What it means to be a Christian

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?

Am I Done Yet?

Am I done yet? 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?

We cannot control everything in life, but we CAN endure it! 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? Colossians 4:5, Ephesians 5:16 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 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 Am I Done Yet?

Am I done yet? We need to redeem the time Consider this: If time were money and you lost it if you didn’t use it, would you be more responsible with your time? “Into our hands the gospel is given…” We have been given precious minutes by God to use. How are we using them? James 4:13-17 Am I Done Yet?

It Is Worth It?

When we obey the gospel and grow: 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 Is it worth it?

When we obey the gospel and grow: 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 Is it worth it?

When we obey the gospel and grow: 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 1:11 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 If you miss heaven, you miss all that matters! Is it worth it?

When we obey the gospel and grow: 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 Is it worth it?

When we obey the gospel and grow: We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation We cannot ignore the Bible’s teaching about hell! Matthew 18:8-9 2 Peter 2:20-22 Everlasting - Matthew 25:46, Revelation 20:10, 14-15, 21:8, Matthew 25:41 Is it worth it?

When we obey the gospel and grow: We avoid the judgment of eternal condemnation A place of eternal torments 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 Matthew 8:12 (13:42, 50, 24:51, etc.), Mark 9:43-44 Luke 16:23-24, 27-28 - the rich man (and Lazarus) Such descriptions: Hell is a place to avoid at all cost! Hebrews 10:31 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

Are you a Christian?