Insight into Christianity

What does it mean to be a Christian?

Is it about making sure you go to ‘church’ on every Sunday? Or reading the Bible? Or maybe talking ‘churchspeke’ all the time, that is all those reoccurring Christian sounding phrases, which can litter a Christian’s conversation like almost another language, or perhaps being able to quote every chapter and verse from the Bible? And what about praying eloquently in public utilising all those Bible quotes? Or falling down when the evangelist touches you during service? What about being able to speak in tongues?

 

Do you think that these kinds of things make you a Christian?

NO.

 

A true Christian is someone who has accepted Christ as his Lord and saviour, inviting Jesus into their heart, allowing Him to take control of their life, trusting Him with every ounce of their being.

Being a Christian is not easy living in the world we have created. We are being brainwashed into believing that independence is the best thing we can hope for, putting ourselves first all important and to trust no-one, not even good parents. It is therefore hard to grasp the concept of completely depending on someone other than yourself, namely God.

 

The truth is that God created you in the first place. Why?

To love you and for you to love him.

 

Does that seem strange? Its however, true. Unfortunately, the first man and woman had other ideas egged on by Satan. That put an end to the original plan, which was to live in Paradise in direct communion with God. (Read Genesis Chapter 2:4 & Chapter 3)

 

Thank God he knows the beginning from the end and put a fantastic plan in action to return us right back to where he wanted us, in direct contact with him, enjoying his love.

 

The fact is that since that first rejection of God, when Adam and Eve chose Satan the world has been under his rule ever since. Satan is not the cute or not so cute red character with the fork, horns and the tail, but the very real spirit who was previously a beautiful angel of God, who now spends his time encouraging us to destroy ourselves. Seems far-fetched? Who is Satan? He is the angel who wanted to be God although Satan, himself was created by God. Satan is the King and the father of lies (John chapter 8 verse 44). As we have already seen, he told the very first one and hasn’t stopped since. We live a world that has developed into an intricate web of lies and deceit, fed to us through the TV, radio, magazines, music, internet etc, wherever there is some mode of communication you can be sure that there is some brain washing going on.

 

Never judge a book by its cover.

Extremely wise saying but we do it all the time. We have been taught to judge by outward appearance, by what our eyes can see, and by what we feel.

 

If it feels good do it!

This is destroying us. If you really think about it means to live your life this way you will understand why. For example, we become drunkards, smoke and take drugs because it makes us feel good. We eat junk food because it looks and tastes good. We are racist because it seems justified. ‘ They are just not the same as us’, we behave proud and without respect for others because it makes us feel big and important not caring how much we may be causing someone else pain in the process. And so it goes on.

 

What about the severe effects on our bodies and minds and those of others?

In addition there are many other crazy things we do without thinking about it such as continually buy new clothes, shoes etc (often at ridiculous prices and putting ourselves in further debt), even thought we can’t actually wear or use what we already have, just because we it pleases us or just because it’s the current ‘in thing’, yet there are millions of people who haven’t even a grain of rice to eat through no fault of their own. You may say well I worked hard for my money so what I do with it is my business. Yes in one sense that can be considered true but does it really make sense in the grander scheme of things, wider than your little world? . Don’t you think it is somehow immoral? Think about it for a minute. Firstly, if you don’t really need it you are only making the manufacturers richer, he/she is laughing all the way to the bank. Secondly aren’t you just putting yourself in debt for no real reason? Thirdly, if you haven’t got any better use for the money couldn’t you use it to help someone who really needs the help?

 

And what about those of you who are depressed? Fed-up? Feel like you are going no-where? Feel like there is something seriously missing in your life? Want to change? Don’t know where to turn? Always angry? Sad? Filled with fear? Need direction?

 

Well the good news is that God has provided a way out for all those who choose it. It is laid out in His book, The Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, written down by the prophets. The manual for real LIFE.

 

Each month we intend to share and discuss some of that divine plan so that those who do not know God may want to know more and those who do may be inspired and perhaps gain a little further insight about the enormous love of God.

May God Bless You always
Muraldo D.C

Recommended reading:

The Holy Bible (available in many versions and languages true to original manuscripts)
New International Version
King James
Good News
The Living Bible
The Amplified bible

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The Three Battlegrounds by Francis Frangipane
Living with Jesus Today by Juan Carlos Ortiz
Left Behind Series (adults & children) by Tim Lahaye & Jerry B Jenkins
The final Quest by Rick Joyner
He chose the Nails by Max Lucado
The Book; A history of the Bible by Christopher De Hamel

Available from any good Christian bookshop and online from Nukan Bookshop

 

Feel free to contact us on anything we written above either by email - or by using the contact form.