“Christian” vs. “Spiritual”

Oprah made the term ‘spiritual’ very popular—think about it.  However, on the last day of her show she seemed to fully claim Christianity.  What does it mean to say that we are a Christian?  Many people call themselves ‘Christian’ but if asked to define what they believe, they would be hard pressed to explain just what a Christian believes.

These are the non-negotiables, and the Scriptural support for them:  Essentials of the Christian Faith

1.  In the beginning, God. . . God always was—because he is eternal.  He was not created.       Revelation 4.11; Genesis 1.1; Genesis 1.26

2.  Sin changed everything.  Mankind was separated from God by our sin.  Because God loved us, the crown of his creation, he gave us free will--free will to choose to love him. . . to choose evil, (rebellion). . . or good (obedience).  Romans 5.12 - One man-Adam, one woman-Eve: given everything to enjoy in the Garden of Eden, with the exception of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil--of that, they were forbidden.  From the beginning, God required obedience of his children.

3.  Grace ~ God's way of redemption.  We were separated, but pursued by our loving God.  He provided a way of escape for punishment of our sin.  Ephesians 2.8 – For by grace are you saved by faith.  It is the gift of God . . . as with all gifts, we must take hold of grace to experience it.

4.  God's instrument of grace was Jesus Christ, God Incarnate.   Jesus was born of a virgin.  He was fully human, fully divine.  This was prophesied by the prophet Isaiah--chapter 7, verse 14.  The birth of Jesus was announced to Joseph by the angel, Matthew 1.21; Matthew 3.17

5.  Eternal life was made possible for us because of Jesus' death on the cross.  Jesus' suffering was foretold by the prophet Isaiah. . .  53.1-6; Philippians 2.8; John 3.16; Acts 2.23-24 

6.  Jesus Christ was victorious over death; he rose from the grave!  All of Christianity hangs on the Resurrection . . . Check the historians of the day--not just the writers of Scripture.  The Resurrection was a recognized miraculous occurrence.  We serve a risen Savior.  Hallelujah!  1 Corinthians 15.3-4

7.  After the resurrection, Jesus appeared to the disciples and others.  Jesus assured his loved ones that he did what he told them he would do.  1 Corinthians 15.5-6; John 16:6; Acts 1.3

8.  Jesus Christ ascended into Heaven to return to the right hand of the Father.  He stayed with them 40 more days, and then assumed his rightful place in glory.  Acts 1.9-11.  What a glorious homecoming it must have been!  Can you just picture God the Father welcoming home his beloved Son?

9.  Christ will come again--watch for him in the clouds.  This is not the end of the story . . . one day, Christ is coming back for his bride, the church.  1Thessalonians 4.16-17

10.  The God-head is triune.  You will not find the word "trinity" in the Bible, however, it is a description of biblical reality.  I have grown to love the three-in-one, aware of the way each seems to minister to me at different times--aware of the plan of God-the-Creator for me in the vastness of time, space and history; aware of the redeeming, personal work of God-the-Son, both in his ministry on earth and in Heaven; and the comforting, quickening, wooing, convicting, inspiring, sweet Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weakness.  Romans 8.26,27

11. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God.  Scripture is purposed to inform, instruct, inspire, correct us, and lead us to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  It is the Word of God.  How did we get it?  2 Peter 1.20-21.  What's it for?  2 Timothy 3.16-17

12. We are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ.  And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’ Matthew 28.18-20

      Disciples = sold-out followers of Jesus.  

      Disciples study God's Word, go to him in prayer, obey, follow Christ in baptism, partake of the Lord's Supper, and share the good news of the Gospel.  Study . . . talk to Your Father. . . grow.  

Always "be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope you have..."   1 Peter 3.15   'Call yourself a Christian?  Hopefully, now you can say what it means to be a Christian, my friends.

Christine

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