Are there Christians in all churches? The answer is in the meaning of the words.

Introduction Issue stated many ways  We are all headed the same place  Attend the church of your choice  We are a “Christian” nation  You go your way, I'll go mine.  We have different beliefs but we all worship the same Lord and God. The answer is a problem of terminology.

What do they mean by “Christian?” Most have a very broad view  Christian = anyone who believes in Jesus  Most churches teach salvation is at the point that we believe in Jesus  Problem – James 2:19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble!  Is Satan a Christian?  Many who claim to believe – don't tremble

What do they mean by “Christian?” There are conditions to being a Christian Matthew 7: "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. John 15:14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.

What do they mean by “Christian?” Some religious groups Accept homosexuality  In its membership  Among their ministers and leadership  NEW – Queen James Bible Approve other moral issues:  Abortion  Divorce and remarriage for any cause

What do they mean by “Christian?” 1 Corinthians 6: Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.

What do they mean by “Christian?” Galatians 3: For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ There are conditions to being a Christian  Faith in Jesus  Repentance (turn away from sin)  Baptism  Life in harmony with Jesus' teaching

What do they mean by “Church?” Many churches claim to be part of Christ's church  They use the word church in a broad (all- inclusive) sense  Denominational view is that each “church” is a slice (section) of the whole pie.

The “pie” of churches in USA

What do they mean by “Church?” Revelation 2:5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. Jesus can remove them from His church Can one attend a church that does not obey Christ and still be a Christian?

What do they mean by “Church?” 2 John 1: Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

What do they mean by “Church?” How many churches did Christ establish? Ephesians 1: And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 4:4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;

What do they mean by “Church?” How many churches did Christ establish? 1 Corinthians 12:20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. Here are the facts:  There is only one body – the church  That body is the church  Jesus built ONE church, not hundreds

Conclusion Apply God's definition of a Christian  One who believes in Jesus  One who obeys the commands of Jesus  One who has been baptized into Jesus Apply God's definition of His church  The church is the body of Christ  There is only one body – not 100's There are not as many Christians as we think

Conclusion Some other questions to ask: Do all these churches teach the truth? If they all teach the truth – Why do they disagree with each other? Can a Christian participate and fellowship in a church that is not teaching the truth? Are all people who claim to be Christians – truly Christians?