I'm a Christian.......
This is a subject that today’s society has not grasped correctly, they are Sunday Christians and that’s it. This has been heavy on my heart for some time now. There is a GREAT difference from a Godly Christian and the way the world views what a Christian is. Christianity isn’t about going to Church on Sunday and living in sin the other 6 days of the week, Christianity is something we live 24/7. We are to live as Christ lived. We are going to look at some scripture pertaining to this subject because so many people assume they are Christians, and they’re not. You cannot profess to be a believer and live as the world lives. So many so called Christians use the Lord’s name in vain, they curse, drink excessively, they live in sin every day with no repentance and no convictions of any kind. They continue to live as the world lives, and never question themselves as to why they’re still living the same way. When they’ve professed to be a follower of our Lord and Savior.
You MUST have a repentant heart-here is the definition of repentance- Repentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts, it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to religious law. It typically includes an admission of guilt, a promise or resolve not to repeat the offense; an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.
Here is a definition of conviction - Conviction refers to the state of being convinced and confident that something is true; it means a strong persuasion or belief. In other words, conviction stands opposed to doubt and skepticism. When we think of a man of conviction, we also think in terms of action and direction. We think of a person whose convictions have a definite impact on how he lives, on what he does, says, and where he goes. By a man of biblical convictions, we mean a man whose convictions are derived from Scripture and whose convictions affect him scripturally.
Biblical conviction is really the product of three things that characterize the ideal Christian leader or the person of maturity: (a) a commitment to Scripture as one’s authority, (b) the construction of specific beliefs and convictions based on that authority, and (c) the courage to act on those convictions in faith.
Now with this being said how we are as Christians to live in this world. The Bible is very clear on this subject; here is what Paul wrote to the Ephesians. Ephesians 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12 say: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1Timothy 4:15-16 - Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Matthew 18:15-17 - 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
These are just a few scriptures regarding how we should live as a Christian in this world. We are not to just be Sunday Christians, but 24 hour Christians seven days a week. Let’s get our hearts right with the Lord in 2012 and be holy as God is holy. Strive to read our Bibles every day, pray every day and live the our Lord wants us as Christians to live.
This is a subject that today’s society has not grasped correctly, they are Sunday Christians and that’s it. This has been heavy on my heart for some time now. There is a GREAT difference from a Godly Christian and the way the world views what a Christian is. Christianity isn’t about going to Church on Sunday and living in sin the other 6 days of the week, Christianity is something we live 24/7. We are to live as Christ lived. We are going to look at some scripture pertaining to this subject because so many people assume they are Christians, and they’re not. You cannot profess to be a believer and live as the world lives. So many so called Christians use the Lord’s name in vain, they curse, drink excessively, they live in sin every day with no repentance and no convictions of any kind. They continue to live as the world lives, and never question themselves as to why they’re still living the same way. When they’ve professed to be a follower of our Lord and Savior.
You MUST have a repentant heart-here is the definition of repentance- Repentance is a change of thought to correct a wrong and gain forgiveness from a person who is wronged. In religious contexts, it usually refers to confession to God, ceasing sin against God, and resolving to live according to religious law. It typically includes an admission of guilt, a promise or resolve not to repeat the offense; an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible.
Here is a definition of conviction - Conviction refers to the state of being convinced and confident that something is true; it means a strong persuasion or belief. In other words, conviction stands opposed to doubt and skepticism. When we think of a man of conviction, we also think in terms of action and direction. We think of a person whose convictions have a definite impact on how he lives, on what he does, says, and where he goes. By a man of biblical convictions, we mean a man whose convictions are derived from Scripture and whose convictions affect him scripturally.
Biblical conviction is really the product of three things that characterize the ideal Christian leader or the person of maturity: (a) a commitment to Scripture as one’s authority, (b) the construction of specific beliefs and convictions based on that authority, and (c) the courage to act on those convictions in faith.
Now with this being said how we are as Christians to live in this world. The Bible is very clear on this subject; here is what Paul wrote to the Ephesians. Ephesians 5 1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore do not be partners with them. 8 for you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) 10 and find out what pleases the Lord. 11 Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. 12 It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. 13 But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 14 This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” 15 Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 12 say: 1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
1Timothy 4:15-16 - Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Matthew 18:15-17 - 15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
These are just a few scriptures regarding how we should live as a Christian in this world. We are not to just be Sunday Christians, but 24 hour Christians seven days a week. Let’s get our hearts right with the Lord in 2012 and be holy as God is holy. Strive to read our Bibles every day, pray every day and live the our Lord wants us as Christians to live.