happiness many are seeking for.

The next time someone claims to be a Christian, watch their life. You can always tell a TRUE Christian by the way they live. And if you're going to claim the name of Jesus Christ, make sure your life backs up your claim.

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The Outstanding Christian

All people have at least some desire to 'stand out' from among the crowd. They want to be seen as smarter, prettier, more handsome, wealthier, more intelligent, more gifted, more talented, and generally just better than average.

I have news for Christians. ALL Christians are outstanding. Some just stand out in different ways than others. I want to mention 3 types of 'Outstanding Christians.'

Number one are the Christian who stand out because of their obnoxious, overbearing, bossy, demanding, 'holier than thou' attitude. They are quick to call other Christians names like lazy, ignorant, backslidden, and even claim to know others are headed for hell because they attend the wrong Christian church, or haven't been 'baptized correctly', or they are engaging in sinful activities such attending movies or wearing makeup. These Christians are worse than legalists. They follow to the letter the things that can be seen on the outside. They add their own brand of morality to the rules God has set. I have personally known women who will not wear makeup or cut their hair, yet they make gossip and dissension their daily business. I have known men who demand utter submission from their wives and children, yet they themselves have not submitted anything of their own life to the God who created them. There are Christians who live in the pride of what they have accomplished and do not give God the glory. They are quick to condemn other Christians in need, or who are facing illness or trouble as 'out of the will of God'. They are without humility. They see the small sin in their brother's life, but ignore giant sins in their own lives. They are proud, without thankfulness, without forgiveness for others, without humility, and without repentance because they cannot see their own sins. They would not help a brother or sister in need if their lives depended upon it, because they see God as punishing those in trouble. In fact, they condemn those in need as though they themselves were without sin or need. They are hypocrites.

My son Jay defines a hypocrite like this; 'A hypocrite is someone who - seeing an illness or trial in YOUR life says, 'well - there is sin in you life and God is punishing you.' BUT, when they face the SAME illness or trial themselves they say, 'The devil is persecuting me. That proves I am doing the will of God.'

Believe me, these Christians are really outstanding. They stand out in any crowd. They make God sick. They make fellow Christians sick, and they make the whole non-Christian population despise God's gift of salvation.

Number two are the worldly Christians. They are so much like the unsaved that they blend in completely until someone finds out they are Christians. Then the people of the world say, 'What is the point of Christianity? It requires nothing. It is no different than anything else.' In a world constantly seeking satisfaction through something 'new' and 'different' worldly Christianity has no appeal. The worldly Christian is a beacon leading nowhere. They are lukewarm at very best. They make God vomit.

Number three are the Christians who show their heart felt commitment to God in how they live their personal lives. They apply Bible teachings to personal actions. God can use such people to turn the tide of battles, both great and small.

I just watched 'The Patriot' again. Toward the end, the armies of the Colonies are beginning to retreat. The hero, seeing defeat as unacceptable, raises up the flag of the United States, and runs against the tide of the retreating army shouting 'HOLD THE LINE'. The soldiers stop to watch him run in what appears to be the wrong way. Then some turn and began to follow him. Then the entire army turns around, charges up the hill, and wins a decisive victory.

My Christian brothers and sisters, today is such a day for Christianity. Christians are running in retreat instead of charging to victory. The armies of darkness are crushing the freedom to worship our God and our King throughout the world. 'Outstanding Christian' types one and two are aiding and abetting the enemy! America, the beautiful, bastion of freedom, is gasping for breath. Yet there is hope. Out God is a God of victory, not of defeat. He is willing to help those who are willing to change their lives to suit God. Will you be such a Christian? Will you be a light that leads the lost to God? Just by claiming the name of 'Christian' you have become an 'Outstanding Christian'. The question is , 'Which type of Christian will you be?'

Will you be:
 

a Christian that stands out as obnoxious? (type one)
a Christian that stands out as nothing special? (type two)
a Christian who charges up the hill to victory? (type three)

Whether you make a choice or not, you will fall into one of those categories.

To be a 'Type 3 Outstanding Christian' begins when a Christian becomes willing to change what is bothering God in his or her own life. Just do a quick self check and see if you find pride, lack of thankfulness to God and forgiveness to others, gossip in the place of help, lies in the place of truth, lack of honor where honor is due, wicked thoughts in place of Godly thoughts, or lack of reverence and awe for the God who created you.

The Type 3 Outstanding Christian wants to please God more than they want anything else. Hebrews 13:16 says, 'but to do good and communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

In the movie 'The Patriot', the hero charging up the hill wasn't really looking to see who followed him. He was looking forward to victory. That is what every Type Three Christian needs to do. Christians need to fix their eyes on Victory in Christ Jesus our Lord. They look beyond the day and even the years. Type Three Christians understand they are not playing a 'numbers' game.

Let Christians be like the Psalmist in Psalm 57:6-7 who says, 'They have prepared a net for my steps; my soul is bowed down: they have digged a pit before me, into the midst whereof they are fallen themselves. Selah (7) My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise.

Type Three Christians must remember that those who seek our destruction will dig a well for their own destruction. You just need to fix your heart on God. Sing and praise God louder than the doubt that troubles your mind.

Isaiah 50:7 says, 'For the Lord GOD will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed.

Isaiah 49:23b says, 'for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.'

Actually, in the movie the hero who charged up the hill was not really going at a fast pace. He was exhausted. He had short legs and probably couldn't run fast even when he wasn't 'plum tuckered out'. ('plum tuckered out' is mountain folk talk meaning really really tired.) The point is, he went forward against the tide in spite of physical exhaustion and without visible hope of victory or making a difference. The hero gave his all to getting up the hill to victory. That is the job of Christians today. Ignore what you see; fix your gaze on Calvary's Lamb; go forward to victory.

