In last week’s bulletin article Terry Clark showed us how the truth will set you free (John 8:32). He showed us how Jesus is the only way to the Father and heaven (John 14:6), that we must do His will (Matthew 7:21), believe and be baptized (Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-7; Galatians 3:27). He shared I Peter 3:21…
“The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ”
Once you successfully become a Christian, what then? Is there more to this Christianity thing than taking the first steps leading to being saved?
Yes. Of course, Bible study, prayer, and worship are foundational and constant parts of Christian living. Christian living also involves many things like drawing nigh or close to God (Hebrews 10:22), holding fast the confession of our hope without wavering (Hebrews 10:23), considering how to stimulate one another to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24), and not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25).
It involves submitting ourselves to God and resisting our enemy Satan (James 4:7; I Peter 5:8-11).
We get along with people, putting others before ourselves (Philippians 2:3).
We are to be forgiving! (Matthew 6:14,15; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4: 31-32)
We are not to be an angry people or hot tempered, we are to be slow to anger (James 1:19-20; Proverbs 29:22; 14:29; 15:1; 16:32; 19:11; Matthew 5:21-22).
Christians are to be loving, kind, and gentle (I Thessalonians 2:7; I Timothy 2:24; James 3:17; Mark 12:31; Romans 13:10; James 2:8).
We are to be humble (Luke 22:26; Romans 12:3) and content (Proverbs 15:16; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 15:5).
Christians love. We love God with all of our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:37,38).
Christians proclaim the gospel to others (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15,16).
Christians study God’s word to show ourselves approved to God (II Timothy 2:15). So, study to find out all there is to living a Christian life.
There are many other aspects to Christian living that we need to make a part of our thinking, speaking, and actions. The list is much longer than this space allows.
Finally, Christians remain faithful unto death and receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).
Are you living a Christian life?