I am always intrigued by people's definition of a Christian.

"It's someone who goes to Church"

"It's someone who reads their Bible"

"It's Someone who Prays

"It's someone who does the Ten Commandments"

When you ask many people if they are Christians, they will say "yes".

Ask them if they go to church, read the Bible, pray, or if they even know the ten commandments...the answers don't match up with what the popular thought of a "Christian" is. 

Why not?  That's a great question!

Firstly, I think it should be said that I disagree with their definition of "Christian".  I would agree with the fact that Christians SHOULD do those things and know those things, but that in and of itself does not make someone a CHRISTIAN.

Being a Christian is all about an authentic, living relationship with the Almighty God, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

When we have a relationship with God, the rest of the stuff just automatically falls into place.  Because of my personal relationship with God, I want to be in His House with His people.  I want to be reading His Word because it was written FOR me.

Being a Christian and not praying is like having a good friend that you never talk to.

Being a Christian and not going to church is like being married and never going home.

Being a Christian and not reading your Bible is like having a best friend that you never allow to speak.

Because Chrsitianity is not a religion, but rather a vibrant companionship with the designer and sustainer of the entire universe, it requires ME not my actions.  If God has ME then my actions are an outflow of who I am which will be a reflection of Him.  Everything I do is out of Love for Him.

Whereas if all there is to it is actions on a check list, then my attitudes and demeanor can be the pits! As a result of my attitudes, my actions are actually nullified.  The attitudes will actually affect the way the actions are done making them shoddy.  Then anything I may say is overshadowed by the " bad attitude.

Christianity is all about love and sacrificing my SELF for the good of the relationship with God.  This brings fulfillment because the relationship blossoms.

That's my word for today,

Pastor Brent.