Remember - It takes a Type Three Christian to follow Jesus. If you are following Jesus - you are always going in the right direction!

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Rewards of the Christian Life

The Christian life is portrayed as a race by the writer of Hebrews. "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1,2. Many Bible Scholars feel that the Apostle Paul was probably the writer of Hebrews because verses like these are closely related to many of his other writings. In other cases, Paul compares himself with the racers and competitors in the Isthmian games which were celebrated in the city of Corinth. This comparison made an allusion which was well known to the people of Paul's day and therefore was a great teaching metaphor.

The competitors who ran in these games were duly qualified both by character and ability. The distance and width of the course were clearly marked out. The prize that was to be won was set forth. Judges were chosen and sworn to judge impartially. The starting signal was given and the race was run. The winner was carried to the judge, the prize was given and a crown placed on the winner's head. The name of the winner was proclaimed to the great assembly of people.

The Christian race is so compared. The Christian must be qualified both by character and ability. The Christian must pursue the course with patience and perseverance. After completing the race the successful Christian is brought before the Judge where he/she is rewarded and crowned with glory.

The Christian race is not any race, but a particular race. It is, "The race set before us". The course of the race is the road of life. The length of it is a lifetime. The width of it is the size of the world. This course has many challenges and many temptations to turn the runner aside. The riches and cares, the company and amusements, the pleasures and influence of the world are all dead weights which must be "laid aside" so they don't hinder the Christian runner.

The progress of the Christian in this race depends on several things. The Christian must keep to the course and not turn out of the way. Some run the race well for a while and then turn aside. The Christian must stay on course. The middle of the course is the safest place to run. Constant progress must be made and the runner must continue patiently under all difficulties. The prize must be kept in view.

The nature of the prize in the Christian race is different from worldly races. Scripture represents this prize as rewards under the figure of a trophy or crown. There are various crowns that may be rewarded to Christians when they complete this race of life.

 The Incorruptible Crown - I Corinthians 9:24-25. "Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishible crown. " In the Christian's duty, all run that they might obtain this crown. All that finish get the prize, not just the winner. The Christian runner is described as being "temperate in all things". Much self-denial was practiced by the Olympic runners Paul mentioned. They kept to a strict diet and discipline. Should not the Christian much more curtail themselves of their liberty for the glorious prize set before them? Christians must deny self and keep the body under "bringing it into subjection", (I Corinthians 9:27). The Christian runner faces hardship and is always in close combat just as any competitor. Paul mentions one enemy of the Christian runner (the body) which must be brought under subjection. Paul is referring to those fleshly appetites and inclinations.

The Crown of Life - James 1:12, "Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the "crown of life" which the Lord has promised to those who love Him". This reward is given to the Christian who endures and who with patience and constancy goes through all trials and difficulties in the way of his duty. It seems that in the duties of Christians they sometimes run across difficulties and disappointments so much that they begin to lose interest and hope of their duty. They may even wonder if it is worth it all to continue the race. The enduring of temptations and trials must be from a principle of love to God and Jesus Christ, otherwise there is no interest in the Crown. This reward should enforce the idea that Christians will eventually be approved by God for all their trails. It will be the Christian's blessedness to finally receive the Crown of Life.

The Crown of Glory - I Peter 5:1-4, "The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the Crown of Glory that does not fade away". This reward is specifically given to pastors, elders, presbyters, spiritual leaders of the Church. It is promised to those who "feed the flock" by preaching and teaching God's Word. It is for Christians who "take oversight thereof"; who take time to minister personal care over the flock committed to their charge. It is for Christians who are "examples to the flock"; those who practice holiness, self-denial, and all other Christian duties. It is for those who share in Christ's sufferings. Jesus Christ is the Chief Shepherd of the flock. He bought them, rules them, defends them, and saves them. Jesus is also Chief Shepherd over all other shepherds who obtain their authority from Him, act in His name, and are accountable to Him. Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, shall appear to judge all ministers and under-shepherds, to call them to account, whether they have faithfully discharged their duty both publicly and privately according to His directions. To those that are found to have done their duty shall receive what is infinitely better than temporal gain. They shall receive from the Chief Shepherd a high degree of everlasting glory - A Crown of Glory that will never fade away.

The Crown of Rejoicing - I Thessalonians 2:19,20. "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy". This Crown of Rejoicing is won through soul-winning. Christians must take time in their race to listen to the Holy Spirit and share with others what they have in Jesus. What a glory and honor it is go be used of the Holy Spirit to lead others into a saving knowledge of the Son of God.

The Crown of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:7,8. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing". This crown will be the recompense of all the services Christians have offered, which God is not unrighteous to forget. This crown will be given "at that day", at the time when the Christian's holiness and righteousness will be perfected. It is the day Christ returns. It will be given by the righteous Judge and not only to apostles and prominent ministers, but to all those that love His appearing. It should be the character of all Christians to look forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ with love and to long for it. This Crown is laid up for all believers. It is given to those who have finished their course by fighting a good fight. In a good fight one may lose a few rounds, but is is how hard one fights that makes a good fight. It is given to those who have kept the faith. It is given to Christians who never allowed their faith to falter, but have always looked to their faith for their final victory.

Christ will come again to judge the works of believers and to give these rewards that they are entitled. The Christian will be judged as to the use of his talents and opportunities that have been given to him. The Christian will be judged on how he has used these talents while running the Christian race.

Paul says that while Christians are saved by grace, they are saved unto good works, Ephesians 2:8-10. In other words, the Lord has given His people an opportunity to lay up treasures in heaven now. This should help Christians overcome discouragements.

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Will the Real Christian Please Stand Up?

People who say they are Christians, and deny everything Jesus stands for, have given Jesus a "bad rap." They have smeared His character, His salvation plan and His great love for mankind.

