Characteristics of a True Christian

                                         Characteristics of a True Christian

Matthew 7:21-23 is one of the most alarming passages in the Bible. It warns that not everyone who claims Jesus as their Lord is sincerely saved. This means that many think they know Christ, but will come to find out that they never truly knew Him in a saving way.

The false-conversion idea is echoed in the Parable of the Sower of Mark 4:1-20. There are four types of soils found in this Parable: one that flat-out rejects Christianity, two that seem to be interested in Christianity but do not prove genuine (they are distracted by the cares of the world or disinterested after hardship), and one “good” soil that truly believes and bears fruit for Christ. Just like the fruitless seed that fell upon rocky and thorny ground, there are Christians who hear the Word of God and attend church regularly who do not show the signs of being saved and are not genuinely converted.

How do we know if we are planted in the good soil? The twelve tests below shared in will help you understand more clearly what a true Christian look like according to 1 John.

My goal of this post is not to cause any soundly-saved believer to doubt their salvation–this list should greatly assure you. Rather I want to hold up God’s Word as a mirror for self-examination. None of us are described perfectly below, but the list should confirm many ways God is working in our hearts as believers and bring a sweet assurance of salvation. If looking at this list makes you question if you are a genuine believer, I urge you to get on your knees before God and humbly ask Him to save you and regenerate you by the Spirit.

I invite you to join me in making each of these truths your prayer as you grow more into the image of Christ.

12 Characteristics of a True Christian:

Test 1: We know that we are Christian because we walk in the light (1 John 1:4-7). Our style of life is gradually conformed to what God has revealed to us about His nature and will.

Test 2: We know that we are Christian because our lives are marked by sensitivity to sin, repentance, and confession (1 John 1:8-10).

Test 3: We know that we are Christian because we keep God’s commands (1 John 2:3-4). We desire to know God’s will, strive to obey it, and mourn our disobedience.

Test 4: We know that we are Christian because we walk as Christ walked (1 John 2:4-5. We desire to imitate Christ and grow in conformity to Him.

Test 5: We know that we are Christian because we love other Christians, desire their fellowship, and seek to serve them in deed and truth (1 John 2:7-11.

Test 6: We know that we are Christian because of our increasing disdain for the world and because of our rejection of all that contradicts and opposes God’s nature and will (1 John 2:15-17.

Test 7: We know that we are Christian because we continue in the historic doctrines and practices of the Christian faith and remain within the fellowship of others who do the same (1 John 2:18-19).

Test 8: We know that we are Christian because we profess Christ to be God and hold Him in the highest esteem (1 John 2:22-24; 4:1-3, 13-15).

Test 9: We know that we are Christian because our lives are marked by a longing and practical pursuit of holiness (1 John 3:1-3).

Test 10: We know that we are Christian because we are practicing righteousness (1 John 2:28-29; 3:4-10). We are doing those things that conform to God’s righteous standard.

Test 11: We know that we are Christian because we have overcome the world (1 John 4:4-6; 5:4-5). Although we are often hard pressed and weary, we press on in faith. We continue following Christ and do not turn back.

Test 12: We know that we are Christian because we believe the things that God has revealed concerning His Son, Jesus Christ. We have eternal life in Him alone (1 John 5:9-12).

If we have these qualities, and they are increasing in us, we have evidence that we have come to know God and bear the fruit of a child of God.

However, if these qualities are absent from our lives, we should have the greatest concern for our souls.

We should be diligent to seek God regarding our salvation and we should re-examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith. We should be diligent to make our calling and election sure (2 Corinthians 13:5; 2 Peter 1:8-11).

 

God bless you

(Please share with others)

 

 

 LIFE ON EARTH IS like vapor and many ARE DOING SO MANY THINGS THAT they have to live here only for eternity

Life on earth is Like a Vapor: -

Our life, when compared to eternity, is like a morning fog, which quickly burns off in the heat of the day. Or as James wrote, it’s only a vapor that appears for a little while and is gone for good (James 4:14).

The things of this world may be very appealing as the fruit was in Eden Garden for the Eve. We are always enticed by the power of darkness to think like its thinking and enjoy whatever is appealing to our eyes or mind. These powers know their fate and they want as many as to take with them so that the Lord is defamed.  God has given human being a free will and it is human being who can chose to either love the Lord or things which appealing to eyes and mind. We are not supposed to learn from the world or people of this world but from the  word of God given to us in the Bible. We are not only to learn but also  put into practice the same in our life because whatever is in our mind will further reflect in our nature / behavior and will create character in us accordingly.

