NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
What is meant, by the Christian Faith?” What is meant by "Believing" and / or, being, "Saved?"
The Christian Scriptures itself, defines for us the Christian Faith. [1 Corinthians 15]
The Christian Faith is not about an introspective hope or some idealistic optimism, but it is a firmly held belief [by intellect and life practice – Acts 8:26-40 ; Matthew 7:13-29] about a special person prophesied [in history] hundreds of years before His birth, life, suffering, death, burial and resurrection. [Following, are a couple of divine prophetic Scriptures to illustrate -- Psalm 22 ; Isaiah 53].
The Christian Faith is not about being perfect or attempting to attain a certain measure of human holiness, but it is about Creator God’s gift to humanity. [John 3:14-21 ; Ephesians 2:8-9]
So, what does, [being] “Saved,” mean?
In short, [being] “Saved,” denotes, being rescued from [sinful] self and from personal sin (s). Creator [Triune] God did not leave His creation without a clue. He provided for us a clear message in His Divine [revelation] book, called the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures – better known, as “The Bible.” [2 Timothy 3:14-17]
“Saved” from sin? Then, what is, “Sin?”
“Sin,” described, in the Bible, is the transgression of the [God’s] law. [1 John 3:4 ; Exodus 20:3-17]
Sin, is the reason our bodies will grow old [baring a sudden accident] and someday [certainly] die. [Genesis 3:1-19 ; Ezekiel 18:20a ; Psalm 90 – esp. Verses 3-10]
Because of sin, there is evil and there are evil people. [Genesis 6:5 ; Psalm 53 ; Ecclesiastes 7:20 ; Romans 3:23]
Sin, results in a corruption of global proportions. [Genesis 3 – esp. Verses, 16-19 ; Romans 8:19-22]
“Sin,” also, separates a sinful human being, from Creator God. [Isaiah 59 – esp. Verse, 2]
Because of the staining traits of sin, there will be no perfection [holiness] in the hereafter, [apart from heaven] for the sinning soul. The only perfection in the hereafter is “Heaven.” Heaven cannot exist with sin – only, holiness. Hence, sin, is the vile “instrument,” that damns a human soul, once a person’s life’s breath is expended from his [her] human body.
The “Antidote” for human sin
The Almighty mercifulness of a [perfect] Holy Creator [Triune] God, cries out for an “Antidote” [rescue] for human sin. [John 3:14-21 ; Romans 5:6-21 ; 1 John 4:9-10]
The divine revelatory Hebrew and Christian Scriptures relate not only about sin; its devastation and eternal damnation consequences [Matthew 25:31-46 – esp. Verses 41 & 46] but also sin’s “Antidote,” (Divine cure). [Isaiah 55:1-7 ; John 3:14-21] And that “Cure,” [rescue plan] is not found in anything global (earthly). Rather it is found in the Divine presence of a promised (Holy Messiah, Jesus Christ. [Genesis 3:15 ; Isaiah 53 ; Hebrews 9:11-15 ; Hebrews 10:1-14]
Note: Part 2 -- "How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place"
Also: The above message & related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message Related Scriptures:
Old Testament [Christian] Scripture:
Psalm 22 – One of the many “Old Testament” Scriptures relating prophetic details about the Messiah Christ hundreds of years before His birth. Please note with the above prohetic Psalm, the specific fulfillment of Christ's suffering and crucifixion recorded in the New Testament Gospels.
Psalm 23 -- The Good Shepherd
Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak? -- Isaiah 53 -- A commentary by [Jewish] Victor Buksbazen
New Testament Christian Scripture:
Gospel of John, Chapter, 10 – Christ, the Good Shepherd
__________________________________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
__________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Nathan Bickel – Bay City, Michigan
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Part 2 – The Christian Faith: How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place (10/19/08)
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
In some Christian circles it is the accepted norm to encourage fellow Christians to give their personal testimonies of the circumstances leading up to their “Conversion.” Also, gratifying to some of these groups is the acceptance of various testimonies being able to relate not only the year of one becoming a Christian, but also the very month and day, down to the particular hour and moment of the “Conversion experience.” The very “Experience” is celebrated so much so, that some Christians have developed a Christian “litmus” test for other Christians. Their contention goes like this: “If you truly are a Christian, then you should know the exact time attending your conversion experience.”