When the angels announced the birth of Jesus, they said to the shepherds, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord... Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." See Luke 2. This would indicate Jesus came into this world to bring God's peace to us. Read John 1:1-14 to get a better understanding of God's plan for sinful man. Read John 3:1-21 to learn more.

When a person becomes a Christian, that person takes on the nature of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The life of Jesus is given in the first four Books of the New Testament Bible. We call these "The Gospels." These biographies of Jesus reveal Him from 4 different angles. They are actually one Gospel.

After a person becomes a Christian, that person must make a decision. How much of himself or herself will be given to God in loving service for God and others? God will give just as much of Himself to us as we are willing to give to Him. If we give Him everything, He will destroy the carnal spirit and fill us to overflowing with His Holy Spirit. When this happens we are able to love (self-giving love) God with all our heart, mind, soul and spirit without conservation or reservation. This enables us to love (self-giving love) our neighbor as ourselves. The evidence of this love is shown by its fruit. The fruit of a Christian is self-sacrificing love revealed in 8 different flavors. See Galatians 5:22-26.

A real Christian is the most loving, caring, sharing, giving person in the world. They will tell you the truth, even though it would be much easier to let you go on believing the lie. They will go out of their way to make your life more enjoyable. They are good parents, faithful spouses, loving neighbors, a real friend when you are in need, and so on. You will never find them living a perverted lifestyle. They are righteous people working behind the scenes, praying and longing for what brings you the greatest happiness. You will not find them in bars, reading filthy literature, acting like the devil, doing any of the works of the flesh, or ripping pages out of The Bible.

What the world needs now is:

love rather than hate;
peacemakers rather than piece makers;
joy rather than sorrow;
a helping hand rather than a kicking foot;
a faithful friend rather than a hypocritical enemy;
a lively hope rather than a helpless despair.

All of this is given through Christians giving of their time, treasures, and talents to bring the love of Jesus to your sin-sick world.

When you see a real Christian in your nation, your church or in your neighborhood, you can be assured they are out to bless you. They will never curse you to your face, or to your back.

As I stated in my last article, "Christians! Put Up or Shut Up," we Christians have put up with way too much and shut up for way to long. WILL THE REAL CHRISTIAN PLEASE STAND UP!

Christians are different. Christians commit themselves to a life of productive serve for God and others. Howard E. Wright's book, Fourteen Facets of Jesus' True Church, gives 14 different ways Christians relate with Jesus. If you are ready for the truth as it is in Christ Jesus that will give you a richer, fuller life, this book and others in his "God's Treasure Chest of Biblical Truth" series is for you.

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Seven Indicators of a Genuine Christian

Spiritual development is a necessity in genuine Christianity. This is because genuine Christianity is a live organism. And any live organism needs to grow, to develop. This kind of Christianity develops spiritually.

How can you distinguish between a genuine Christian and a nominal Christian?

If you do not have the Spirit of Jesus it is impossible to distinguish between a real Christian and a nominal Christian. Both may speak the same language, dress in the same way, go to the same church, perform the same religious activities, play the same sport, live in the same neighborhood or subdivision.

But one is alive-the genuine Christian, the other is dead-the nominal one, in the life of the Spirit. The first is heading to the joys of heaven, the latter to the torments in hell.

The following indicators therefore are not external criteria by which we can segregate the genuine Christians from the nominal ones. They are indicators which we can reflect upon and search within ourselves to discern whether we are genuine or nominal Christians.

Of course, the elements in these indicators naturally and normally surface in the lives of people who are genuine Christians. But again their manifestations can be imitated by the ingenious nominal Christian.

For example, we may think that a person who devotes one hour every day faithfully in praying while kneeling in a church has a personal, growing love for Jesus. Such may be very deceptive. It may be true that indeed he has a personal, growing love for Jesus. It may also be true, as Jesus once commented, that he is pretending to pray long prayers in the hope of devouring the houses of widows. The Pharisees were performing long prayers but Jesus told us they were not following him; they rejected him.

While it is true that there are millions of Christians who are satisfied and comfortable with their nominal Christianity, there are a few though who sense that their lives lack something which they may not be able to pinpoint out or even vaguely describe. For these few the indicators described here may help them reflect on their lives and motivate them to search how to live a genuine Christian life.

It may also happen that a nominal Christian reading these indicators may come to the realization that what he has been presuming all along his life, namely, that he is a real Christian, is an illusion. Upon knowing this he may want to move from nominal to genuine Christianity.

These indicators are to be taken as an integrated whole set of indicators, not each one separately. If an indicator is missing, most probably the person is not a genuine Christian.

Here are the seven indicators.

1. The person has experienced God speaking to him personally, either through a preacher, a book, or other circumstance.

2. The person has experienced listening to an explanation of the Bible or reading it such that he felt his mind was opened. His reaction is: Now I know, whereas before I did not realize this was the meaning. If he is literate he has experienced a thirst for reading God's word. If he is non-literate he has experienced a thirst for listening to the reading of God's word.

3. The genuine Christian has a personal, growing love for the person of Jesus the Christ, talking with him with more and more time of his day.

4. He has a certain or sure conviction of the forgiveness of his sins, whether past, present or future. He has no fear of being punished.

5. He has a complete distrust in his works as a means of pleasing God.

6. He has a deep and growing love for other genuine Christians and he seeks out their company.

7. He has a compassionate love for the non-Christians and the nominal Christians and desires to bring them to genuine Christian life.

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Three Main Signs of a True Christian

If the 2 billion plus people who are classified as Christians were true Christians we would have a totally different world. We would have lesser number of very poor people, much lesser number of crimes, and an increasing number of people who make other people happy.

Unfortunately and very sadly too, most of the 2 billion or more who say they are Christians are false Christians. They are not true as they do not show the signs of a real Christian.

