A Christian? *some of the scriptures I copied and pasted, cause I couldn’t remember them word for word…Hummm. Ok, Here goes.
I do consider myself to be a Christian, and most of you out there know it. Invitations to church, telling anyone about our Lord, is only my obedience to our God. Jesus said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation -Mark 16:15
ACTIONS?
Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves . Do you not yourselves realize and know [thoroughly by an ever-increasing experience] that Jesus Christ is in you--unless you are [counterfeits] disapproved on trial and rejected?-2 Corinthians 13:5 In other words, we are not perfect, however, if you walk in the spirit you will do spirit like things. Your actions show your true person!
MY DEFINITION OF A CHRISTIAN
I believe the following:
Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, and what He teaches
Have qualities or a spirit like Jesus
Living according to the teachings of Jesus
Committed to God, attends church, does Bible reading, shares belief and faith
Focuses on their personal relationship with God and Christ
I definitely believe, being of God’s Kingdom and/or a Christian deals with the matters of our heart, and our inmost self.
Proverbs 23:26 My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways
Matthew 7:22 ,23 Many will say to me on that day, `Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, `I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'
Matthew 25, 10-12 "But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. "Later the others also came. `Sir! Sir!' they said. `Open the door for us!' "But he replied, `I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
MY PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
Without taking away from anything above, first and foremost a personal relationship with Jesus Christ has to exist! The explanation of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ requires spiritual understanding that can only come by the presence of the Spirit of Christ within the spirit of a receptive person. A receptive person means ready or willing! RECEPTIVE! I Cor. 2:8-16
The Apostle Paul explained that "the natural man cannot understand spiritual things" I Cor. 2:14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
WHAT ABOUT CHURCH? WHO CARES?
First of all, I don’t think any of you, my friends or family have ever heard me say you MUST go to church to be a Christian? Have you? I believe every person in Christ are at different levels in their walk, and this is simply my perception.
To me, where I am in my faith, if I didn’t go to church, I do not feel my spiritual strength would be strengthened? So then, a scripture that jumps right out, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God, Rom 10:17, which I have quoted many times to my friends and family!
Secondly, I especially go to have an encounter or a visitation with the Lord’s presence. In a church atmosphere the Holy Spirit will often tend to manifest spiritual gifts that minister to the body of Christ. In other words, GOD SHOWS UP! “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matt. 18:20) And I personally, have experienced the touch of God many times, and most times were in a church setting!
I go to to church to express my love for God and Jesus, with other believers and to publicly bear witness of my faith and trust, something that most do not know, is required of all Christians (Matt. 10:32-33) -- church or a church like setting is where we can bring the Lord offerings of praise, thanks, and honor, which are pleasing to God!
I also go to show my obedience to God! “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins,” (Heb. 10:24-26).
I go for spiritual prayer - The Bible indicates that agreement in prayer with other believers has special favor with God. “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven” (Matt. 18:19)
And going honors the Lords day! “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Ex. 20:8).
Ok, for me personally, there is no substitute for not attending church, besides to me, it is something that pleases God, and again, it is most necessary for spiritual well-being. But don’t get me wrong, people who can’t go to church, the elderly (and others, shut-ins) the ministries on the radio or TV might be the only kind of fellowship or spiritual nourishment that they get and I believe God understands the circumstances of these people, and recognizes the sincerity of their hearts. However, it is a different matter for those ‘Christians’ who proclaim to be God’s child, who could attend church but are too lazy, or put other things such as entertainment and amusements before God, or who harbor bitterness or indifference toward other believers. I’m not perfect, but my goal in life is to make it to Heaven, and if these make me stronger, so be it.
I hope this clears up a little about me, and who I am in my walk with Jesus! I’m really not CRAZY! ;)
Love,
Michelle
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