Crucified With Christ
"Religion" is a broad term, so most people see it as various ways to access God, but there is only one way to access God, and that is through Jesus Christ. It is written in the book of John 4:16. It's difficult to access the one true God, except through the Son, and this completely takes away the concept or the idea of Christianity being a religion.
However, we are predisposed to doubt or seek logic. The creator Himself reaffirmed this in several places throughout scripture. This is why we ask questions like "Can you prove there is God?"
The Bible addresses questions like this in numerous places and books. Thomas, Jesus' own disciple, had doubts about his resurrection.
So, if someone was close to Jesus, witnessed all of the miracles firsthand, and still doubted the miracle of resurrection, who wouldn't? Not the modern day man if you ask me.
Anyway "blessed are those who has not seen but believe". The Bible again says this in Psalm 14:1.
God knows that his creation will doubt his love and existence, and this begins not long after the creation of the first man and woman.
However, Christianity is a lifestyle, an attitude, and because it is reflective of a person's true nature, they rarely need to profess their faith, unless they are discussing God with someone else.
The actual definition of Christian is a group of people who behave like Jesus. Having an attitude, way of life, or faith is not the same as religion, contrary to popular belief.
However, I rarely argue about religion; instead, I talk about Jesus Christ's love and sacrifice on the cross, rather than saying, "Oh, you should become a Christian." Because when you put it like that.
It'll seem like the fellow you're talking to is a lesser human being. As a Christian, I avoid arguments and confrontations because they lead down a rabbit hole.
People say things in arguments to prove a point, and one of the things I do when trying to tell them about Jesus is to convince them rather than make it appear that they are wrong.
For example, when I talk about Jesus with one of my closest friends, he usually laughs me off, claiming that he is already Christian.
However, I am aware that some of his methods are not in accordance with God, and that people may have a personal and spiritual experience before they understand what or who God is.
Most times knowing God comes with change. You do not live the life you are used to, which is why the Bible says:
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
The verse itself is self-explanatory. It demonstrates the meaning of being a Christian.
It explains why Christianity is a lifestyle that is consistent with the life of Jesus. No one can persuade another person; they must experience it for themselves. What others can do is speak the word and let God do the rest.
The physical experience of preaching the word is only required practice. Usually, this is necessary.
For example, I have been hearing God's word for over a decade and attending church, but most of the time I go to church while continuing to live my previous life.
Being there, but not there yet.
I was close to the word, listening to all of the warnings, reading the scriptures, and praying, but there was no internal change. Going to church becomes a cultural practice in the absence of transformation or recognition of the need for change.
It is like planning a vacation to visit a building but never really experiencing the Grace and change that comes with being transformed.
However, conversion and transformation for a person seeking to be Christlike is never an easy journey.
This is because nearly every aspect of your life requires an overhaul. Because the life you want to start living will not be for your own glorification. It is difficult at first: you can not say some of the things you used to say, watch, listen to, or indulge in, or give in to your rage, excesses, and extremes.
However, it is been a rewarding experience for me. Every day, I pray for grace and endurance. On some days, the flesh will fight for victory.
The devil will always suffice in human form. People who have sworn to serve the devil will serve as a source of temptation and trial. It's a journey of dying everyday to to the flesh. Today, I recommend the peace and salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ. If you're following and reading, and haven't experienced it, I hope that you'll do so earnestly.
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Until one encounter God and receive the holy Spirit within, everything he or she hears about Christianity will just look like a ceremony.
Hopefully , u have heard this statement? : "a canal man cannot understand the things of the spirit"
It's not enough to answer a Christian , but to really be crucified with him. Be totally transformed by the renewal of the mind
Btw, This is an unusual blog from u Joe...this one is deep!!!!..lol
Thanks for sharing ♥️!
I was a regular church goer for years without even understanding anything Christianity while living in my old life. I have come to realize that Christianity is different from just attending church. I think God for saving me. Even though this isn't how I wanted it to be, I'm glad it wasn't too late for me..
I usually share my faith journey, although most time I mix it with other experiences. Let's say, sometimes I'll create stuffs to talk about the awareness of Jesus Christ.
Yea, I have read related blogs of u like this but this one is deep
That was a beautiful sermon
Thank you
You are right arguing over religion brings to nowhere because everyone thinks to be right
Yes. I'll rather choose enlightenment than argument, this is the way of the Lord.
Christianity just like you mentioned is a lifestyle, and if one doesn't have a personal relationship with the holy Spirit they will never understand this.
At first the journey is usually not an easy one but with total dependence on the the person and ministry of holy Spirit it becomes easy
Thanks. Yes you're right. It's a lifestyle. Years back we when we growing up, we saw Christianity as attending church and singing on Sundays.
Growing up, I've come to realize it's more than that. Sometimes we also have to experience spiritual change.
There's no doubt that people spend hours arguing whether or not God exists. It's already written in the scripture that "Fools say to themselves, there's no God." So it must be fulfilled.
Being a regular to church services, hearing the Word written in the scriptures, without experiencing the transformation that comes with it is just like pouring water on a cocoyam leaf. It'll wash away the next minute.
When we say that we're Christians, we should show ourselves approved that we really are. That means doing away with the former life, finding and knowing the truth, and experiencing the salvation that comes with it.
It is never easy, but the light of God will lead us through the right path.
Thanks haha. I tried deliberately not quoting that place that says: a fool says in his heart that there's no God.
This is because who knows, someone who is reading might want to experience God when they come across this post. So even though they are fools for questioning the existence of God, they won't feel bad.
Since a fool is also welcome to experience the grace and transformation of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It's never easy because the temptation and the trial of the world will always come.
It's something to consider, and I remember talking a few people who preached Christianity with people. I think that there are good things to consider from religion even if I am not Christian. It just depends on how people look at things, and I agree that arguing over religion seems pointless. People will do what they will do.
Yeah, people who are Christians are touted to have Christ-like attitude and lifestyle. Generally when you talk to them you can feel it and it is an infectious attitude that makes you want to also experience that change too.
Greetings @josediccus ,
If I may...I shall leave a few thoughts which may clarify some things you have said in your excellent post.
Principle:
Religion is man seeking the approbation of God through his own works.
Christianity is God seeking man through the work of Christ on the cross.
The Bible says 'Believe' on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved....All anyone has to do is believe and they are a Christian.
Unsaved Mankind can only understand the Gospel message....the rest of the Bible is spiritual phenomenon which is 'foolishness' to them.
There are two points of decision in Christianity.
First....What think ye of Christ? yes, I believe in Christ for salvation/eternal life...equals now a believer/a Christian
The other...Post salvation decision...What think ye of the Word of God/ Bible doctrines...yes...I want to know...What does the Bible say....or no, I shall see you in eternity God....I do not want to know what the Bible says...equals still a believer/Still has eternal life....just one who is out of fellowship....without reward in eternity...without a spiritual life ...which only comes through knowledge of the Word of God. Romans 12.2....'Renovated in our thinking..'
Kindest Regards,
Bleujay
Thank you for the clarity and differentiation in the two statements. For every Christian. I think the journey is about God, and getting to know him better. Having a goal of heaven and as you've said, the doctrines of God and the Bible..
We cannot truly know God until we study the word. I have been doing that for a while now, and truly the Bible is filled with mystery and knowledge that is capable of enriching one's knowledge about God..
Thank you for the detailed response, I truly appreciate.