We have fake money bills, fake documents, fake transcripts of records, fake certificates, fake signatures. But the worst and most dangerous counterfeit is not money or document but a fake Christian. The reason is because a fake Christian can create havoc not just in the banks or in employment but in all the sectors of society.

It was fake Christians who have been waging wars all through these centuries, including the two world wars, putting to death millions of human beings.

To recognize who these fake Christians are we need to know the signs of a true Christian. There are three main signs.

First, the true Christian is one who is no longer seeking for something in this world to save himself or make himself happy. If you have been to an Easter Party with an Easter egg, you would know what I mean.

In an Easter Party where the people search for the Easter egg you see children and adults walking around, searching for the coveted Easter egg, a colored egg hidden in furniture, in grass, in other places around the venue of the party. They keep on looking for this Easter egg until it is found. Most of the time there are many of such egg and people look for more and more of them, until the moderator of the game tells the partying people that the total number of Easter eggs have been found.

That is what most people do. They are looking for something that can make them happy. Some people think that this is found in money and more money, and so they acquire more of this. Others think that this is found in having three good meals a day, a sturdy roof over their head, and a set of comfortable clothes. So they work for these from day to day. Still others think that they can find happiness in honor. So they search for ways and means to become celebrities, whether at school, in the movie industry or in politics or in other areas.

The true Christian has found genuine happiness and knows where she has found this, in an encounter with God in Christ. This encounter happens when she has heard personally the word of God spoken to her and she has responded accordingly. Without this personal experience of God addressing oneself there is no real Christian.

In the case of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, he had this personal encounter when he heard God personally speaking to him through a preacher, "Look unto me..." from Isaiah 45:22.

In the case of Therese Martin, she heard the personal word of God when she read Proverbs 9:4, "Whoever is a little one, let him come to me."

This personal experience with the word of God is not something reserved to the saints or great Christians. This is the necessary experience of every true Christian. This makes the person discover where true happiness lies, in Christ and in him alone.

Because of this experience, the true Christian stops looking for something to truly satisfy her thirst for happiness. She has found it and it shows in her life. She does not come and go here and there searching for something to make her happy. She has found happiness and it shows in her demeanor.

The second main sign of a true Christian is that she is learning about the Christ. And this shows in her thoughts and in her words.

A simple but very correct definition of a Christian is that she is a learner of the Christ, because the basic meaning of "disciple" in Greek is "learner". If a Christian is a disciple of Christ, then she is a learner. She learns something of the Christ every day.

To do this she has a book or a string of beads to meditate on the life and works of the Christ. And she does this not because she has been told to do so by a teacher in religion or Bible study group. She does this because she loves Christ and she wants to know more about him. This is done on a daily basis, not once in a while.

This second sign of a true Christian disqualifies almost all those who even go to church daily or once a week to be called real Christians. This is because they are content with going to church daily or once a week and never advance in their personal knowledge of the Christ.

The third sign of a true Christian is something that Jesus himself said was the true sign of his followers. And this sign is something that cannot be faked. It is so simple and yet it cannot be produced by mere human effort. It is produced by God in us and through us. Unless this sign is clear in our lives we cannot say that we are real Christians.

This third sign is love.

But is it not just a wishy-washy kind of love. It is love that endures through death and even beyond death. It is not a fine feeling for the person next to you whom you happen to like.

Beyond love of God and love of neighbor, this is love of other true Christians. The true Christian senses a deep affinity with other true Christians, an affinity stronger than family ties. And she loves the other true Christians not with her human love but with the love of Christ himself.

Now, how is this love of Christ himself for the other true Christians shown so that other people can see it? It is shown by caring unto the uttermost, just as Jesus cared for that person to the uttermost.

These are the three main signs of a true Christian: 1) The true Christian no longer is looking for something to make her happy; she has found what makes her totally happy through a personal encounter with the word of God. 2) The true Christian learns about the Christ daily. She discovers something new about the Christ everyday. And she keeps on learning about the Christ. 3) The true Christian has a genuine love for the other true Christians, a love that comes from Jesus himself, shown by caring for the other Christians to the uttermost.

It is not baptism nor any other sacrament, nor doing good deeds to our fellow men, nor going to church and performing religious or church activities that tell others we are true Christians. It is sense of total happiness radiating around us, a continuous desire to learn more of the Christ, and genuine Christ's love for the other true Christian that tell others we are true Christians.

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5 Essential Christian Teachings Christians Need to Know

There is a lot of misunderstanding about Christianity and what the Christian faith actually teaches. Because there are so many doctrines that have been added to the Christian faith, many may be confused about what Christianity actually teaches.

Here are five essential teachings Christians need to understand.

1. Without the Resurrection, Christianity doesn't exist.

The core belief of Christianity is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The reason this is the central teaching of Christianity is really very simple: Christ's resurrection was his proof that he wasn't just a man, he is God. It was also about proving that he was the savior of mankind.

2. Jesus is God.

Although Islam teaches that Jesus is a prophet, and Judaism teaches something else, what the Bible teaches is that Jesus was very clear: He is God. He never said he was a man, a prophet. Those beliefs are a misreading of the Christian scripture, as well as heresy.

3. Saved by faith, subject to grace, not judged by the law.

One of the big fallacies non believers commit when it comes to Christians is that they think Christians believe they're perfect. Nothing is further from the truth.

We recognize that we are sinners and that the only path to heaven, and Christ, is to accept Jesus as the Messiah.

Christians are subject to grace because grace is the unearned gift of love from God. In the end, Christians will not be judged on whether they go to heaven or hell, but what their reward in heaven will be.

4. Love God, love your neighbor, love yourself.

In the Old Testament, there are 10 Commandments. When asked about observing the 10 Commandments, Jesus made basically the same statement in every gospel: that we love God, love our neighbor, and then love ourselves.

