- Jul 25, 2005
- 10,499
- 7,067
- 62
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Charismatic
- Marital Status
- Married
- Politics
- US-Others
Upvote
0
Why Do You Call Yourself A Christian?
- Thread starter nb408
- Start date
JesusYeshuaisLord
Active Member
- Jun 7, 2018
- 153
- 79
- 36
- Country
- New Zealand
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- In Relationship
What are you trying to find out? Are you wondering if you are a Christian? Are you trying to compare yourself to someone's standard? What is being a Christian for you? Are you a Christian because you grew up in a Christian family or because Jesus saved you? Am just trying to figure out more of your point of view especially because it's probably not helpful to give a list of things Christian should be as it could pertain to works and not grace...
Upvote
0
There are quite a few Christians mystics who have been canonized as saints who would probably dispute that point.
However, I also think that the idea has been cheapened by many modern Christians who talk like God is their best buddy who intervenes in every last thing that happens in the course of the day (all of which they say is having a personal relationship with Him).
Yes, there are professing Christians who just try to follow teachings by the Lord Jesus and really see Him as a "buddy", yet do not know Him "...whom to know is life eternal". Faith in Jesus, the Christ is about holiness and a personal relationship with Him as Savior as His Father ordained, and lord of one's life ---which is what the Father expects; and not academic with rituals, ceremonies, religious works, etc. He is indeed my best Friend in my sojourn here, and I look forward to that day soon when I will be with Him face to face forever.
Upvote
0
It sounds like you began on the good way, but did not choose to surrender your self to the Lord??? Salvation and the new birth by the Holy Spirit comes only from RECEIVING the Savior as lord of one's life, not just a religious ideal and practice. One needs to make the Lord Jesus your own lord and even best Friend ---walking and talking with Him daily (note 1 Jn. 5:10-12 and John 14). I will pray for you.
Upvote
0
aiki
Regular Member
You know, the Bible tells us what we can expect in our experience of God. I've asked long-time believers what they mean by a "relationship with Jesus" and they usually say stuff like, "Read your Bible. Pray. Go to church." Is this the sum total of what it means to experience God? Absolutely not! Here's some of what the Bible says is supposed to be the common experience of every born-again believer:
1.) Conviction of sin. (John 16:8) This is more than a mere guilty conscience. Any non-believer can feel guilt and shame about something they've done. Conviction by the Spirit is knowing one's sin has offended God and impaired one's fellowship with Him. When the Spirit convicts us of sin it propels us toward God in confession and repentance, not away from Him.
2.) The Spirit illuminates our minds and hearts to divine truth. (Luke 12:12; John 14:26; John 16:13)
3.) God comforts and helps His children. (John 14:16)
4.) God enables us to obey His commands. (Acts of the Apostles 4:7, 8; Romans 8:13; Romans 15:13, 19; Philippians 2:13)
5.) God produces in His children the Fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-23)
6.) God's Spirit bears witness with our spirit the we are the children of God. (Romans 8:16)
The Bible does not say speaking in tongues, healings, being slain in the Spirit, or prophecies are to be common experiences of every believer. Beware of those who tell you otherwise!
Upvote
0
Similar threads