The average life span has increased over the last century, but even so, when we look at our life compared to eternity, it seems less than nothing. So, what impact can we have while here on earth that can have eternal implications? For one thing, the message of the Gospel promises eternal life for all who believe in Christ (John 3:16). Is there anything in this life that compares with the message of eternal hope that is found only in Christ (Acts 4:12)?

Wasting Time on the Temporal: -

I have to plead guilty to wasting a lot of my earthy time on things that would not have an impact on eternity. At my age (60+), I might not have too many years left. Why would I be so frivolous with my time when there are things that are much more important? I need to learn the value of each and every day and make every one of them count (Psalm 90:12) because life is so fleeting (Psalm 39:4).

I can watch TV, surf the Internet, social sites or any number of other things to entertain myself, but when I look back at my life when in heaven, I can surely count the days and hours that were a complete waste of time. Do not get me wrong; there is a time to rest and relax because even Jesus took time to get away and rest (Mark 6:31), but I can overdo that, too. One man asked D. L. Moody after another long, grueling day if he was tired of the work. D. L. Moody said, I am tired in the work but not tired of the work. He was a tireless worker for the kingdom, and much of what he did will impact all eternity. In the wake of his life, he left a great church (Moody Church) and college (Moody Bible College and Moody Theological Seminary). How’s that for making the most of his time?

Forsaking Much for Eternal Rewards:-

Jesus once said that even a cup of water given in His name will not go unrewarded (Matt. 10:42). When Peter said that he and the disciples had left everything to follow Jesus (Matt. 19:27), he reminded them all that the disciples who forsook all they had would sit with Christ on 12 thrones in the kingdom and be judges of the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28). How is that for making an impact on eternity? For the disciples, that impact will be great because Jesus reminded them, and, really, He reminds us that everyone–I shall say that again–everyone who has left mother, brothers, sisters, fathers, and children for His sake will receive a hundredfold in the next but also eternal life (Matt. 19:29). How is that for a return on our investment? Did not the disciples leave everything for Jesus? Yes, but the impact on eternity is titanic, as they left us most of the New Testament, and their writings are still reaping eternal rewards.

A CLOSING PRAYER

Father, please help me live as per your word, not wasting time on irrelevant things but redeem the time and make the greatest impact I can for eternity by forsaking many things that do not really matter in my life as the life here is like vapor. In the name of Jesus my savior I pray.

 

Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 Proverbs 27:19 “Just as water mirrors your face, so your face mirrors your heart”.

 Here is a simple simile, a comparison made by “like” or “as.” In the way a man can see his face and know its features by reflection in water, so a man can know and understand other men through having a similar heart. Your experiences in life should give you the discernment and understanding to help others when they face similar circumstances.

 Just as gazing into the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool reflect the detailed features of a man's face, so the standards and qualities residing deep within a heart, reflect a man's character and display the innermost caliber of his soul. Face express the same.

 Too often we are quick to identify the qualities, or criticize the defects we see reflected in the life of a fellow believer, but often we are not as swift to identify areas in our own hearts that need to be critically analyzed and spiritually evaluated as unholy or detrimental to our spiritual growth, offered-up to the Lord, and purged. 

 God alone knows a man's heart and can read the secret thoughts in the inner depths of his soul, but it is the outworking of those concealed attributes, which are demonstrated through words, actions, and attitudes, that manifests a man's true identity to his fellow-man.

 Reverence and respect towards our heavenly Father, a Christlike love towards others, and inner peace, is often identified through the godly works, pure thoughts, and sound speech, that flows through our daily life. It is the inner heart that identifies a life that is walking in spirit and truth. It is careless speech, a critical attitude, thoughtless behavior, and an unrighteous lifestyle that warns us that we have fallen from grace and strayed from the path of peace. Corrupt hearts breed corruption, while a sanctified heart exhibits Christ-likeness.

 

Man's countenance is frequently an index of his thoughts, and the fruit of his attitude of mind is often displayed in his words, his ways, his will, and his walk. As a man thinks so is he, and whatever becomes the central focus of that man's mind, influences his attitude of heart and is displayed in the out-working of his life, "As water reflects the face, so the heart of man reflects that man's character."