Scripture has no “litmus” test [time frame] for a Christian’s conversion experience:
Certainly there are historical recorded experiences of individual Christians that have come into the Christian Faith. There is no doubt about that, as some Christians have written through diary or journal personal practice the transformation that took them from an unbelieving state into the believing state of being what the Christian Scriptures designate, as being, “Saved.” [Note: Last week’s message dealt with the meaning of the Christian terms: Being “saved,” and, “believing]:”
PART 1 – The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
Scripture, itself, records the immediate transformations of certain individuals who went from an unconverted [unbelieving] to a converted [believing] state. Perhaps, the most famous and familiar is that of the Apostle Paul. [Acts 9:1-22 ; Acts 26:1-19]Other well known examples are the Ethiopian eunuch and the Philippian jailer. [Acts 8:26-39 ; Acts 16:16-34]
The Christian conversion experience is not restricted to a certain time frame:
Although there are many examples of Christians knowing the time period of their personal conversion to the Christian Faith from their unconverted [unsaved / unbelieving] state; and, although there are Scriptural recorded examples – the Scripture itself testifies to the reality that coming into the Christian Faith [being converted / saved] can be an experience that can happen without the new Christian becoming aware of it. Such truth is wonderfully explained by the Lord Christ, Himself in His conversation to a religious leader, Nicodemus, who (for fear of the religious establishment) came to Christ, under the cover of darkness. [John 3:1-21] Following [for purposes of this message] is what Christ stated to Nicodemus:
“…..The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” [John 3:8]
Being “Saved” / “Believing” is totally and completely an act that issues forth from the Triune God, Himself:
The conversion process and act, whereby a person who is not a Christian, becomes, a Christian -- is of Divine origin. The Scriptures make this very clear. [Ephesians 2:1-10 ; John 1:13 ; Galatians 1:15-16] Other Scriptures reveal the same. [1 Kings 18:36-37 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3 ; Galatians 1:6 ; 1 Peter 1:3-25 -- Note: Verse, 3 ; Verses, 18-19 and Verse 23]
Note: Please read the short message: “The often overlooked aspect about the ‘New Birth’” (1/20/08):
Also, further note: The Third Article of the Apostle's Creed -- A Concise Explanation
No one or no well meaning Christian should attempt to second guess another Christian’s conversion experience:
I clearly remember a well meaning Christian family member questioning my elderly mother’s Christian Faith. He asked her: “How do you know that you are saved?” To that Mom responded: “Because I believe God’s promises.” What simplicity of response! And, what better response? Mom’s Christian faith was not based upon her own feeling or upon her own experience, but rested totally upon the merits of her Creator God! [Philippians 2:13] Her faith was based upon the Triune God’s written [Holy Scripture] revelation. There was no doubt in her heart, mind and life, but full assurance that what God had revealed, was believed and accepted by her!
The "element" of "Faith" to believe God's Word [The Holy Scriptures] is a God given gift. [Ephesians 2:8] Faith is, as the Bible declares: "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." [Hebrews11:1] Again, I emphasize, that faith is a Divine gift. [Romans 12:3] My mother was confident to declare her [God given] faith in God's trustworthy revelation promises as the Apostle Paul [writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit] was also confident to declare his faith:
"......I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”....... [Galatians 2:20-21]
It is so easy for we humans to “second guess” another person – and, in the arena of faith, to second guess their spiritual and eternal status. But we must remember, what the Scripture says – that “Salvation” belongs to the Lord [Psalm 3:7-8 ; Isaiah 43:11 ; Isaiah 45:21-22]
_________________________________________________
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
_________________________________________________
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures:
Psalm 25 – Especially verse 4-5 and 8-9. The “Lord” is not called “Lord” for nothing. He is the initiating force and factor in the life of a child of God.
