Who is permitted to be a Christian?
Christianity is God’s perfect solution to all that is wrong with humankind.
It is free, but not cheap, and Jesus said many will presume they are right with God, but are not.
This message talks about God’s standards, and conditions Jesus Himself laid down for who can be His disciple.
Message outline notes:
The Standard
• Christianity is God’s solution to sin, the effects of the fall of man, and all that is wrong with human lives.
• It is to be a work between God and man – a life covenant; life for life.
• It is first about Jesus.
• One ought to see Jesus. Recognize He is the one who deserves all love, honor, respect, service; our very lives.
• Snap into a mindset in which one has “the right stuff” – a mind imbued by revelation.
• Cannot get enough of Jesus.
• Would prefer to talk about Jesus than anything else.
• Care for what He cares for.
Religion (based on man’s understanding) is man’s alternative:
• A sterilized, pre-packaged spiritual meal. Comes in many flavors; always caters to the individual, not Jesus Himself.
• Religion puts man at the center while doing an intellectual sleight of hand pretending they care all about God and His glory.
• Religion explains to its hearers the benefits of the covenant of grace. It sets a low barrier to entry, and assumes these benefits apply – while many who they preach to are not true disciples.
CONDITIONS
• Have Holy Spirit show you are a sinner
• Covenant with God; surrender all
• Renounce sin – Romans 6
No one can force God’s hand. It is a true miracle if the Holy Spirit comes into you. And there ought to be evidence; fruit.
Little child – Matt 18:1 – At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.
Luke 14:26-33 – 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? 31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.
John 12 24 – Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much [d]grain. 25 He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.
Pray, stand against the enemy. Seek God and stay close all the time. Obey Him.