 

Ambitions and emotions, temptations and trials, hope and fear, inner thoughts and expectations, together with spiritual strengths and weaknesses, can all be reflected in the face and mirrored in the expression of the eyes. It is often as we openly gaze into the reflection of our own face, through the mirror of God's Word, that we can identify areas that need spiritual adjustment and God's forgiveness. 

 

How important to examine our own heart and scrutinize our inner thoughts, through the mirror-like qualities of a still water-pool and to reflect whatever is good, and pure, and wholesome, and holy.

 

The Word of God is the truthful mirror into which we should look carefully. The Bible is the still water-pool in which to gaze day by day - for the face of Christ is the reflection upon which our hearts should rest.

 

May we preach this truth to our own hearts and be doers of the Word as well as hearers of God's truth. May we all... with unveiled faces, gaze at the glory of the Lord... as beholding HIM in the mirror, so that we may be transformed into His glorious image, from glory to glory - through the power of the indwelling Spirit of the Lord - as we die to self and live for Him.

 

My Prayer

Blessed Lord and Father, what wonderful truths are contained within Your Word. I pray that I may learn to keep the eyes of my heart fixed upon Christ, and to daily search the Scriptures more faithfully, so that I may learn more of You and increasingly reflect the Lord Jesus in all I say and do.

 

I pray that my life may be a mirror-image of Him, that I may only say the things that He has taught me, and only do those things that honor Him, so that His grace, and love, and care, and beauty, may be seen in me and flow out to others. In Jesus' name I pray, AMEN.

 

God bless you

 

 

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 

ACTIONS ARE THE MIRROR THAT REFLECTS THE SOUL (OURSLEVES)

 

Nothing goes out first without going through our mind. We are the product of our mind. Our words reveal about ourselves how we live our life, Our thinking, our life style as well as our interests. A person’s actions reveal his thinking. Powerful and benevolent thoughts produce actions within ourselves. If our thoughts are confused or selfish, our actions will be the same, and the results will be ineffectual or cause sorrow. A famous quote indicates: -

“Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

Paul in Romans 12:2 says, “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” And 2 Corinthians 10:5 says, “Take every thought captive.” When you correctly apply biblical truth, our thought life will change and you will be able to accomplish more than you imagine.

We must understand that we are made by God and if we go to Him then only can live quality of life but generally we go to the world /people of the world and try to get the things which make us happy but that is temporary and without any quality of life. The things of this world can never make us happy and the world of God also say the friendship with the world is enmity with God. Thus we get bad to worse and it goes on lime this.

No matter how much we claim that we are strong, if our actions are weak and indecisive, no one will believe us as we would not be able to live quality of life. Merely understanding something intellectually, without having an experience of it, is like sitting at home and imagining that we are very clever. However, if our knowledge and intelligence are not applied in the correct way at the right time, who will regard us as clever? It is our actions that prove our worth.

Most people try to hide their weaknesses from others. Some speak of their shortcomings but are unaware of the roots, or the seeds they have germinated from. They only have a superficial awareness of it. The result is that they rid themselves of the external forms of the weakness, and for a while feel as though they have become completely free of it. However, since the seed is still there, the weakness crops up again after some time.

 

Proverbs 4:23 says “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life”.  Proverbs 23:7 “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. "Eat and drink!" he says to you, But his heart is not with you”. 

 

Something similar happens with physical ailments, which are often not cured permanently because doctors do not know the root of the illness. The illness gets suppressed, but is not fully cured.

Spiritual weaknesses can be eradicated only by destroying the seed. Sometimes people know where a weakness stems from, but they are casual about it and say, “Yes, it will be removed one day. It cannot be finished in one go, it takes time!” Instead of being strong and determined in this regard, they resort to clever arguments. Knowledge is a power, but they do not use it as such and get power of the same.

 

The first requirement for self-improvement is not to hide or gloss over one’s defects. Being casual about them or trying to rationalize them is also not a good idea. To bring about the change we want to see, we need to use our knowledge, discernment and other powers in a practical way.

 

When that change is visible in our actions, we are able to inspire others. Even though it is true that actions are gross and thoughts are subtle, it is easier for most people to recognize the value of virtues and spiritual powers when they are demonstrated in action. Serving others by creating an elevated atmosphere with our positive thoughts and pure feelings is a great act of charity, but it is important to give expression to our vision and principles through our actions.

 

“Our Thoughts Become Words, Our Words Become Actions, Our Actions Become Habits, Our Habits Become Character, Our Character Becomes our Destiny”.

