I feel that to be a Christian, you just need to say "I am a Christian".

The rest is just details between me and God. If you feel that you need a passing grade of some sort, well then, that list of qualifying details is between you and God. Bless you for trying so hard but as individuals, we just can't all get in the same boat.

I think being a Christian means not only believing in Jesus, but living the way he would want us to. That means not just talking about doing certain things, but actually doing them. To take a stand for what you know is right even if it means you will be mocked. Try to set an example that others may want to follow and don't be a hypocrite.

DO A BARREL ROLL

this thread is an epic fail

Being a Christian has to be 24/7. Its part of you or should be part of you like eating and breathing. After all, our goal is to be with God in Heaven.

The first half of what ABC said sounds great to me. I don't give a rat's patootie about heaven, though.

I wonder if seeing the future was part of
Christ's agony on the cross.

Christianity is a dead monument to the
living Christ.

What if your surname is Christian? Hmmn...like Mr Christian in "Mutiny on the Bounty"?

Then you don't have to do diddly squat to say "I'm a Christian"

Come to that...if you're Spanish...there' a good chance that your name is Jesus, then you can just wake up every morning and say, completely truly, "I am Jesus" (or me llamo Jesus).

Sorry..it must be morning banality time.

I think the best thing a Christian could do would to read the New Testament in a quiet spot, by themselves, perhaps with a glass of red wine, from beginning to end.

It's like watching a tv series on dvd is much better than the choppy wait for a week for the next episode. You get the whole arc of the story and characters. Also, it is best to watch it, without reading any reviews first; that way you get to view it without bias.

By approaching the New Testament this way, you develop a solid understanding of what it means to you and your life experiences. When you have this solid personal "theology", other people's input can be helpful or off putting but you will know the difference.

I say the New Testament, because I think Jesus updates, mirrors and reforms many of the messages of the Old Testament. Read the OT later.

When you understand what Jesus is asking you to do, then you can figure out if the best way to do that is through a church, other organizations and simply in your daily life.

Let me add:

I say read the New Testament, because I think Jesus updates, mirrors and reforms many of the messages of the Old Testament. Read the OT later and you will see what a reformer, dare I say heretic, Jesus truly was and how he interpreted the OT message for his time.

My little prayer :

God, You fill me with Hope "” but where am I?
Sometimes, You let me drift on a shore-less ocean of cloying abundance.
Sometimes I feel like a car, locked up tight with no driver in sight, in the only "˜No Parking' spot of an otherwise deserted carpark that stretches as far as the eye can see.
At other times I seem to wander stunned among interminable ruins of humanity's own making. Sometimes I'm in a throng and everyone's talking at once.
You are everywhere, I know. Why can't You just be Some Place?
Why is it so difficult for me to set clear bearings towards You, instead of carting my ungainly load of infinitudes and "˜big things' from one too-small waystop to the next?
Why are You so big? Why do You love unconditionally? Why do You send me away from each cozy little wayside place of certitude just as I am starting to get really warmed up?
Why do You need to do all this stuff? It's not reasonable. For every "˜this', You're a "˜that'; for every "˜me' You're "˜my neighbour'; for every idea I've ever had, You're an unsettling "˜truth' "” You respond to a simple hope by unleashing some oversized potential, and all the responsibilities that go with it "” why? Why can't You be more like me? And where am I in Your plan of things anyway? Am I even it it?
Which way should I be headed?
Why are You not going to tell me?
And why do I know what's coming next "¦
more Hope! Always more Hope!

Even with a theological degree, I have to confess I spend very little time studying the Bible. I do spend a LOT of time trying to live out some of the most meaningful passages (to me). Including: What does God require of you but to do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with your God. the Sermon on the Mount and "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me....". There's lots more and it's a lot to live. I personally make financial sacrifices so that I can do work that allows me to live this and I sometimes find that's the hardest walk of all.

What it means to ba a Christian? Simpily knowing that you are unconditionally loved. No matter what you have done in the past or what you might do in the future, God all ready knows.

Psalm 139 1-5
O Lord, you have examined my heart and you know everything about me.
You know when I sit down or stand up.
You know my thoughts even when I'm far away.
You see me when I travel and when I rest at home.
You know everything I do.
You know everything I say even before I say it, Lord.
You go before me and you follow me.
You place your hand of blessing upon my head.