The Bible is clear that a neighbor is anyone whereas a brother is a fellow believer in Christ. In essence, Christ told us to love everyone.

Loving someone is very different from liking someone. When you like someone, it's about who they are. Love is about who you are. Also, the Bible tells us that God is love. Since God is love, then in order to love others, God must be a part of your life. Otherwise, it isn't love at all.

5. Being saved has nothing to do with being good.

In one of the gospels, someone calls Jesus good. Jesus replied by saying that only God is good. The truth is, none of us are good. No one is good.

Being saved is about accepting Christ as your Savior and putting your faith in him. It is about accepting that Christ is the only road to eternal life, not good works, purgatory, or "being good".

Jesus once said, "Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavty laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28). If you want to find true peace, true happiness, you'll find it in Christ.

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Is God Love?

Sometimes when we are overwhelmed with things around us, we wonder where God is. Other times we wonder if he truly loves us considering what is happening around us. The answer is God is love. He loves us that he was ready to do the most painful thing in his whole entire life; Give up his Son for us to be reconciled back to him. God was ready to watch his Son crucified for our sake.

God is Love. You will find that, the whole Bible especially the New Testament can be summarized into one word Love. The first commandment God gave Moses was on Love. This means that this subject is very dear to him. God also makes it clear that if you can be able to love him, keeping the other commandments becomes very easy.

The next time you wonder if God is Love, just think of the good things that surround you. God does not let bad things happen to us without a reason. Most of the time, it is to make us better Christians and cement the relationship we have with him. You will find that whatever you go through is meant to be an encouragement to someone else in the future. God's love cannot let us fully despair when in trials and temptations. When you feel like his love for you is not evident, the best thing is to spend time in his presence. Read the Bible and pray. Soon you will realize that his love was always there, you just grew cold to it.

God's Love For Humanity

Its is hard for a mortal man to understand the love God has for the human race. The love story of God and man did not begin when God sent his only begotten son Jesus Christ to come redeem us from our sins. The story began at the beginning of creation. As you read from Genesis, everything else apart from man came to be after God's word came forth. Man was created after the image and likeness of God. This means that Man is very special to God. Since he is made in the image and likeness of God, this means that every time God looks at this special creation of his, he sees himself.

Therefore being a special creation to God he gave as dominion over all the earth and everything in it. God's love for mankind is constant. There is nothing you can ever do to earn it. He loves us all the same. Sometimes its hard to imagine that his love for the rapists and murderers is the same to the love he has for the Christian believers. When we understand this, loving one another becomes much easier. Our love for one another is usually based on what we are getting from the other person. Hate your enemies and love those who love you is the norm.

God's love is different. God can never change his love for you no matter what you do. Even if you have done great evils he still loves you the same. I know that sometimes we do some things and wonder how God can ever forgive us or love us the same way. The truth is, whether you kill or lie the sin carries the same magnitude before God. There is nothing he cannot forgive if you go before him and ask for forgiveness. God's love for you is so great that he wants to establish his relationship with you.

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What's Love Got To Do With It?

Youth Pastors and leaders sometimes have a tough time fitting in with their teens. This is a common problem that many will never admit. Whether it's age, cultural, race or gender many leaders have a hard time getting on the same level as their teens. What's the solution to this problem, how can you solve this?

The simple answer is love. Many teens come from well off homes with plenty to eat on the table and good parents, others come from broken homes with little to no shelter or hope. The deciding factor in reaching youth from any background or situation is the power of showing off the God given love inside of you as a caring leader. Humans in general look at care as one of the biggest qualities in someone from choosing them as a mate to the realtor who's selling their house.

Teens especially look for the love inside someone the second they meet them. It's not how much you can relate to your youth in the music they listen to, or the fashion styles you share with them, it's the love. The reason why we can look to Christ as a hero and savior in our lives is because of the love He's shown us even when we didn't deserve it. "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). This is a powerful verse to us as Christians because love is a huge thing in our lives. We keep the people close to us that love us, but turn the people away that do not share in the same love our close friends and family has for us, this is a fact of life.

We hear in sports all the time a certain player or athlete has a "love for the game." We as youth leaders have to show passion and love for every teen that comes through our doors. We have to show them that Christ's love trumps any other counterfeit or perverted love from a guy or a girl, or any love that the world tries to offer them. This is your job as the youth leader in your ministry to convey with passion this exciting message.

When one of your teens is in trouble or running into a tough situation, be the one that they call on when no one else cares or is around to help them. Build their trust by meeting with them regularly and showing them that their most challenging private struggles are safe with you. Show them that Christ loves them and so do you. This is the deciding factor that all great leaders have to find within themselves, the love and care to show to all of their flock. Are you the youth leader that's going to spark the passion and excitement for Christ in young people's lives? Show the love right now! Don't wait until next year or next month do it now!

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Jesus and Money - Who Do You Serve?

Matthew 6:24 "No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon."

Many people have a perverted understanding of what the Bible teaches about money. Often verses like the one above are taken that God only really loves the poor, and that there is some sort of holiness in being poor. Nothing could be further from the truth. Mammon in the Aramaic should be translated as riches. When the Bible cautions against money it talks about "riches". In truth it presents two extremes that should be avoided - being a slave to money, or being a slave to riches. The two extremes are one of extreme poverty and the other an extreme of extreme GREED. Both have the potential to destroy the Christian.

Some people seem to think there is something noble and pure in being poor. Being deep in debt, struggling to pay bills, failing to support your family is not honorable nor does it honor God. If your thoughts are always on how to pay the next bill then who are you serving? You are a slave to the lack of money. Instead of having the freedom to do God's work, you are enslaved to money as it controls your life. You are as much a slave to mammon as is the super wealthy - because its lack dominates your life. Ecclesiastes 10:19 "A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry, but money answers everything." God knows that humans have an economy. In fact he takes responsibility for allows Kings and others to be in charge. Likewise He is well aware of the power money can have in our lives. For good or bad. Living on any end of the money extreme risks your relationship with God.