New Testament Christian Scriptures
The Gospel of John, Chapter 3:1-21 – Christ must illuminate the needy and sinful human soul. In the Greek language, the phrase in verse 3 is: being born “from above.” This correlates with John 1:12-13. Even though a sinner is commanded to repent and believe, that process initiates from the good and gracious action of a loving Triune God. [Philippians 2:13]
The Epistle of 1st Peter 1:21 and verse 23 – The Lord’s initiating action at work in the believing soul
_________________________________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
___________________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
___________________________________________________________
Pastor Nathan Bickel – Bay City, MI
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]
In some Christian circles it is the accepted norm to encourage fellow Christians to give their personal testimonies of the circumstances leading up to their “Conversion.” Also, gratifying to some of these groups is the acceptance of various testimonies being able to relate not only the year of one becoming a Christian, but also the very month and day, down to the particular hour and moment of the “Conversion experience.” The very “Experience” is celebrated so much so, that some Christians have developed a Christian “litmus” test for other Christians. Their contention goes like this: “If you truly are a Christian, then you should know the exact time attending your conversion experience.”
Scripture has no “litmus” test [time frame] for a Christian’s conversion experience:
Certainly there are historical recorded experiences of individual Christians that have come into the Christian Faith. There is no doubt about that, as some Christians have written through diary or journal personal practice the transformation that took them from an unbelieving state into the believing state of being what the Christian Scriptures designate, as being, “Saved.” [Note: Last week’s message dealt with the meaning of the Christian terms: Being “saved,” and, “believing]:”
PART 1 – The Christian Faith – What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?” (10/12/08)
Scripture, itself, records the immediate transformations of certain individuals who went from an unconverted [unbelieving] to a converted [believing] state. Perhaps, the most famous and familiar is that of the Apostle Paul. [Acts 9:1-22 ; Acts 26:1-19]Other well known examples are the Ethiopian eunuch and the Philippian jailer. [Acts 8:26-39 ; Acts 16:16-34]
The Christian conversion experience is not restricted to a certain time frame:
Although there are many examples of Christians knowing the time period of their personal conversion to the Christian Faith from their unconverted [unsaved / unbelieving] state; and, although there are Scriptural recorded examples – the Scripture itself testifies to the reality that coming into the Christian Faith [being converted / saved] can be an experience that can happen without the new Christian becoming aware of it. Such truth is wonderfully explained by the Lord Christ, Himself in His conversation to a religious leader, Nicodemus, who (for fear of the religious establishment) came to Christ, under the cover of darkness. [John 3:1-21] Following [for purposes of this message] is what Christ stated to Nicodemus:
“…..The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it, but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” [John 3:8]
Being “Saved” / “Believing” is totally and completely an act that issues forth from the Triune God, Himself:
The conversion process and act, whereby a person who is not a Christian, becomes, a Christian -- is of Divine origin. The Scriptures make this very clear. [Ephesians 2:1-10 ; John 1:13 ; Galatians 1:15-16] Other Scriptures reveal the same. [1 Kings 18:36-37 ; 1 Corinthians 12:3 ; Galatians 1:6 ; 1 Peter 1:3-25 -- Note: Verse, 3 ; Verses, 18-19 and Verse 23]
Note: Please read the short message: “The often overlooked aspect about the ‘New Birth’” (1/20/08):
Also, further note: The Third Article of the Apostle's Creed -- A Concise Explanation
No one or no well meaning Christian should attempt to second guess another Christian’s conversion experience:
I clearly remember a well meaning Christian family member questioning my elderly mother’s Christian Faith. He asked her: “How do you know that you are saved?” To that Mom responded: “Because I believe God’s promises.” What simplicity of response! And, what better response? Mom’s Christian faith was not based upon her own feeling or upon her own experience, but rested totally upon the merits of her Creator God! [Philippians 2:13] Her faith was based upon the Triune God’s written [Holy Scripture] revelation. There was no doubt in her heart, mind and life, but full assurance that what God had revealed, was believed and accepted by her!
The "element" of "Faith" to believe God's Word [The Holy Scriptures] is a God given gift. [Ephesians 2:8] Faith is, as the Bible declares: "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." [Hebrews11:1] Again, I emphasize, that faith is a Divine gift. [Romans 12:3] My mother was confident to declare her [God given] faith in God's trustworthy revelation promises as the Apostle Paul [writing under inspiration of the Holy Spirit] was also confident to declare his faith:
"......I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.”....... [Galatians 2:20-21]
It is so easy for we humans to “second guess” another person – and, in the arena of faith, to second guess their spiritual and eternal status. But we must remember, what the Scripture says – that “Salvation” belongs to the Lord [Psalm 3:7-8 ; Isaiah 43:11 ; Isaiah 45:21-22]
_________________________________________________
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
_________________________________________________
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
Old Testament Hebrew Scriptures:
Psalm 25 – Especially verse 4-5 and 8-9. The “Lord” is not called “Lord” for nothing. He is the initiating force and factor in the life of a child of God.
