~~Frequently Asked Questions~~
What is a Christian?
A "Christian" isn't just someone who goes to church ten times a week. They're not noxiously "good people" who live impossibly restricted lives in which it is a sin to do everything but read your Bible. I know that so many negative stereotypes have been created against Christians in today's society, and I know that Christians in general haven't exactly been doing everything they could to discourage those labels. However, if you look in the Bible, you can read what God considers to be a true Christian:
John 6:40 - For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. See, God wants you to be a Christian! This is also the most important aspect of becoming one -- without believing in Jesus, no one can be a "bonafide Christian." (Romans 10:9, John 3:36)
II Corinthians 5:17 - If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new is come! This is the one of the best parts of being a Christian -- there is an honest change, a feeling that you have thrown away every single little bit of yourself that you don't like and gained a brand new start. Say you're not a Christian and you already like yourself? Wait until you get Jesus! (Hebrews 10:14, Proverbs 8:35, Romans 7:18-25)
I John 3:9 - No one who is born of God will continue sin, because God's seed remains in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. The keyword here is continue -- a true Christian will not constantly practice sin; that is, do the same wrong thing over and over. It doesn’t mean that Christians don't sin all together. Nobody's perfect, but God is forgiving to those who are sincerely sorry for their actions and who try to change. (Nehemiah 9:17, Acts 3:19)
Why would someone want to become a Christian?
I know that the "fire and brimstone" message has become synonymous with Christianity in many aspects, but going to heaven after you die isn't the only thing you get for becoming a Christian. What about right here, right now? God tells us exactly what we get in exchange for just believing!
Hebrews 13:6 - The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? If you trust the Lord, he will never leave you. You will always have someone on your side, a confidante, a protector. It comes in handy! (Psalm 27, Mark 5:36)
I Peter 3:12 - For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their prayer.Whether you need a parking spot or an "A" on an exam, God listens to the prayers of his believers . . . sometimes it won't be the answer you want to hear, but He's there! (James 5:13-16, Phillipians 4:6, Mark 11:22-25)
John 14:26-27 - the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. Jesus has promised us peace -- do you feel as if something is missing in your life, or like nothing can make you content? God has offered to fill this void. Are you going to accept? (Luke 11:11-15, Ephesians 2:14)
Who can become a Christian?
I've known people with the attitude of "I'm too bad -- God doesn't want to forgive me." Don't put words into His mouth! The Bible speaks very plainly about who is eligible for salvation . . . everyone!
Romans 10:13 - Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. This is a great promise. It doesn't say "only Catholics" or "only people with blue hair." Everyone can be saved!
Do you have more questions? Email me at didaskaleinophobiac@angelfire.com. If I can't answer them, I'll point you towards someone who can.