Can it get any clearer than that?

"What it means to ba a Christian? Simpily knowing that you are unconditionally loved."

Hmmm...Under this definition, many Jews and Muslims and lots of other people could be called Christian...and I don't know if they would appreciate that. I know I wouldn't. (I hate when people label me something I do not identify as.)

The definition of Christian is tricky --many assume it indicates a specific relationship with Jesus Christ, but Jesus did not use this term. Lots of questions around the word itself, so I believe the word and definition is entirely personal.

I cannot let go of my idea that "Christian" means "believeing that Jesus is one's saviour and means to salvation". Since I do not believe that Jesus is my savior/means to salvation" and since I believe that Jesus would be irked by the idea that a person would, I do not identify myself as Christian.

My understanding is that "Christian" refers to one who is a follower of the Christ, which is another word for Messiah. By common usage, it is presumed that the Christ in question is the Jew named Jesus.

What exactly one needs to do to be a follower of the Christ is an issue that is up for much debate. Much, much, debate. Because of that, the general practice has been to allow people to self-define. It's a messy system, and it doesn't really work, but so far any of the alternatives end up causing more problems than they solve.

Being Christian involves a willing suspension of disbelief in the face of overwhelming evidence and common sense. Among other things.

What church would Jesus go to and
how much blood would be in the streets
from his search for the right one?

blah, it is clear that you have absolutely no understandning of the nature of faith, religion, or history. Why not take your proselytization somewhere else? Is there not a street corner near you and do you not have a proper soapbox?

Really? Prove it. Explain how my post immediately above is false.

blah, you wouldn't understand the answer. You are motivated by bigotry and the only thing that will save you from it is some sort of personal revelation. I hope someday that you will see some light, if not religious, at least intellectual. Now, I am going to start avoiding you entirely, even though there is no convenient ignore button as there is in chat rooms. Have a nice life.

Don't be ridiculous. My English skills are perfectly fine. At least have the balls to admit you can't explain it.

RevMatt, again your posts are very telling. You say that you don't care for Heaven. I find it unbelievable that a Minister of Christ would say such a thing. But, I guess that is what the United Church breeds. Very sad.

Being a Christian first means becoming one.

The Bible is clear on this: becoming a Christian means to recognize you are a sinner, for all [not some] have sinned and fallen short of the Glory of God [and] there is none [not just a few] righteousness, not not one. That's the bad news. The Good news is that God sent His only begetton Son to do two things for those that come to him by grace through faith to seek salvation. Indeed, this is what the Lord accomplished: (i) Christ lived under the law and did not sin, (ii) He gave Himself to die on the cross (the penalty to us all for breaking God's perfect holy law) taking the penalty of sin on Himself for us. As a result, all those that come to Christ for salvation an incredible thing occurs: his righteousness is "imputed" (or accounted to) our account and our unrightousness is imputed (or accounted to) to His account. This alone makes one a Christian. What? Christ's righteousness becomes ours; that is, those that come to Him alone to be saved. Heaven is a perfect place with no death (the result of sin) and no curse. That is because only those that are born-again will be in heaven, only those that have the righteousness of Christ accounted to their account. Only Christ's perfect and spotless righteousness is accepted in heaven.

Rom 7:24 to 8:1 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord... There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

sola scriptura

Dear Slapdash,

You wrote: "The definition of Christian is tricky --many assume it indicates a specific relationship with Jesus Christ, but Jesus did not use this term."

Truth writes in response: The term 'Christian' identified Christ's disciples and followers. In Act 11 we read, "And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord... **And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."**

Truth also writes in response: The definition of being a true Christian is anything but tricky when we study the Bible. A Christian is someone who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ and turned unto the Lord in repentenance from their sin. The 'foolishness' of preaching is the vehicle the Lord uses to teach a person this. Bad and erronous preaching = counterfiet "Christians" who believe a lie and generally rely on their own good works or notions and ideas. In contrast the Lord uses the "foolishness" of sound Biblical preaching to bring to nought the "wisdom" of the so-called wise. Indeed, the scriptures are able to make one wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Slapdash wrote: I cannot let go of my idea that "Christian" means "believeing that Jesus is one's saviour and means to salvation".

