A Christian

 

What is a Christian?  - Bible answers

Three perspectives:

1       Sheep in the fold of Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd

2      Sinners forgiven by God as taught to the people at Rome

3      Children in the family of God as presented by the Apostle John

Please read the Bible section – John chapter 10 (Bibles available free on request)

Jesus was identifying the true compared to the false using the metaphor of sheep being cared for by the shepherd.

 

Verse 9 – “ I am the gate (door). Those who come in through Me , will be saved.” 

Becoming a Christian is a deliberate choice to enter the care of the Good Shepherd (Jesus Christ the Lord). He saves from sin and destruction. He feeds His own with spiritual food. He gives life in fulness now and for eternity.

 

Verse 11 “ I am the Good Shepherd, the Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”

All of us are like sheep that have wandered off into our own ways and the wages of our sin is death. But Jesus died for our sins. He died our death for us. Now that He is alive again, genuine Christians belong to Him. (not independent of Him)

 

Verse 27  “My sheep hear my voice and they follow me”

A true Christian will accept and trust the words of Jesus. And like sheep in His flock, will follow Him wherever He may lead (see Psalm 23) . 

It is rather thrilling to see people, young and old, searching the Bible for the words of the Lord Jesus, and then willing to go His way, obey His words and walk in His steps.

 

Verse 28  “ I give them eternal life and they will never perish.”

The genuine Christian can rest upon the promises of the Good Shepherd. By His death and resurrection, the gift of eternal life in heaven is sure, and the Father’s love and power will keep us from every enemy.

 

A true Christian is not about heritage, personal goodness, religion ceremony or emotional experience. It is about trusting (believing, faith) in the Very special person – Jesus Christ our LORD – the Good Shepherd who invites us all to enter in and be one of His sheep.

 

The Apostle Peter summarised the same truth in his letter –

 1 Peter:

2/25  ‘Now you have returned to your Shepherd’

1/18  ‘Redeemed .. by the blood of Christ….Born again ‘

2/3    ‘craving pure, spiritual milk’

2/21   ‘ follow in HIS steps’

1/4    ‘.. priceless inheritance kept in heaven for you’

 

I do hope that all my readers can say meaningfully :

 

        “The LORD is my Shepherd”

Taking our place as dependant sheep, takes away our fears and gives us sure hope for time and eternity. Then we can truly sing and praise the great Shepherd in heaven – for HE is worthy.

johnmckee@internode.on.net

Ps 23

https://vimeo.com/198514381?fe=sh&fl=pl&ref=fb-share&fbclid=IwY2xjawRRPXtleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe4qiVPrXvexjgPlTqYuQoS2X3uJUEAJIHeAcHHZL7dy8xvpr9f9j1qaDdlZo_aem_KbGKr96sI5zlFVWGmsWlvg

Church

 

The problem of church:

Quote from Amir T.

‘I believe that many, many people who call themselves Christians are a bit confused about what Christianity is all about. They think that just because they go to church, they are Christians. Well try standing in a car park and see if you turn into a car.’

 

A serious question “What makes one a Christian.” The consequences are eternal!

The end

 

The final invitation of the Bible:

“The Spirit and the Bride say ‘Come’.

Let each one who hears say ‘Come’

Let the thirsty ones ‘Come’ and drink the water of life freely.” (Revelation 22)

 

What a beautiful ending to the Bible.

All has been done by God and the Lamb to open wide the door of mercy and grace (undeserved favour).

 The Holy Spirit testifies as to who Jesus is :- the LAMB of God.

The Bride testifies as to what the LAMB has done :- cleansed us from our sins by His own blood.

And the invitation stands from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself:-

 “Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door , I will come in! “ (Revelation 3)

Religion/ culture

 

I have been interacting for some years with many religions and cultures.

My conclusion:

Most religions are characterised by manipulation of the human desire to worship a higher power. The minds and lives of multitudes are oppressed beyond sensible reasoning. Sadly , both the oppressor and the oppressed end up in the ditch.

            Culture is largely the product of religion. The food eaten, the clothes worn, the expressions of happiness or grief, the celebrations, the political governance etc are intertwined with the adopted or imposed belief system.

            Most people of the world have no choice but to conform. Those who have promoted freedom of choice are losing it, as the other religions and cultures use that opportunity to impose their oppression on the free!

Where is the answer to the problem?

It is helpful to review history,

      to evaluate present reality,

         and genuinely seek verifiable truth.

 

Nature points to one very powerful, intelligent creator GOD.

   The Christian Bible insists on the same.

 

History points to this same God revealing Himself to humanity.

    Much of this is recorded in the historical documents of the Bible.

 

Humanity has never been the same since Jesus Christ was born.

       The records of Bible witnesses reveal a very special man who announced freedom from oppression and the way to reconnect with the LORD God.  Many have over the centuries believed in Him. Multitudes have rejected Him or the millions who have never heard the truth about Him.

 

Since then religious oppression has intensified in many forms, usually with an emphasis that diminishes the significance of who Jesus was and is (Son of God), and what He achieved by His death and resurrection.(complete salvation )

    The light breaking through at the reformation brought light, liberty, life and love to many. The changes to society then flowed from an available, open Holy Bible.

 

So where are we today?

We are assailed by those asserting the Bible is corrupted, those who deny it historical accuracy, those who reject its moral values, those who deny others access to the Bible and Christians who regard it as out of date or too hard to understand. It is evident there is a sinister spirit seeking to crush the knowledge of Christ.

It remains the most hated book, yet the most sought after book in the world.!

 

So are all religions equal? -  NO, not at all

Is all culture harmless?   -  NO not all

 

Can we know truth ?  -  YES

Is the Holy Bible trustworthy ?  - YES

 

If you don’t have a Bible – send me a message. I have spares to give away.

If you have never read the Bible, begin today. Connect the history of Genesis with the presentation of the Lord Jesus Christ in the New Testament. You will be blessed. Light will shine, truth will set you free, love will call you to a higher plane and new life will connect you with the LORD God forever!

-         But beware, Jesus promised his followers there would be persecution.

Bible

 My Bible

Precious Holy Bible, treasure rich and rare

Word of God eternal, balm for every care

God's full revelation, of the sin of man

and of Christ's redemption, and salvation's plan

copied out by myself about sixty years ago and still meaningfull today!

Wisdom