A small thought can decide our destiny -------> where we would live in eternity. Let us apply Roman 12:2 “Do not conform 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”. 

So let us know His perfect will and live accordingly while living in this world so as to be with Him when we leave this world.

 

God bless you

9 Proper Ways to Get an Answer from God

                         9 Proper Ways to Get an Answer from God

 

Our God is a living God and when we pray about something, we hope to receive an answer from Him. However, since we cannot hear Him speak audibly, we could miss it if we are not attentive. Therefore, if we want to get an answer from the Lord, we have to make sure that we are ready to receive the response we hope for.

Many people do not know the proper ways to receive God’s answer but we can follow these steps:

 

1. Seek confirmation through the Bible.

The first thing you need to do to get an answer to your prayer is by searching for it in God’s Word. The Bible contains instructions and nuggets of wisdom that are still applicable to everyday situations faced by people. If you can find the answer in the Bible, then you do not have to wait for supernatural confirmations anymore.

Of course, if you are seeking an answer through the Scripture, you need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. For this reason, you have to pray earnestly before opening your Bible. Then, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to the right passage related to your concern.

 

2. Make sure what you are asking for is God’s will.

If you are hoping for a “yes” as an answer, see to it that your prayer is according to the will of God. 1 John 5:14 says, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.”

How will you know if what you are asking for is God’s will? You will have to go back to the Bible. First, look for the Scripture that relates to your issue. Then, study it carefully to know if what you want is in accordance with it or not.

 

3. Pray for wisdom.

To understand God’s response to your prayer, you need His wisdom to open your mind. Sometimes, you would not get the exact answer you want to your prayer. Unless you have God’s wisdom, it might discourage you from trusting the Lord again. However, if you are spiritually mature, you would understand that God has a better plan, and you just need to have faith.

Therefore, ask God for wisdom to receive whatever His answer is wholehearted. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

4. Consult with spiritually mature people.

Another way to confirm God’s answer to your prayer is by consulting spiritually mature and knowledgeable people. For example, you can consult your pastor, ministry leader, or Bible study leader about your prayer. With biblical wisdom, they can guide you in seeking and understanding God’s will in your situation.

One good thing about being surrounded by mature believers is that you have people who can help you abide by God’s will. They help you study the Bible and determine what pleases God and not. With them, you are more likely to come up with desires and prayers according to the Lord’s will.  Moreover, they can pray with you as well.

 

5. Prepare your heart to receive His answer.

If you are waiting for God to answer your prayer, you must make sure that your heart is ready to receive His response. If you are too preoccupied with other stuff, you might not be aware that the Lord has already answered your prayer.

So, how should you prepare your heart?

First, see to it that it is pure before the Lord.

Then, get rid of the sins that make your heart calloused to God’s Word.

Also, you need to understand that the Lord’s answer may be different from what you are expecting.

It is possible to receive a “no”, and you need to be prepared for it.

After all, He is still sovereign, and humans have no right to demand from Him.

 

6. Search your heart for whatever hinders you from hearing God.

In connection to no. 5, it is necessary to purify your heart so that you can hear God more clearly. Therefore, if you think God has been silent to you for a long while now, you need to evaluate yourself. Is there any sin that you have to confess and repent from?

If you are unsure, you should ask God to reveal any sin you are unaware of. Even King David asked the Lord to help him recognize his transgression. It says in Psalm 139: 23-24, “Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

 

7. Do not insist on what you want.

What if God’s answer is a “no”? Are you willing to accept it, or are you going to rebel against Him? If you do not want to take “no” for an answer, then maybe it is the reason why God does not reveal His will to you. He is aware that your heart is not ready to receive His answer.

Please understand that God is not your genie. He does not exist to make your wishes come true. On the other hand, we exist to fulfill His purposes. For this reason, you should trust His will in everything, even if it is contrary to your original desire. However, if you align your decisions and to His directions, you will discover that He has the best plans all along.

 

8. Go for prayer and fasting.  

If you are really eager to know God’s answer to your prayer, you can also pray and fast. You can decide to skip a meal or two a day and devote those moments to prayer. If for health reasons you cannot fast on food, there are other ways to fast. You can fast on social media or other stuff that is usually part of your daily routine.

Just to make things clear, though. Fasting is not done to bribe or force God to give you what you want. It is done to give more time to prayer and make your spirit stronger than your body. You do this so you can be more sensitive to God’s will.

