Christian Living

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE CALLED

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
01/19/16
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" Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus".(Philippians 3:12-14)

What  do you like to be called, a Christian,  Religious , a member of an occult, etc.  As for me, please don't label me  Christian.  You see,  in today's socially correct  environment, I  just don't feel like being labeled a " Christian".  Please, let me explain.

In today's political correct world, which is controlled by Satan  (Ephesians 6:12),  the label Christian brings with it certain connotations. This is due in part, to some of the so-called occults calling themselves Christian.  And when this happens, the main stream news media has a "hay day. And guess what happens ? Being a true Christian is suddenly, and without cause belittled.  Our testimony, as follows of Christ (Philippians 1:21),  is also suddenly portrayed  as less impressive or important than appearances indicate, and is depreciated or disparaged.

First a bit of history. The term 'Christian' was first used to describe a follower of Christ  The term Christian is referenced three times in scripture.  The first recorded use of the term ":Christian" is found in the New Testament book of (Acts 11:26). The second mention was in (Acts 26:28). And the third  mention is in the book of (1 Peter 4:16).

The Bible takes a strong stand against the occult. God created us (Genesis 1:27) in His own image, and if we are saved, God owns us (Psalm 66:18-20). So He has the right to rule over us.  Times have certainly changed, however, down through the ages. And sad to say, the majority opinion is negative, with respect to Christians. This is partly true, I feel due to the end times being upon us (2 Timothy 3: 1:5,7,13).

Why do I not want to be termed a Christian, you may ask ? Well, just look around you, at the socially correct news media. Yes, I almost hate to use that term, as the term Christian immediately brings with it all the negative connotations it receives in today’s society. Christians are now seen as judgmental, condescending, or “holier than thou. And in some incidences, are even labeled a  terrorist, believe it or not. And if any believer is arrested, for wrong doing, the label given, by the news media, is "Christian". The bottom line, these type labeled really hurt a true believer's testimony.

So, why  label me a Christian, and cause Satan to get the victory over my testimony.? Please, I had rather be know, as a follow of Christ (Philippians 4:8). I am then free to give my own testimony, of what Christ has done for me (Colossians 3:1-2). Having excepted Christ death on the cross, I am now redeemed by the blood of Christ, by His Grace through my faith.( Ephesians 2:8-9 ). Amen

 Author's Post Script

When we turn our back on God's scripture principles, when we rebel against Him, we suffer the consequences. Is this happening now, in the form of a "national judgment" ? I think yes. Just read your local newspaper, tune into your national TV news, surf the internet, or talk with your neighbor across the back yard fence. As mentioned before hand in this article, to be labeled a Christian, in today's social environment, brings with it many negative connotations. So, stand up and be counted, be counted as a followed of Christ (1 Cor 11:1).

God is a loving God. But He is also a God of judgment. It's all through the Old Testament and the New Testament. God will not stand for flesh exalting itself or doing as it pleases. We reap what we sow in all cases. God is pure and He is Holy. He cannot lie.

Yes, Jesus preached love and acceptance, but he also preached against Sin. We are to love the sinner while despising the sin. The Word of God tells us We cannot judge the person as only God is the final authority and judge of our lives. But, we are supposed to judge the "fruit" of one's life and admonish those that do not follow the nature of God in the personal life. In other words, we are to be "fruit inspectors".

So, are you a true God fearing Christian (Philippians 1:21), or is the titled claimed just in name only?  Do you profess to be a Christian but your heart and soul and being are not really involved? Is your belief in God and Christ merely a convenient emotional crutch to help you get through life? If you were suddenly arrested for the gospel, would you even be convicted ? Would there be sufficient evidence of you being a Christian? Would there be any evidence at all, according to the scripture.? Or are you a Christian in name only, because it is simply politically correct to be labeled a Christian,  because it helps you in your business, and so on ?  

You can know that you are saved. Your salvation can be assured. God has  planned your life from the very beginning, He also planned your salvation, as well  (Ephesians 1:4) ( 1 Peter 1:18). It was God's sovereign plan (1 Timothy 2:4–6) ( Ephesians 1:5, 11). And it pleases Him  to express His will through scripture (Ephesians 1:9). His  final eternal at plan has not yet come to proration, but it will occur, as He promised it will in the future (1 Corinthians 15:28). Because it is promised and locked in His Word (1 Timothy 4:9–11). And God cannot change (Malachi 3:6).

God's all important "plan of Salvation"  has already been accomplished by God through Christ. As a believer in Christ’s life, death, and resurrection, you are sealed by God through His Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13, 4:30). Everyone’s salvation is assured, but the fulfillment will occur later, as mention before ( 1 Timothy 2:4–6) ( Romans 5:18–19) ( Colossians 1:15–20) (Philippians 2:5–11).

 PLEASE CONCLUDE THIS ARTICLE BY READING (Ephesians 5:1-33)