For those who are truly mega-wealthy - having that much money carries huge risks for the God fearing person. The rich young ruler couldn't put God before his money, and hence Jesus said it is harder for a rich man to get in to heaven than an camel to go through the eye of the needle. Many people leave the passage here and say - see rich people are unsaveable. But verse 26 goes on - "with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible" God can save even the mega-wealthy. 1 Timothy 6:10 highlights that money in and of itself is not evil but "the LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Money is not evil. It is a tool and can be a powerful tool for God's church. But the love of money or GREED is a sin and is something the Christian should be aware of. Timothy goes on to say - "command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God... Let them do good." God expects there to be rich people in the church. But their money doesn't make them better than anyone else and they should be using it to "do good".

Remember money and wealth lasts only for this present age - millions of dollars mean nothing in the next world - in God's eternal kingdom. Having money brings freedom - the freedom of time, the freedom of choice, freedom to help others - thats why you should achieve wealth. If your poor you are a slave to money and don't have the freedom of choice, you don't have the spare time and resources to honor God, being poor limits you. Money should be your servant, not the other way around.

Who are you currently serving?

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Changed From the Inside and Out

The image and likeness we should resemble is Jesus Christ himself. A person's true character and identity is what is on the inside of him or her rather than their external features. The heart of a man and their willingness to press forward to achieving anything worthwhile takes drive, determination and dedication.

It is a personal connection, a personal conversation, and a personal commitment to God to find yourself being cleansed to stay in fellowship with Him. The cleansing agent is the blood of Jesus and the confession of sin in our lives. The scriptures teach, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful, just and will forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." I John 1: 9. This verse lets us know we need to take a spiritual bath daily because we all sin in some form of another every day. "To know to do good, and not do good is sin." James 4:17.

The marks of being a religious person is something we do not want to resemble. Why have an outer appearance that seems to be clean and undefiled, while on the inside of one's heart there is filth and deceit? First, the inside of a person needs to be cleansed, then our outer appearance should follow without being hypocrisy. Matthew 23:25-26.

As Christians, we are to live in love with one another and be sincere with the love that is being shown to others. We should use our God given gifts He has bestowed upon us as we serve one another. Romans 12: 8. As we mature in our Christian faith let us serve God joyfully, wholeheartedly, and without compromise. If God said it, believe it, if God said do it, then be obedient and do it. As the Holy Spirit speaks to your spirit only you and Him know what has been said and placed on your heart and spirit to do.

As we obey and act upon the leading of the Holy Spirit change comes to our heart and mind. The Bible states God looks at the heart of man, rather than our outward appearance. 2 Chronicles 16: 9. When we trust God we are showing Him we are committed to Him and his ways of doing things. As Christians, we are to grow each and every day of our spiritual lives, living with faith, hope, and love.
 

Is your house in order? The best way to get your house in order is by accepting Jesus into your life as Lord and Savior. His presence will help you obey the commands in the Bible. And more importantly, the Bible teaches us about who Jesus is and what He has done on our behalf. He died for all of our sins, past, present, and future.

Most Christians struggle with some sort of sin regardless of their maturity level. This of course does not give us a right or license to sin, but it does give us an awareness of His presence in our lives when our fleshly desires tempt us to do something we know is not godly or wholesome. A change of mind with a Godly view in mind and a willingness to obey will overcome the many temptations we face.

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The Fruit of the Spirit - Love

Of all the Fruit of the Spirit love is the greatest because God is love and He gave His Son Jesus because He loved the World.

Jesus said this is my commandment that you love one another. He did not give us a request but a commandment. Why is it a commandment? Because through the force of love we can quench every fiery dart of the enemy and love also covers a multitude of sins.

This type of love is not what we consider love to be. It is not the pounding of the heart or the tingling all over our bodies. This love do not retaliate when someone do us wrong, it will turn the other cheek and do well to those who hurt us. It is not selfish so it does not seek its own will but will seek the good of others first.

This type of love is not about feeling it is of action. We do not wait to feel it before we do it. It is most prevalent shown when we do not really feeling like it and Christian are commanded to walk in love; this is how the World will know us.

Showing love for others should be done on a daily base, it is not the big things that we do that show our love for others but it is in the simple everyday things that we do that shows our love.

Love is not weak at all and even though we are to turn the other cheek this does not make us weak. It makes us stronger than the one who is causing a problem for us because we will not allow ourselves to fall for their tactic, we are above it and our love proves it.

If we are walking in love, should we get angry? Yes, we can get angry and still be in love. Jesus got angry when some People were selling products in the Temple of God. He turned over their tables and made them leave the Temple. He had a righteous cause to be angry but there was no sin in His action. It was because of His love that He became angry.

Love is not puffed up or proud, it does not behave unseemly. It has the ability to draw People to us and this is a wonderful opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with them.

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Jesus Loves Me, Yes I Know

John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Can a person love one another if that love does not include their self. The value of the human life was important enough for Jesus to die for. Not that He died for the mortal body, but the eternal soul. It I think is more difficult for us as humans in the flesh to love ourselves in the way that God meant for us to. It seems a selfish thing that almost would not be Christian to do, yet is necessary and one might say even a requirement of finding the love of Jesus.