New Testament Christian Scriptures
The Gospel of John, Chapter 3:1-21 – Christ must illuminate the needy and sinful human soul. In the Greek language, the phrase in verse 3 is: being born “from above.” This correlates with John 1:12-13. Even though a sinner is commanded to repent and believe, that process initiates from the good and gracious action of a loving Triune God. [Philippians 2:13]
The Epistle of 1st Peter 1:21 and verse 23 – The Lord’s initiating action at work in the believing soul
_________________________________________________
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
___________________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
___________________________________________________________
Pastor Nathan Bickel – Bay City, MI
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
Part 3: The Christian Faith: What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been "saved" [is a Christian believer]? (10/26/08)
NOTE: The following message and the related Scriptures below, can be utilized along with: A Suggested Format for Home Worship
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]______________________________________________
Christ Himself upon a couple of occasions related to His followers, the characteristics of genuine discipleship. Towards the end of His ministry and [earthly] life, Jesus intimately spoke to His disciples about the “marks” of Christian identity.
The first characteristic is a measurement whereby non-Christians would judge Christians: “…..by this will all men know that you are my disciples; if you have love for one another.” [John 13:35] The second characteristic was the test, whether His followers adhered to His direction: “…..If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed…..” [John 8:31-32]
How can a Christian assure himself of being a true believer?
The New Testament Epistle of 1st John lays out a number characteristics (or, “marks”) whereby Christians can examine their life of faith. Please note that the following list is not necessarily conclusive and not necessarily in descending order:
1) Belief in Christ:
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. [1 John 5:1]
2) Belief that Christ has come in the flesh:
By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. [1 John 4:2-3]
3) Obeying (keeping; treasuring) Christ’s commandments:
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him…. [1 John 3:24a ; Note: John 2:7-11]
4) Christians will not engage in continual [lifestyle] sinning:
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. [1 John 2:4-9 – NIV]
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. [1 John 1:5-10]
5) Abiding in God’s love:
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. [1 John 4:16]
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18]
6) Loving the brethren in “deed and in truth:”
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:14-18]
7) The testimony of the Holy Spirit living within:
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. [1 John 3:19 – See also: 1 John 4:13 and, Romans 8:9-17]
8) Baptism in accordance with Christ’s [most necessary] Command: [Matthew 28:18-20 ; Mark 16:15-16 ; Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 16:1-34] in accordance with Christ’s [most necessary] Command. [Matthew 28:18-20 ; Mark 16:15-16 ; Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 16:1-34]
Christ’s disciples will be continually tempted and face persecution:
If you are a Christian and you are facing daily temptations – that is normal. If you battle your sinful inclinations – that is also normal. If you feel [sinfully] pressured by the politically correct society and culture, – that also is very normal. The Scriptures speak of of three groups of negative spiritual forces [enemies]. They are: The devil; [1 Peter 5:8-9] the world; [Romans 12:2] and the sinful human nature [Romans 7]
Christ promised His disciples, persecution:
It is so simple within our politically correct charged culture and society to feel “out of the ‘loop.’” But, would you rather be a friend of the “world” or, an enemy of God? [James 4:4 ; 1 John 2:15-17] God never promised that being Christ’s disciple would be comfortable. [John 15:18-21 ; 2 Timothy 3:12] Beware when no one criticizes your beliefs and lifestyle. You then had better question your Christian beliefs, practice and testimony, whether they meet Christ’s approval. [Luke 6:26 ; Matthew 7:13-29 ; John 3:14-21]
Being Christ’s disciple is worth the present circumstances and the future eternal gain:
The Apostle Paul writing [Scripture] under the “inspirational” direction of the Holy Spirit, affirmed the Christian Faith and life in this perspective – far better than I could ever explain:
[Philippians 3:7-14 – KJV] – “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
[2 Timothy 4:6-8 – KJV] – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
The New Testament Epistle of Hebrews:
Hebrews, Chapter 11 – Faith, defined and illustrated
Hebrews, Chapter 12 – The Christian Faith – exemplified by Christ; His chastening for the Christian’s good; exhortation and warning against apostasy
Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
________________________________________________
Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
________________________________________________
Pastor Nathan Bickel – Bay City, MI
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
“Ho! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters….” [Isaiah 55:1-2]______________________________________________
Christ Himself upon a couple of occasions related to His followers, the characteristics of genuine discipleship. Towards the end of His ministry and [earthly] life, Jesus intimately spoke to His disciples about the “marks” of Christian identity.
