Church Bulletin:
If you get to the nuts and bolts of it, what is it specifically that defines a Christian? There are many important facets of the Christian faith which on their own do not uniquely capture what a Christian is. Consider the following examples:
- · Prayer – unbelievers address God; they give thanks, ask for help and acknowledge their sins.
- · Bible reading – unbelievers read the Bible; in some instances they even teach it to others.
- · Church attendance – unbelievers attend churches and go through all the motions of corporate worship
- · Good works – unbelievers engage in acts of kindness for the benefit of their fellow man
Unbelievers can engage in virtually every aspect of the Christian life and remain unbelievers. The Apostle Paul speaks of certain men having “a form of godliness” (2 Tim 3:1-9). They had the appearance of being godly meaning they engaged in the various rituals and practices associated with the Christian faith. Outwardly they seemed to be the real deal and looked no different to the true disciples of Christ. There was one thing however that could not be said of them. They did not love Christ from the heart. Only believers love Christ. The one thing above all else which distinguishes genuine faith from false is a heart overflowing with love and thankfulness to Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:7, “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious” Only believers find Him precious because only believers have received His life giving grace. He is not merely a profound teacher, a great example, a fascinating individual; He is one who willingly laid down His life for we who are guilty and undeserving.
Christians love Jesus Christ and we are to love Him more and more. We are to continually stoke the flames of affection through prayer, the word, and singing. We are to repent when we allow the things of this world to smother them. The Ephesian church reminds us that it is possible to do the right things and have the appearance of godliness while the one indispensable trait of the Christian faith waxes cold.
Rev 2:2-5, “I know your works, your labour, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; 3and you have persevered and have patience, and have laboured for My name’s sake and have not become weary. 4Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. 5Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works.”