True Christianity

 

    There is Christianity that is a title for a person that believes that there is a God or grew up in a Christian home, but God has no impact on their life.  Then there is true Christianity where the person believes in Jesus' death and resurrection.  These people do their best to follow Jesus the way that is pleasing to God.  They are all human which means they are full of flaws, but they are changed with an inner peace and wisdom.

    I guess the best way to look at it is to make the 12 apostles real people and not just characters of the Gospel.  Judas followed Jesus.  He was friends with Jesus and the other apostles, but he had a piece of evil in his heart that he was not willing to let go: greed and pride.  He knew Jesus, but that evil grew and caused him to betray his friend.  He was a good person by the world's standards.  He was likeable.  He had good qualities, but it was the evil in his heart that damned him.

    On the other hand, the other 11 apostles were good, but flawed, people. They made many mistakes in their walk in faith, but they did everything they could to do better.  They all (but 1) eventually became martyrs for their relationship with Jesus.  They were willing to give up anything and everything for their relationship with Jesus.  That is the difference between a Christian and a true Christian.

    Everyone has sinned.  We all have evil in our hearts.  We all need to repent which means feel grief over our sin and turn away from it.  There is no one more special than anyone else.  We are all the same in this way.  

    If you are not displaying spiritual gifts, then there is a good chance that you are not a true Christian.  I am not judging.  Hopefully the world is not judging, but God is.  There are times when a true Christian needs to take time to work on something.  Their growth or fruit may go dormant for a while, but when it comes back it comes back strong.

    If a person is claiming the title of Christian, but there are no signs that they are a Christian over an extended time there is a good chance that they are not a true Christian.  Fact:  Unless you know what God's standards are, you can't repent of your sins.  That means you should not be calling yourself a Christian.  If you are a baby Christian, then take the time to learn and grow, so that you become strong.  It doesn't happen over night.

    Praise God for all that He does in your life.  Don't let other people's judgments deter you.  You have a path that He set for you.  Take it boldly.  Don't apologize to the people that don't understand.  They are critical because they don't understand.  Only a Child of God can enter Heaven.  That means only true Christians get to enter Heaven.  Isn't it better to focus on that relationship rather than what the haters have to say?

    The fact is if you are not willing to have a relationship with Jesus in life, then in death Jesus will tell God that he does not know you and you will be cast into hell with all the demons and Satan.  It really is that simple.  The truth is hard to hear sometimes, but like Judas if you have evil in your heart and are unwilling to rid yourself of it, then you are considered evil.  That makes you an enemy of God.  That means that you will not enter Heaven.  The good news is that you can change that immediately.  Don't live eternity in regret and separation from God.

    Humble your heart to see all the good in the world.  A humble heart can really experience love.  It is rewarded in so many little ways.  They will be gathered by Jesus on the appointed day and there is no questioning that fact.  The humble with live eternally with Jesus in Heaven.  The pain they experience here can't stop the healing, peace, or love that they will have in Heaven.  Spiritual warfare is a real thing that should not be ignored.

    It is a blessing to have a relationship with Jesus.  It is based on faith and faith has power.  Faith can remove demons and evil suffering from your life.  Faith can heal wounds or conditions that people cannot even figure out.   He will restore you.   completely in Heaven, but he can restore you while you live your life now.  The decision is yours to live by faith or not.  The effort you put forth to have a relationship with Jesus is on you.  He is waiting.  He has always been waiting.

Luke 13