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What it means to be a. Christian. In this study we will notice: What is a Christian? Becoming a Christian What hinders me from becoming a Christian? Growing as a Christian What hinders me from growing? The Christian and the body of Christ The Christian and others Am I done yet?.
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What it means to be a Christian
In this study we will notice: • What is a Christian? • Becoming a Christian • What hinders me from becoming a Christian? • Growing as a Christian • What hinders me from growing? • The Christian and the body of Christ • The Christian and others • Am I done yet? What it means to be a Christian What it means to be a Christian?
NO! We have much left to do.We cannot quit until our time here is done! • Hebrews 10:38-39 • 1 Corinthians 9:24 • Acts 20:24 • Luke 9:62 Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
We need to endure • ὑπομονή, (hypomonē), to bear up under, to remain standing even after trying circumstances • Cf. California and retrofitting • Hebrews 10:36-39 • James 1:2-4 • Matthew 10:22 Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
We need to endure • ὑπομονή, (hypomonē), to bear up under, to remain standing even after trying circumstances • Cf. California and retrofitting • Hebrews 10:36-39 • James 1:2-4 • Matthew 10:22 We cannot control everything in life, but we CAN endure it! Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
We need to redeem the time • Colossians 4:5, Ephesians 5:16 • Redeem means to buy up something. To work with urgency and intensity • To take full advantage of an opportunity and be wise with our time Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
We need to redeem the time • What if you were given $1440 a day to spend? But there was a catch! Spend it or lose it. • How would you spend your day? Would you be more responsible with your time? • Consider this: We have 1440 minutes a day, how are you using them? Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
We need to redeem the time • Time is a valuable commodity. In a sense, everything in life is measured with time.Wasted time = wasted opportunity • We are stewards with our time! 1 Peter 4:10, Cf. Matthew 25:18, 26 • James 4:13-17 Am I done yet? Am I Done Yet?
With maturity comes greater appreciation of our fellowship with God Matthew 5:8, 1 John 1:3, 5-7, 4:19 – we love Him because He first loved us • With maturity comes strengthened faith – like Abraham, in time our faith grows; 2 Timothy 1:12, Psalm 37:25, 1 John 5:4 When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
With maturity comes greater confidence in prayer – 1 Peter 3:12, 1 John 5:14-15- we know He answers our prayers- we are better prepared to accept His answers cf. 2 Cor. 12:7-9- we know that He knows what is best, cf. Matthew 6:10, 26:42 • Philippians 4:6-7 When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We have hope of eternal reward • We are ready to stand before God • Hebrews 11:13-16, Joseph – 11:22, Moses – 11:26 • 2 Timothy 4:8, 2 Peter 1:112 Corinthians 5:1-8 When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We have hope of eternal reward • We are ready to stand before God • Hebrews 11:13-16, Joseph – 11:22, Moses – 11:26 • 2 Timothy 4:8, 2 Peter 1:112 Corinthians 5:1-8 If you miss heaven, you miss all that matters! When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation • Teaching about hell is not popular, and rejected by many. • The tragedy is that such gives cause to reject God and live with no real consequences When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation • We cannot ignore the Bible’s teaching about hell! • Matthew 18:8-92 Peter 2:20-22 • Everlasting - Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10, 14-15, 21:8, Matthew 25:41 When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation • A place of eternal torments • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9Matthew 8:12 (13:42, 50, 24:51, etc.), Mark 9:43-44Luke 16:23-24, 27-28 - the rich man (and Lazarus) When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation • A place of eternal torments • 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9Matthew 8:12 (13:42, 50, 24:51, etc.), Mark 9:43-44Luke 16:23-24, 27-28 - the rich man (and Lazarus) Such descriptions:Hell is a place to avoid at all cost!Hebrews 10:31 When we obey the gospel and grow: Is it worth it?
Yes, the life of a Christian is a challenge. But if we take it seriously and endure, surely the reward will be worth it all! Revelation 14:13