Truth responds: You are correct to note that by not believing that Jesus Christ is the only means to one's salvation you are not personally saved and cannot profess to be a Christian or follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God.

Slapdash wrote: Since I do not believe that Jesus is my savior/means to salvation" and since I believe that Jesus would be irked by the idea that a person would, I do not identify myself as Christian.

Truth responds: You are on fast sinking sand to state that the Lord Jesus Christ would be irked by that idea; namely, that He is the only means to salvation. Indeed, Christ is the only means to salvation, so say the scriptures time and again.

Truth further notes: The Old Testm. and New Testm are replete with verses stating Christ is the only Saviour. The very first prophecy of the Messiah is found in Genesis 1:15, right after Adam and Eve sinned against their Loving Creator. The whole of the Old Testm speaks of Christ being the ONLY Saviour, the Lamb of God that taketh away sin. (Luke 24:25-27) says: Then Jesus said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. In the New Testm we read (1Ti 2:5) "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus". (Mat 1:21) And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for **he shall save his people from their sins**." (Joh 3:16-17) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that **whosoever believeth in him** should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world **through him** might be saved. (Joh 6:40) And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and **believeth on him**, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. (Rev 1:5) And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto **him** that loved us, and washed us from our sins in **his own** blood.

Respectfully, I say therefore that Slapdash is wholly incorrect to say that Christ is not the only means of salvation -- and I say that based on the authority of divine scripture, not my own opinion, which means nothing at the end of the day.

To sum up my thoughts above: (1Jo 4:14) And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

Believe on Him and be saved!

Christ Alone, The Scriptures Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, For God's Glory Alone. The 5 Pillars.

Sola Scriptura

Blah wonders.... why is Truth referring to himself in the 3rd person?

Hello Blah,

I write in whatever tense seems to work for a given response or thought. I do, however, sometimes get my tenses mixed up at times in my rush to get a thought down.

Truth

Dear Blah,

I was intrigued by your earlier comment.

If I understand you I think you were saying that being a Christian means you have to first ignore your disbelief which only then can allow you to believe that which is untrue, or against common sense in your words. Is that what you mean? If so, I understand your sentiment and would expect you to think being a Christian a most foolish thing.

(1Co 1:18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1Co 2:14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

When the Living God of Heaven speaks to you (He speaks to us generally today through General Revelation - the world around us has His signature so that we are without excuse, and through Special Revelation - the presevered Word of God, the Holy Bible, that can make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus). I trust you may be like the Apostle Paul who likewise thought Christians a most foolish and ignomious bunch -- until He saw Christ for himself, then all that changed.

I challenge you to read the Holy Bible from cover to cover, all 66 books. I further challenge you to ask God - if there is a God as you will likely say - to speak to you through His Word. Start in the book of John in the NTestm. If there really is a heaven and hell and if there really is a God -- you need to know about Him and respond.

Don't be like those on the Titanic who, following a nice meal and tucked away in a warm comfortable cabin room, responded not to the bangs on their door to escape to the "foolish" little life boats.

He is real and He is not silent. And one day ALL will bow the knee to Him alone and confess that Jesus Christ is LORD to the glory of God the Father. You will either bow on this side of eternity - in a day of grace and forgiveness - or you will bow on the other side of eternity, in a day of judgement. But you will, as will I, bow the knee to the King of the Universe.

Sola Scriptura.

I have read the bible and I don't buy it. And I don't buy your assertion that there is one god who has power over all humans.

How do you explain the 150 million Shinto followers? They believe in millions of gods.

The billiion or so Hindus? They have dozens of gods.

How about the half-billion Buddhists?

Or what about the billion and some who believe in no religion?

You are correct to state there are millions of people who believe in dozens of gods. But these are false gods, not the one and only true God. I assert that based on the authority of scripture, not my own assertion.