The first characteristic is a measurement whereby non-Christians would judge Christians: “…..by this will all men know that you are my disciples; if you have love for one another.” [John 13:35] The second characteristic was the test, whether His followers adhered to His direction: “…..If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed…..” [John 8:31-32]
How can a Christian assure himself of being a true believer?
The New Testament Epistle of 1st John lays out a number characteristics (or, “marks”) whereby Christians can examine their life of faith. Please note that the following list is not necessarily conclusive and not necessarily in descending order:
1) Belief in Christ:
Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. [1 John 5:1]
2) Belief that Christ has come in the flesh:
By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. [1 John 4:2-3]
3) Obeying (keeping; treasuring) Christ’s commandments:
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him…. [1 John 3:24a ; Note: John 2:7-11]
4) Christians will not engage in continual [lifestyle] sinning:
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness. But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. He who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. [1 John 2:4-9 – NIV]
This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. [1 John 1:5-10]
5) Abiding in God’s love:
And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him. [1 John 4:16]
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18]
6) Loving the brethren in “deed and in truth:”
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:14-18]
7) The testimony of the Holy Spirit living within:
Now he who keeps His commandments abides in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us. [1 John 3:19 – See also: 1 John 4:13 and, Romans 8:9-17]
8) Baptism in accordance with Christ’s [most necessary] Command: [Matthew 28:18-20 ; Mark 16:15-16 ; Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 16:1-34] in accordance with Christ’s [most necessary] Command. [Matthew 28:18-20 ; Mark 16:15-16 ; Acts 8:26-40 and Acts 16:1-34]
Christ’s disciples will be continually tempted and face persecution:
If you are a Christian and you are facing daily temptations – that is normal. If you battle your sinful inclinations – that is also normal. If you feel [sinfully] pressured by the politically correct society and culture, – that also is very normal. The Scriptures speak of of three groups of negative spiritual forces [enemies]. They are: The devil; [1 Peter 5:8-9] the world; [Romans 12:2] and the sinful human nature [Romans 7]
Christ promised His disciples, persecution:
It is so simple within our politically correct charged culture and society to feel “out of the ‘loop.’” But, would you rather be a friend of the “world” or, an enemy of God? [James 4:4 ; 1 John 2:15-17] God never promised that being Christ’s disciple would be comfortable. [John 15:18-21 ; 2 Timothy 3:12] Beware when no one criticizes your beliefs and lifestyle. You then had better question your Christian beliefs, practice and testimony, whether they meet Christ’s approval. [Luke 6:26 ; Matthew 7:13-29 ; John 3:14-21]
Being Christ’s disciple is worth the present circumstances and the future eternal gain:
The Apostle Paul writing [Scripture] under the “inspirational” direction of the Holy Spirit, affirmed the Christian Faith and life in this perspective – far better than I could ever explain:
[Philippians 3:7-14 – KJV] – “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
[2 Timothy 4:6-8 – KJV] – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
Note: The above message and related Scriptures (below) may be utilized in: "A Suggested Format for Home Worship"
This Sunday’s Message, Related Scriptures:
The New Testament Epistle of Hebrews:
Hebrews, Chapter 11 – Faith, defined and illustrated
Hebrews, Chapter 12 – The Christian Faith – exemplified by Christ; His chastening for the Christian’s good; exhortation and warning against apostasy
Note for further reference and understanding:
The Christian Faith -- Parts 1-3:
1) What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2) How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3) What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “saved” [is a Christian believer]?