 

9. Patiently wait for God’s timetable.

Be patient when waiting for God’s answer. Please know that His timetable is different from yours. He will answer you at the right time according to His will—not according to yours. Do not accuse God of being delayed or uncaring. Instead, use the waiting season to strengthen your faith in Him.

While waiting for your prayer to be answered, work out your relationships with the Lord. Seek more of His presence, fellowship with other believers, and study the Bible with hunger. Furthermore, devote more time to prayer and strive to live a blameless life to glorify Him.

 

We must come to Him searching every thing in our life, with a repenting heart, regret for all wrong done, setting aside all bitterness, hatred, resolving all grudges towards self and others with a clean heart etc. with a desire to get answer and He is a living and loving God and will answer our prayers. The above are just very few things addressed and we can also seek guidance through the Holy Spirit who is perfect guide to lead us to Christ and receive answer from Him

 

God bless you

 

All Christians wrestle against sin ?

 

All Christians wrestle with sin?

Every Christian in the world wrestles with sin every single day of his or her life. Even the apostle Paul complained, “For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate” (Romans 7:15).

None of us is conformed to the image of Christ overnight. Sanctification is a moment-by-moment challenge. It’s a process that won’t be complete until we leave this world and see the Lord face to face. Until then, our responsibility is to trust God and walk with His Spirit (Galatians 5:16).

Because of the sin nature that dwells within us, there is a very real sense in which we often sin against our own wills (Romans 7). In other words, every sin is “wilful sin.” If it was not then we would not be responsible; and if we are not responsible for our own actions, sin cannot be sin at all. As James says, “Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14-15).

So, if every sin is wilful sin, it does not make sense to say that “wilful sin” causes us to lose our salvation. What hope would there be for any of us?! No, the apostle John assures us of something quite different and encouraging:

If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:7-9 ).

Again, it is a day-by-day, moment-by-moment process.

So, what about deliberate sin?

Hebrews 10:26-31. Let’s start with what the passage says:

For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there is no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment, and a fury of fire that will consume the adversaries. Anyone who has set aside the law of Moses dies without mercy on the evidence of two or three witnesses.  How much worse punishment, do you think, will be deserved by the one who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has profaned the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified, and has outraged the Spirit of grace? For we know him who said, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay.” And again, “The Lord will judge his people.” ³¹ It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Heb.10:31)

As we see it, there is good reason to suppose that the “deliberate sin” of verse 26 is the same as the “unforgiveable sin” that Jesus mentions in Matthew 12:31. To be specific, it is the sin of rejecting Christ altogether (otherwise known as blasphemy of the Holy Spirit).

We could also call this the sin of persistent self-hardening. It is the process where an individual sears his conscience (ignores the voice of the Holy Spirit) and stiffens his neck against God.

If it goes on long enough, the person eventually reaches the point where genuine repentance is impossible.

How is your heart?

If someone is determined to live an unchristian life even after “receiving the knowledge of the truth” (Hebrews 10:26), we might assume that they never really accepted Christ in the first place. If they wilfully commit the same sin over and over again without remorse and without showing any evidence of genuine desire to change, we would have every reason to doubt the sincerity of their faith.

That person is like the demons mentioned in James 2:19: They “believe” the truth but refuse to give it their personal devotion. In a case like this, it is absolutely true to say that “there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins” (Hebrews 10:26) because Jesus Himself is that sacrifice.

Considering all these things, it is possible to argue that Hebrews 10:26-31 does not refer to struggling Christians like yourself at all. The passage might be aimed at hardened, bitter people who only seem to be Christians.

“Yet in your case, beloved, we feel sure of better things — things that belong to salvation” (Hebrews 6:9). The fact that you are wrestling with doubts and fears about your standing with God leads us to think that you cannot be guilty of rejecting Christ. If you were, you would not be worried about it.

Walk in Christ ..Satan is at work

 To the true believers:-

Satan and his team are looking to destroy the True Christians, and those who will be converted, through seeds of doubt, through fleshly temptation, through  sending ungodly people in your life, through intense Spiritual Warfare and through various methods of warfare in the natural realm which we sometimes do not understand.

We who are awake know and understand what this is, know the word of God and also know how to fight it with the word of God cannot lose. 

Don't get lost in the battle. Keep focused on the finish line. 

Do not allow unwanted things,circumstances, worng decision and people in your life ...

Keep your eyes fixed on our Lord Jesus who is victorious on all the above and do not turn right and lift so that He can take us in that victory which he has already achieved 2000 years back.