It is not the degree of "faith" a person has, but the object of faith that is either saving or damning. I may have faith that if I sit on a given chair -a chair, let's say, that will collapse if sat on - that it will hold me up, I may really believe and have faith that it will, and so I attach all my belief to that object if you will. The problem is that the object will, at the last, fail me. Lots of "faith" but the wrong object. All religions outside of what is revealed in scripture is like that. Lots of faithful followers, but the object will fail them at the last.

Of course if you do not believe the Bible is the inspired Word of God, then the other gods idea fits in. If you do believe that the Bible is the actual Word of God, then you will believe there is one God -- if you are faithful to scripture. The Bible is replete with commands not to worship or follow any "god" but only the one true God, as revealed in scripture. This goes against the current popular notion that many paths (Buddist, Hindu's, et al) lead to God; however, that is not what the Bible teaches.

I expect to see many religions in the world having many followers, the scriptures tell us so: (Joh 3:19) And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

The Christ of the Holy Scriptures is the only object on which to place our faith on for, at the last, He will and is the only object which will remain eternally faithful.

Sola Scriptura

Blah writes:

"I have read the bible and I don't buy it. And I don't buy your assertion that there is one god who has power over all humans.
How do you explain the 150 million Shinto followers? They believe in millions of gods. The billiion or so Hindus? They have dozens of gods.
How about the half-billion Buddhists?" (No God- they worship big tummies and statues))

You'd think with all these gods and non-gods that there would be a war going on between them for control of the world and universe.

Actually there is.

Do you think all these gods are just a bunch of aliases for Satan and all his demons? He is the father of lies!

By the way, our one God has power over all things but He lovingly doesn't push it on us. He knows that the world (Satans kingdom) alone will beat us up and we will walk through the consequences. He has rules for our benefit but it is people who push tem at us like a big stick.

The devil says: "Come on you can do that. It's alright. Everyone else is doing it."
Then when you bite, he says: "Oh, God won't be very happy with you"
You see the devil doesn't like you even when you're on his team. He hates everything God has made cause he wants to be god.
Well, he's called the prince, but "the prince of darkness".
Gives me shivers but I rest in my salvation.

Be Blessed :>)

Hey Blah. Are you and MadMonk the same guy or brothers. You both seem to have the same answers and fall to certain words sometimes disguised as D---ashes.
Just wondering. No offense intended.

Yes, but other religions have teachings and scriptures that are just as adamant as yours about being the "truth" or the "one true whatever." It's breathtakingly arrogant to simply dismiss them as "false gods."

There cannot be two truths that are opposite or conflicting, just as there cannot be two or more Gods. There can only be 1 Almighty, otherwise God would not be Almighty. You cannot have the Bible that says there is only One way to heaven and then assert that there are many ways to heaven. One is true, the other is not.

Blah noted: "It's breathtakingly arrogant to simply dismiss them (religions other than Biblically based Christianity) as 'false gods.' " Then you have inadvertently just said that the Bible is arrogant and by extension the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Bible and Christ assert that "I AM the Way, the Truth, and the Life and no person comes unto the Father but through me".

Sola Scriptura (The Scriptures Alone).

Ok. We're going around in circles. There is proof that the bible is wrong, it's contradictory. Things in it are not true. How do you deal with that?

And how do you deal with other scriptures that contradict those YOU choose to follow?

Hey Truth, you took the words out of my mouth. Stand firm my fellow pilot.

Be Blessed

Ok, I'll wade in here.

I'm not going to deal with the term "˜proof'. We once had proof that the Earth was flat and the center of the Universe. Moving on.

The bible is a collection of stories, myths, and fables compiled by committee. It was written by humans, which I think most of can agree are somewhat less than perfect. Of course there are imperfections and contradictions! It is a tool that people can use to help them try to live a meaningful and peaceful existence. Where is the harm in that?

Yes, horrific things have been done in that name of religion. In general, even the most extreme Christians will not deny that. However, given the way that the UCC uses the bible, I don't think we run the risk of becoming a militant sect.

Now, your second question does raise an interesting point. If you approach scriptures as the completely unadulterated and wholly unquestionable source of truth, then, yes, there will be problems. Keep in mind, these texts were written at different times when different activities were acceptable or unacceptable. What may be appropriate for a nomadic people may not work well for a more urban community "“ historical context needs to be taken into consideration.