We as believers know that it is not about us, but about Jesus and the price that He paid for us. I find that in myself I feel that I am not worthy of anything that might be good for me. Acknowledging ourselves as sinners and knowing that "all have sinned and came short of the glory of God" is enough to limit our expectations for what God has for us. It would only make sense in the carnal mind that we should have nothing, be nothing and just be a concession prize for what he really came to do. It would seem that he really came to save sinners and that we are falling into that category, it really was inadvertent that he saved us. Kind of like he didn't really come for me, but I just became part of the deal. When in all truth he would do it all over again for just one of us. You that know you are not now, or then, or ever will be worthy of his love, you are the reason that he came from glory to die.

Children of the king. We all are, that accept him as our savior. In his word in the New Testament he promises us who believe in him eternal life through him. Testament is a will that would in our world and in his be a legal contract. Kind of like the housing crisis that has fell on this country in recent history. Many did not read the contract, and have recently found out that more was required of them than what they thought. Unfortunately for many it was too late and all that they had ended up being lost to those that paid the note for them.

We as Christians need to educate ourselves to what is required in the contract that God has with us. It is all here for us in His word. All up front, no small print.

Love for ourselves is as important as love for one another. I can not tell someone about the love of Christ and how that he died for them if I do not see the value of my own life. God knows each of us in our own way. He knows the ones he has called lead, those to follow, those who will just exist and love Him. All equal in His eyes as His children. He loves us all, and finds something good in each of our abilities and inabilities that we all have. I can picture God on his throne looking down on us, seeing one that He sees with great pride at the works that they do for His kingdom. Knowing that as David led tens of thousands so shall they. Another, that by faith will trust in Him to bring them through. One that will always find a strong dependency in His power. Another that may not be anything more in this world than one of his. One that will not build kingdoms or lead others, but that just knows him with their whole heart. All his children, all equal in his eyes. All loved from the same heart of God, all worthy in his eyes of going to Calvary for.

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Blogging Christians and Internet Evangelism - Experts Say it is Top Means of Witnessing

Jason Lee Miller an editor and skillful writer for WebProNews said, "In the past two years, blogging, as a profession, has grown from geeky obscurity into a direct challenge to the journalism industry, even with bloggers' reputation for being unruly, unvetted, grammatically and syntactically insufficient, and above all, a disorganized mess."

Although Mr. Miller is correct there are those who believe that blogging may eventually go the way of the internet chat room and fade into insignificance. If or until it does it holds the single greatest potential for evangelism thorough the media since the advent of television.

It has been said that if a college professor could knock down the faith of a person in their freshman year, it wasn't much faith to begin with. What is being thrown against Christianity on the internet today makes the anti-Christian ranting of secular college professors look tame. If you are going to march into that lions den there are some important preparations that should be made first.

Although it may sound a little too rudimentary the same rules applied to one on one witnessing in real time applies to internet sharing. First know your bible. If you are new to the faith then at the very least keep a topical bible and a good exhaustive concordance around to supplement what you don't know too well. Looking up pertinent passages will only sharpen your bible skills in other areas of the Christian life.

Secondly, stay prayed up. If you enter the blogs with a carnal attitude you will be knocked off your guard quickly. Even worse you may resort to answering in "the flesh." This will be sensed immediately by blog respondents and will do harm to your witness. Ask God to always let your replies be given in love and don't forget common decency and respect for others at all times. Remember there is no offense in love and there is no defense against it.

Thirdly, learn to depend on God's Holy Spirit first and your wit, knowledge and all else last. Ask God to be in you choice of answers and he will be. I could say it no better than this..." take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Mt 10: 19-20

Fourthly, stay focused. If you are easily offended or if you need to answer every little quip or reply that is made you will get entangled at the speed of bloggercrash and you may not recover. The gospel stands by itself. Jesus Christ died for sinners and rose from the dead and is willing to take anyone into his Kingdom with a repentant heart, this is the heart of the gospel. Regardless of what is said all roads must lead to that point if your witness is to have any effect at all.

Remember if your going to blog that all blogs are not created equal. Christian blogs are where believers can find some fellowship with like minds and perhaps learn valuable things to supplement their faith. Other blogs are like war zones and can get out of hand quickly. If for instance you decide to attend to political sites keep in mind that some people think God and politics don't mix. They may believe that partisan politics holds all the answers quite apart from God's word or his commandments. These sites are not for the novice or the squeamish. Choose your blogs carefully.

There is a point when saying nothing says the most. Some sites are always lavished with heightened vitriol, abusive and foul language and personal attacks. It is my belief that these sites should be generally avoided. We can't forget Christ's admonition to give our best witness to those who are at least listening and who may respond. To wit; "Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you." Mt 7:6

Never forget that we are not called to defend the gospel but only to proclaim it. Muslims think they need to hurt or kill anyone who speaks a negative word about the prophet Muhammad but Christ doesn't need any defense, he has already overcome the world. (Jn. 16:33)

Another point Christians must keep in mind is that when entering a heated discussion and taking on either an offensive or a defensive position you have left the realm of proclamation and entered into debate. Some debate is useful but endless debate is not productive. The apostle Paul rebuked the Christians at Corinth for engaging in useless debates. (2 Cor. 12:20) Paul also said that endless debating was one of the hallmarks of the unregenerate and disobedient. (Ro. 1:29)

If you have no skill at sharing your faith you may want to get some. Google "Ray Comfort" and take a look at what one of today's top evangelists has to say about sharing the gospel. Some of Ray Comfort's methods may seem unusual but they are among the most effective witnessing tools available in today's climate of Christian bashing, hyper liberalism and pseudo intellectually driven self justification.

The nature of witnessing is changing as the last days approach. When you quote scripture or share your faith you are drawing a line. The unbeliever doesn't fully understand what that line is but they know it is being drawn.

If they ponder what you say or if they already agree with it that is one thing but if rejected it may be interpreted as judgment or a criticism against them. One statement that occurs with great frequency on the blogs is "why do Christians always try to shove their religion down our throats." The most gentle and articulately presented scripture or personal viewpoint can be seen this way. It takes more than language skills to know when and where to say something it takes Holy Spirit powered discernment. Got discernment?

