Am I a Christian

FaithWalkDaily September 17, 2008

36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41 "I do not accept praise from men, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
45 "But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?"
~ John 5:36-47 NIV

These words of Jesus are very convicting and key to our destination. The Jews who persecuted Christ and sent Him to His death on the cross, were devout holy men. They knew the Scriptures. They had read the prophesies of the messiah and yet were blind to His very presence.

I was reading through the blog of a self-proclaimed "Christian" woman who is literally journaling her personal life online. Not that there's anything wrong with that if you don't mind the voyeurs of the world peering into the windows of your soul. And if you're going to put yourself in that position, I would only hope that while you're sharing your sinful nature, you would so do along with the solution and how you're living it (which she did not.)

After I read the first entry in the blog with my judgmental glasses on ;-)\ (though I repent and ask God to give me wisdom to help, rather than condemn) I read her profile and was shocked to find she was willing to share things about herself that are no one's business but her and her husband! Do we really care what kind of underwear she wears? And what kind of idiotic blog host gives users options for sharing such intimate information? Only one that's of the world, of course. Personally, I'd have left some of those details blank.

As I read this woman's profile, I could relate. I was a worldly Catholic for many years. I had no problem telling (or showing) anyone what kind of underwear I wore, or flaunting my great legs. I didn't realize I wasn't a Christian until I came face to face with Christ and became a born again Christian. I was immediately transformed. On the Saturday before I would probably have flirtingly told you the style, color and size of my panties but the following Monday I'd have blushed and exited quickly. The transformation with Christ in my heart was that drastic.

Am I a Christian? Without a shadow of a doubt. Are you?

How can you know?

Jesus said (John 14:6) He's the only way to God. Not some way. Not a way. Not one of many ways. The way. Do you believe that?

If you believe Jesus is the only way to heaven, do you believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God? Since Jesus is the fulfillment of Scripture (OT prophesy) and the prophesy of things to come (NT,) if you believe in Jesus, you must believe the Bible.

If you follow any other book or any other man, you are being led down a path to destruction. A true Christian follows Jesus alone, Trusting the Holy Spirit using the Bible as a guide.

Joseph Smith was a liar and a false prophet (Matt. 7:15, Deut. 18:21,22.) The Pope has abused the power of his position. Charles Taze Russell perverted the gospel among other blasphemous acts. There are far too many "Christian" leaders who, consciously or unconsciously have twisted the gospel to the joy of Satan and company.

Let's be safe. Stick with the basics. Read the Bible. Store God's word in your heart. Be prepared to give an account for the hope we have in Jesus so that others might come to the table of grace in His kingdom. Follow no man. Fellowship with other believers who have solid Biblical doctrine and understanding. Follow Jesus. Trust the Holy Spirit. Know that God is God and He will have His way. I'd rather be in His camp when the storm comes than out there floundering around wondering if I've got it right, blown away on the winds of the world.

Lord Jesus, open the eyes of our hearts, show us clearly who You are, give us wisdom and discernment in all things regarding faith. Guide us in paths of righteousness for your name's sake. Protect us from liars and false prophets, and beguiling worldy ways. Light the way Jesus, we want to follow You. Holy Spirit embolden us for the journey. Save us a place at your table Lord Jehovah - we look forward to that great feast! In the holy name of Jesus we pray, amen.