Often times we don't follow the Bible or "trust" in God yet we consider ourselves Christian. Being a Christian is not about being perfect but about trusting in Jesus Christ. For example a true Christian would have a relationship with the Lord. You can't trust someone you don't know anything about. People say "I am Christian, I go to church every week", but who cares. I haven't been able to go to church literally and I am closer to God than ever. God knows what we're capable of and what's really in our hearts. If we aren't trying or we are just saying we're Christians just in case there is a Heaven, God is going to know. Some Christians even believe that we can do what ever we want but it SPECIFICALLY says in Galatians chapter 5 that people who do those things WON'T get into Heaven. So if your pastor preaches that have him read the Bible again. So, say you have an addiction. This is where your faith comes into place - if you never had a relationship with him then here is an opportune time for Him to prove himself to you. Do what he says, be real with him, and give him a chance. A Christian can very well be defined by a person who is FAITHFUL and trusting toward Jesus, yet so many people who call themselves Christian do not believe in Him the way they should. If you don't really believe in Him then ask yourself "Why do I even call myself a Christian".
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That is soo true. Poepl always get wrapped up in the religious aspects and the traditions, but at the end of the day I belive (and the bible says) the true meaning of a christian is a person thta belives that christ is the sone of god, who dies for the sin of all man and belives in that and puts their trust and faith in him.
I totally agree. One conversation that I often have with people is about this "once-saved, always saved" belief. A lot of people do believe that after they are baptized, nothing they can do will keep them away from Heaven. As if God just already put his stamp on him.
At the same time, I have issues with a lot of Christians (including myself) picking and choosing what parts of the bible they want to follow. For instance, the majority of Christians only follow nine of the ten commandments. the fourth is often forgotten. (Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.) God, in many places of the bible, stresses the importance of the sabbath, but it has been completely spat on by so many.
I do think that a relationship with God calls for growth. But normally, if someone approaches a fellow Christian and tells them that part of their belief is wrong, they dont want to accept it. We are all find comfort in what we believe. But a lot of people will only go with it if it fits into their schedule or life. Its really hard to be a devout Christian because it calls for you to step out of your comfort zone. Most of us are not ready to do that.
It's not comvenient to be a Christian you HAVE to trust God and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. As soon as you do trust Him you will realize you have reason to and your faith will grow along with your happiness. I wish more Christians and non Christians knew this. oh and jawoniyi do you sing? I love to sing.
Portia Carmelle
http://www.progressiveu.org/184554-do-you-call-yourself-a-christian
Many people take at face value what other people tell them to believe. But as you stated above you have to read the bible and decided for yourself what you believe. My youth minister once said that there is the dark and the light and the gray area inbetween. God would rather you be in the LIGHT or in the Dark INSTEAD of INBETWEEN.
HE is the way, the truth, and the life.
Katie
Good point. Whenever I ask most Christians if they have read the bible, most will say no. I'm atheist, and I've read it 3 times, 4 if you count jumping around. I can disprove about any common mumbo-jumbo argument that someone has heard from their preacher, and it's not even my faith. It is so important to come up with your own ideas rather than just listen to what you're spoon-fed.
I love abortion. Read more here:
http://progressiveu.org/044921-i-love-abortion-even-if-it-murder
There is always a constant spiritual battle so if you aren't getting better your getting worse. If your not getting stronger your getting weaker... in between... only in the mili second (if at any time) between the temptation and your reaction.... If that is one but I don't believe so.
Portia Carmelle
http://www.progressiveu.org/184554-do-you-call-yourself-a-christian
There are millions of false Christians upon this earth and yet they criticize true followers of Jesus Christ. how trouble for those that do this for they do the work of evil and are followers of the devil who is Lucifer there Father who is the Father of all lies .Amen
Claiming yourself as a "true Christian" and saying that others are not is ridiculously blasphemous.
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If You Swear That There's No Truth And Who Cares, How Come You Say It Like You're Right? [Bright Eyes]
http://progressiveu.org/143541-how-to-survive-the-2008-elections
A very wise man once told me that here is the key to anychurch: Unify in the essentials, and diversify in the nonessensials. What are the essensials: Here it is you have to be Christian. But what is christian? Christian is simply this: If you confess with your mouth Jesus is lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead you will be saved. Romans 10:9-10 This basically means that you need to freely state that you are infact a follower of christ, however saying is not enough, you must also believe in your heart, which means you need to let God live through you and let his love shine through you into other people's lives. Do more than lip service, you know. Then the nonessentials are this: You need to work out your own faith, The bible says this. you need to study the bible, and believe all of it, but you need to know what you believe about it and apply it to your life so that you know how to defend your self, your beliefs, and your God when the time comes.