What Is A Christian?

amadeus said:

God does not let us see everything, but He lets us see some things and when He does He may [or may not according to His will on the thing] also let us know that that is what is happening in the moment. We cannot put God in a box deciding that "no one can [ever] discern the ones who are real". They can if God has allowed it to be so.

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I think that was pretty well-said. Putting God in a box forsakes fear of Him.

GodsGrace said:

Should we make up a new word that has real meaning?
Sometimes I hear people say that they're a BELIEVER.
Maybe "believer" should become the new word for Christian?
But then we might ask...believer of what?....??

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Actually a Christian is one who is a disciple of Jesus and adheres to His teachings. Such individuals were not called Christians until a time after the acencion of Jesus into Heaven as recorded in the book of Acts. That was the first time the Dicples of Jesus were referred to as Christians. So if such Christians are not believers of Jesus teachings and that Eternal life is a result of Jesus' death, resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven then these "Christians" are not Disciples of Jesus, even if they say they are Christians, go to church on Sundays etcetra. Today, every disciple of Jesus is a Christian. But not every christian is a Diciple of Jesus.

GodsGrace said:

Hi Speedy,
Thanks for posting.
Actually, we did have a conversation some time ago.
What you say is true.
IJ'

Thanks for posting this.
I'm VERY happy you left Christian Science. It probably wasn't easy for you to do this. I've heard that they just don't want anyone to leave. Much as the JW's. Maybe worse...

Also, you stated that the church is not the answer,
Jesus is the answer.

Amen to that.

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Thanks, I'm happy I left, too - it honestly wasn't awful because they have such a poor view of salvation. BUT with that said, it was still a struggle, and I'm glad you understand that.

GodsGrace said:

A religion is when God is followed.

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or at least comfy rituals

bbyrd009 said:

or at least comfy rituals

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You're right, there's this problem where we want a comfortable view of the Lord. God isn't always comfortable, because he wants our hearts. Hopefully this video will help make that clear, if it wasn't already (feel free to show it to someone who may have issues grasping this important concept):

GodsGrace said:

I meant that the resurrection does need to be believed to be called a Christian.

I do, however, agree with everything you've said.
I hate putting God into a box.
In fact, I like Romans 1:19-20

God was ALWAYS known to some, and they were Always saved by their loving knowledge of God.

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"In fact, I like Romans 1:19-20"<---me too and I also liken this one to this too: Romans 2:14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.

aspen said:

They also must confront their own prejudice against the doctrines

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Lol, yes-if not, there will be strife!

GodsGrace said:

Who says so?
THE NEW TESTAMENT.
If the following is incorrect, you can show how.

These are the steps to becoming a Christian:

1. You HEAR the word, or you find out somehow about Jesus.
Romans 10:17

2. You BELIEVE what you've heard. You TRUST in Jesus.
Acts 16:30-31

3. You REPENT and turn away from satan and turn TO GOD.
Mark 1:15

4. You are BAPTISED, as Jesus said to do, although you are already saved at this point.
Mark 16:16

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In a nutshell