Most blogs are an endless melee of opinions and when someone comes into them quoting scripture the tone changes. You have interjected an absolute that is often interpreted as too authoritarian in nature. In fact, that's just what it is. No one should be ashamed or reticent to quote scripture but it helps if you possess some fundamental skills in diplomacy. Author Cullen Hightower said "Wisdom is what's left when we've run out of personal opinions." We need not worry that Americans will ever run out of opinions. Scripture is not an opinion and it will never run out of wisdom.

Although blogs are not generally the place for full personal testimonies of our conversion experiences you may be able to get some or part of it told under the right conditions. People will argue a point to the death but personal stories are hard to argue with. In fact I might say that Americans are far more open to personal experiences than any other people in the world. How you met or came to know God is your most powerful tool in the end. It all boils down to a saying I have spoken and quoted for over 40 years now. "A man with an experience is never at the mercy of a man with an argument"

Personally I rarely answer the blogs or the remarks made about my articles. My approach is similar to Pontius Pilate's who is noted for saying...What I have written I have written. (Jn. 19:22) The times are calling for a more prophetic message than the previous general calls of evangelists. Perhaps John said it best in the revelation of Jesus Christ given to him while exiled on the isle of Patmos. "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still." (Rev. 2:11)

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Can You Be a Good Christian and Not Know God?

Most Christians that I know sincerely want to please God. They work hard to live a life that they believe God would want them to live. But I think we have missed the mark of what really pleases God. I want to examine this scripture in Philippians where the apostle Paul sets us straight.

Although I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If anyone else has a mind to put confidence in the flesh, I far more: [5] circumcised the eighth day, of the nation of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the Law, a Pharisee; [6] as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to the righteousness which is in the Law, found blameless. Philip. 3:4-6 (NASB-U)

These words of Paul are what in his time would be a description of a Godly man. These were activities of faith that to his listeners put him far above the average religious man.

Let's translate this into our culture. I often hear statements such as, "that guy is a really good Christian." Or, "I am not really a very good Christian." What do people mean when they say this? What is meant by "good Christian"? They may not be consciously aware of it but I believe they are really referring to what I call the "big five" of Christianity.

They are Prayer, Bible study, Church attendance, Giving and Witnessing. We believe that the person who does these things well is a "good Christian." You are a better or lesser Christian depending on how you measure up to this check list. Usually when we feel like we aren't "right" with God it is because we do not score well on the "big five" list. But listen to what Paul goes on to say in this letter to the Philippians.

But whatever things (he just listed those "things" as religious activities) were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. [8] More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, [9] and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, Philip. 3:7-9 (NASB-U)

Paul seems to be saying that there is a difference between religious activities, or in our case, Christian activities and really knowing Jesus. He does not mean just knowing about God but a deep intimate relationship. The "big five" will naturally come out of knowing God but they do not necessarily lead us to that knowledge. They are tools that only have value in as much as they are used for the right purpose.

Suppose I had a goal in life to build the greatest house ever built. To achieve that goal I go to school and study every aspect of building from design to construction. Then I go and work as an apprentice to a master builder and learn the "tricks of the trade" that you can't learn in school. Then I go and buy the best tools for building that money can buy. There I stand decked out with all the fancy tools and all the knowledge and skills to use them. But what good is any of that if I never build the house. There is no glory and value in the tools or knowledge in and of themselves. You see, I know many people who do the "big five" really well but do not really know God. But I don't know anyone who truly knows God that does not do the "big five."

Why do so many miss this value that the most important thing in life is to truly know God in an intimate way? Why is it easier to get caught up in activity than to "Cease striving and know that I am God?" (Psalms 46:10) Part of the answer lies in understanding how Satan operates in our lives.

We know that Satan is responsible for a lot of pain in the world but I do not think we understand why. In reality, Satan doesn't really care about you, one way or the other. He doesn't care if you go to church or live a good or bad life. You mean nothing to him. Satan is consumed by his hatred of God and his belief that he should rightfully be God. His constant desire is not to hurt you but to hurt God. Since God's greatest desire is to have intimate fellowship with you then the best way Satan can hurt God is to prevent that from happening. How does he do that?

Every time you move toward intimacy with God Satan will bring pain into your life. The natural human response to pain is to pull away. In Luke 14:25-35 Jesus tells his followers that they need to count the cost of following Him. He gives an illustration of a King who goes to war with ten thousand men against an army of twenty thousand. In the middle of the battle he has to send a delegation to ask the terms of peace. Many of you unknowingly have struck a deal with Satan for peace. Here are his terms. "I don't care if you go to church or in fact do any of the "big five" as long as you stay away from intimacy with God. If you stay clear of God then I won't bother you." And that is where many live, busy with Christian activity but never really knowing God intimately.

Let's go back to Paul again. He felt so strongly about the difference between the Christian activity and in fact every good thing in his life that he said,

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, (Philippians 3:8 NASB)

The word translated here as rubbish is actually the slang word for excrement or manure. That is how strongly he felt about it. What seemed to cost him everything actually gained him the best thing. But he also understood that this choice would involve pain.

That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; Philip. 3:10 (NASB-U)

Everyone would love to know the "power of His resurrection" the power that raised Jesus from the dead, but are we willing to pay the price of the "fellowship of His sufferings?" My friend, you will not know one without the other. But I promise you that when you experience this kind of relationship with the creator of the universe everything else in your life will pale in comparison. This is God's design for your life. This is what will please Him.

I believe that God created and designed the universe to work in a certain way. When you live life according to that design it works, if you do not then life doesn't work. Even if you do not believe in God this design is observable and verifiable. Learning that design is the best way to experience contentment in life.

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