Believe in God? So what? The Truth About Christians

Many people think it is enough to just believe in God. Somehow, they got this idea that God wants more people to believe in Him. That isn’t it. God isn’t insecure and He does not need to be popular. The Bible points out:

“You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.”

(James 2:19 NLT)

You see, demons believe in God but remain enemies of God. God wants a belief that includes friendship, surrender, and obedience. (See Luke 6:46) God created us for friendship but our ancestors turned away from Him and were rejected. By nature we are enemies of God, we need reconciliation. That is why He sent Jesus. (Romans 5:10, 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

What is a Christian? “In Antioch the disciples were first called Christians” (little Christs Acts 11:26). Perhaps it was meant to be a slur, but it fit and it stuck. A Christian is a disciple of Jesus Christ. What is a disciple? Look at the high expectations Jesus set for His disciples.

Now great crowds accompanied him, and he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. “ Luke 14:25-27

This may be one of the most challenging things Jesus ever said. Jesus was saying that we must prioritize Him over family, friends, possessions, and even this life. In the verses that follow this He warns us to count the cost of being His disciple, so that we don’t give up halfway or underestimate the challenge and the cost. This is not the only place where Jesus pointed out the high cost of following Him. Jesus did not welcome those who just wanted to add Him to their lives.

In some countries today Christians pay a very high price for their faith. Why would anyone want to be a disciple of Jesus and risk death and loss of everything they own? Because He is worth it. Don’t just believe that there was a Jesus who died in your place, give Him your life in exchange. Make Him your master. To follow Jesus is transformational. He changes everything!

Explore this further in Matthew 13 where Jesus teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven. Or listen to the explanation of how to be reconciled to God in this video. Be sure to contact us if you make this decision.

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