Lord I Want to be a Christian
Lord I want to be a Christian,
In my heart,
In my
heart,
Lord I want to be a Christian,
In my heart.
The lyrics above are from a chorus often sung by children...very simplistic but say so much!! I can remember singing this in church camp when I was a young girl. But it is certainly appropriate for adults as well.
What do the words, "Lord I want to be a Christian" mean? What is a Christian, and what is the significance of being a Christian? Let us look for answers in God's Word.
What is a Christian? A Christian is one that receives the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and gives his/her life to obedience and service to God. John 14:8 says, "Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him." Romans 12:1-2 tells us "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Who can be a Christian? Christians come in all races and color. In Titus 2:11, God's Word says, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Please grasp the word all...it means everyone, everywhere!! Romans 10:9 says, "That if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." In John 5:24 God's Word says, "Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life." And the very familiar verse John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." What wonderful promises we have here!
How does one live a Christian Life? As Christians we must obey God's Word. Love your neighbor...this is not an option, it is a commandment! In 1 John 3:23, God says, "And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us." John 4:8 tells us, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Ephesians 4:32 says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Scripture found in Romans 12:9-13 gives us some key ingredients for the Christian life. We read, "Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
In Galatians 5:19-21, God's Word tells us, "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
A Christian's Thoughts: In Philippians 4:8, God's Word says, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things." What we say, we think; what we think comes from the heart. If we have evil thoughts, we need to confess these to God and ask forgiveness.
How do Christians Converse? God's Word tells up in Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Verse 31 of this same chapter, says, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." Ephesians 5:4 says, "Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."
Where do Christians Walk? The world observes Christians in their environment. Eyes are upon us at every turn, just waiting to point an accusing finger. Ask yourself, "Would Jesus go here?" Romans 12:2 says, Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will. If there is any question in your mind don't. "When in doubt don't," is not a biblical quote, but is still good advice.
Appearance for a Christian Woman: The Bible says in 1 Timothy 2:9, "I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes. but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship." I believe Timothy is saying that women should dress modestly so as not to attract attention to themselves; rather, women should be known for their good deeds.
The above graphic is not intended to advocate long dresses for women. I just happen to like this graphic :-).
Where does Christianity begin?
Please click here to find out how to become a Christian. This is the most important decision you will ever make!!
If you are already a Christian and need encouragement, see following pages:
Patricia's Page for Encouragement
How Deep the Father's Love for Us
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