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Complete list: Links to all the "Words in Season" topical messages
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Pastor Nathan Bickel – Bay City, MI
Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
A Short Christmas Story as I remember it -- Why God became a man
It was the harshest of all frontier winters. The man’s wife & children left for the Christmas Eve worship. He could not bring himself to believe in the Christ of Christmas. To him, God, becoming a man to “save” humanity, was, absurd.
The old Indian chief’s community weather forecast proved to be false. Rather than just a few flurries there appeared on the horizon a cold wind of blanketing heavy snow. As the wind increased with intermittent gusts and the snow began to drift, the man scurried to gather the farm animals into the barn.
Once inside the sheltered barn with all the animals intact, the man sadly noticed the sparrows being blown hither and yon by the gusting winds. It was if they also wanted in the sheltered barn to be delivered from the treacherous storm. The man, who loved birds and often welcomed their nests as perched residences within his barn, sadly paused before closing the door. He thought to himself:
“If only I could coax them inside, they would not freeze and would be saved from the wintry blast. It’s too bad I can’t be a like a bird and communicate with them to coax them into my barn. If only briefly, I could transform myself into a bird, I could fly to the flock, inform them of the present danger they face and end up rescuing them into my barn of safety – free from the present dangers and ultimate devastation of the wind, snow and cold.”
Upon hearing himself think these words, there flashed into the man’s mind, the clear and simple meaning of the First Christmas. __________________________________________________
My friend, the simple, yet clear meaning of Christmas, is the celebration of Jesus Christ. He came as God, in human flesh to destroy sin, death and the devil. He came to rescue us from our sins by His birth, [holy] life, suffering, death and resurrection. He came to deliver us from being “children of God’s just and holy wrath” and call us into His forgiven family. The Lord God could do that masterful divine work, no other way. He had to communicate and He did it with flesh and blood. He did it by being born as you and me [yet, without sin].
My wife and I desire for all of you the same assurance that we have in the Christ of Christmas. And may some of you who may not have this same [God blessed and graced] experience; may you be privileged in time to understand, why God, became a man.
May you and yours possess a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!
Joyce and Nathan Bickel
Please Note: It’s the Christ of Christmas who makes the “Christian Faith” [Religion] so true -- Other religious expressions are sad, feeble and false human inventions (12/21/08)
Once inside the sheltered barn with all the animals intact, the man sadly noticed the sparrows being blown hither and yon by the gusting winds. It was if they also wanted in the sheltered barn to be delivered from the treacherous storm. The man, who loved birds and often welcomed their nests as perched residences within his barn, sadly paused before closing the door. He thought to himself:
“If only I could coax them inside, they would not freeze and would be saved from the wintry blast. It’s too bad I can’t be a like a bird and communicate with them to coax them into my barn. If only briefly, I could transform myself into a bird, I could fly to the flock, inform them of the present danger they face and end up rescuing them into my barn of safety – free from the present dangers and ultimate devastation of the wind, snow and cold.”
Upon hearing himself think these words, there flashed into the man’s mind, the clear and simple meaning of the First Christmas. __________________________________________________
My friend, the simple, yet clear meaning of Christmas, is the celebration of Jesus Christ. He came as God, in human flesh to destroy sin, death and the devil. He came to rescue us from our sins by His birth, [holy] life, suffering, death and resurrection. He came to deliver us from being “children of God’s just and holy wrath” and call us into His forgiven family. The Lord God could do that masterful divine work, no other way. He had to communicate and He did it with flesh and blood. He did it by being born as you and me [yet, without sin].
My wife and I desire for all of you the same assurance that we have in the Christ of Christmas. And may some of you who may not have this same [God blessed and graced] experience; may you be privileged in time to understand, why God, became a man.
May you and yours possess a Merry Christmas and blessed New Year!
Joyce and Nathan Bickel
Please Note: It’s the Christ of Christmas who makes the “Christian Faith” [Religion] so true -- Other religious expressions are sad, feeble and false human inventions (12/21/08)
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Please note: http://christianhomeworship.blogspot.com/ is not intended to discourage Christian worship at another place and / or, particular [formal] denominational churches of worship. As its author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find it, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
Rev. Nathan Bickel
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