To Be A Christian

Intro.

A. Millions of people do not know the true meaning of being a Christian.

1. Atheists and agnostics accuse Christians of being ignorant, hypocritical and meaningless.

2. Some who claim to be Christians have become so enmeshed with the world that instead of being lights on a hill, it is virtually impossible to distinguish their light from the unbeliever.

B. Jesus made the manifesto of a King in the sermon on the mount (Mt. 5-7).

1. Jesus began talking about the kingdom, in Galilee (Mt. 4:23). On a mountain, believed to be West of the Sea of Galilee, He delivered this famous sermon.

2. He mentioned the kingdom twice (5:3,10).

a. The poor in spirit - not wimps, but attitude of self toward God - spiritual emptiness.

b. Those who are persecuted - choice of taking up the cross (Mt. 16:24).

c. There never was such a kingdom (Jn. 18:36; Lk. 17:20-21).

C. Why should a person want to be part of this kingdom?

Body:

A. First, must realize you are lost.

1. In mountainous areas, people often are lost - freak storms arise, or just lose sense of direction. Questions turn to doubt, and doubt to panic - how long was this trail? How many ridges did I cross? Which fork did I take?. Then - denial - “I can’t be lost.” Then panic sets in, adrenalin shoots into the system, heartbeat quickens, breathing faster - often irrational decisions made - abandon safe refuges, goes in circles.  What should you do? Rescuers say - stay where you are - hug a tree and wait. (Often rescuers go where lost person just left, or person goes where rescuers just left!)

2. Spiritually - a person must realize he is lost (Jer. 10:23).

a. Paul once thought that he deserved salvation (Phil. 3:4-6), later realized that he was not worthy of it (1 Tim. 1:15-17).

b. Jesus came to save sinners (Lk. 19:10), but He did not come to save those who think they have no sin. The lost need saving - but must realize their lost condition (poor in spirit) before will accept a Savior.

B. How does the rescue begin?

1. Cannot please God without faith (Heb. 11:6); if do not believe Jesus is Jehovah, will die in your sins (Jn. 8:24,56-58).

2. Paul believed in God - not in Jesus - until he saw the light (Acts 9:4-18).

3. It must involve repentance - a change of heart that results in a change of life. What is the new heart about? (Lk. 18,19)

a. A rich ruler - proud of his accomplishments (18:18-21). He was also proud of his possessions (18:22,23). He was interested (asked right question to right man), wealthy, religious and young - many good characteristics - but Jesus was concerned about his attitude - and his reaction showed where his loyalty rested! He turned from the only one who could help him. (People are deceived by religious teachers who tell them what they want to hear; “accept you as is,” no commitment required.)

b. A rich tax collector (Lk. 19) - he was simply curious (19:1-4); ended up hosting Jesus for a meal, listening to Him and liquidating 50% of his possessions and promising to restore 400% to anyone whom he had scammed (19:8-10). The difference? Attitude! One willing to change his life - other was not - both had opportunity!

4. Involves a new birth (2 Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:1-6).

a. The rich ruler thought he was serving God; Saul thought he was serving God - thinking is not enough! (Jn. 8:32 “You shall know the truth...”).

b. Paul did not lose his previous enthusiasm when he obeyed Christ,new focus (Gal. 2:20).

C. Christianity is a relationship with Jesus:

1. He is Savior - (Mt. 1:21).

a. Until you are hungry, food means little or nothing; until you are thirsty, water means little; until you are lost, being saved means little or nothing!

b. An angel told the shepherds: “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Lk. 2:10,11).

c. There is no other Savior (Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:3,7).

2. He is Lord - (Acts 2:36).

a. Those familiar with military know that a private follows orders; General gives orders.

b. Jesus (the General - or higher!) - gives the orders (Lk. 9:23-27).

1) Deny self - turn from selfish ways. (When we are ashamed of something, we try to disassociate ourselves from it. When we chose to follow Christ, must deny self, and take up the cross - cruel means of capital punishment).

2) The rich ruler was too full of himself to take instructions from the Lord. He preferred material security to spiritual security. Not poor in spirit (Mt. 5:3).

3. He is a Helper - (Heb. 2:14-18; 4:15,16).

a. No other religion in the world can claim a Savior who suffered for man and continues to plead their case - as a risen Lord.

b. He is fully God (Jn. 1:1) and was fully man (Heb. 2:14; 4:15).

D. It is a change in ownership (1 Cor. 6:19,20).

1. If you were a judge - man came before you and claimed to be a Christian - one attorney argued that this man is a slave to Christ and must respect His directions; the other attorney contended that this is a free country and the man should be free to control his own life - which way would you rule?

2. The Christian is a slave - must obey his Master (if he is free, he is not a slave!).

a. The Lord gave directions about the home - husband/wife (Eph. 5); parent/child (6:1-4).

b. The Lord gave instructions about conduct in the world (Rom. 12:1,2).

c. If you were lost several days in mountains and rescued, would have a different attitude toward to mountains. (A brother-in-law got lost following a deer he had shot in woods in Ocala area; never went back, and if he did would have different perspective.)

d. Christian has a different attitude toward worship: prayer (1 Thess. 5:17), singing (1 Cor.14:5), communing weekly (1 Cor. 10:16; 11:26; Acts 20:7). Worship is like food for the body.

Concl. Christian: means you have counted the cost, made a choice; Jesus is Savior, Lord and Helper. You are His slave - look differently at world (avoid) and worship (enjoy here and after).