What Kind of Christian Do You Want to Be?
Lam. 3:40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
INTRO: What kind of Christian do you want to be?
Casual Christians – So-so about the Lord’s Work!
Self-gain drives their "Christianity" – Simon - Acts 8:13-25
Acts 8:13 - 25 13Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.
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Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:15
Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost:16
(For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)17
Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.18
And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,19
Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.20
But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.21
Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.22
Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.23
For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of iniquity.24
Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.25
And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.They trust in themselves alone - Luke 18:9-14
Luke 18:9 - 14 9And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:
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Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican.11
The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican.12
I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.13
And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.14
I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.1 Corinthians 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
As long as the cost is not too great - John 6:60-67
John 6:60 - 67 60Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
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When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?62
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?63
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.64
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.65
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.66
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.67
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?Here are some ways to describe casual Christians…
Conceited
Complacent
Cool
Cold
Callous
Cheerless
Conflicting
Complainers
Cancerous
Now I would hope that we all at New Beginnings would want to be…
Committed Christians – Serious about the Lord’s Work
On the water, not in the harbor – Acts 27:40
Acts 27:40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.
Entrusted totally – 2 Tim 1:12
2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
Trusting in Him totally – 1 Pet. 2:23
1 Peter 2:23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
Serving Him solemnly – Mark 10:44
Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.
Even when in trouble or despair - Acts 16:25
Acts 16:25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.
Consistent
Consecrated
Compliant
Charged up
Capable (Through Him)
Compassionate
Contagious
Conveyor of Christ
What Kind of Christian Do You Want to Be?
Gary Marcum - New Beginnings Church - 060307pm - first used 060798am (modified)