AUTHENTIC CHRISTIANITY

Authentic Christianity

Well, guys! there is something that I wanted to address as we continue with our studies. This past month a friend was sharing and then these words come out. “When it comes to people of the other faiths it’s not my place to judge them but just share Christ and love them which in return God will use to transform them.”  well put especially if all you want is to keep your peace but from a close look something is totally wrong and I want to share on this.

First of all, Christianity is the true way to God and this is done through Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:8-9 “for by grace you have been saved through faith and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God. Not a result of works so that no one may boast.” And also to be clear I am not referring to the phony Christians who are not really Christians but a people who just like to feed upon consecration services and dedication meetings.  Using the right terms and behaves in the proper orthodoxy but the result is hate and pushing people away from Christ-like what we see with some in this era of racial issues. But the person I am referring to is one who has become a true imitator of Christ.

One who lives his life like Christ did this is because we do agree that he was indeed man and he faced the same limitations we do face as humans. Hebrews 4:15 shows us this in clear wording, and 1^st peter 2:21 “to this you were called because Christ suffered for you leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps” something that shows the true mark of an authentic Christian. One may be quick to say that this is impossible as we like stating there is no man who is perfect, but the apostle Paul pushes the same idea in 1^st Corinthians 11:1 when he rallies to say follow me as I follow Christ meaning it’s not just believing in Christ but a change of character and behavior and all the other elements of human life should imitate the likeness of Christ.

I will state five marks of authentic Christian and friends it’s not about head knowledge but a practical way of living;

1)      Having the spirit of thankfulness – this is even in the middle of suffering and hardship, a true Christian will still give thanks to God for everything that they are going through. It doesn’t mean that they won’t hurt or lament or even at times doubt, still, they will be full of thankfulness despite the struggle. Acts 16 Paul and Silas are in prison and guess what they are singing

2)      Having hope –it is  key as Romans 5:5 tells us “ and Hope does not put us to shame, because Gods love has been poured into our hearts through the holy spirit who has been given to us.” An authentic Christian holds on to the hope in Christ in the hardest and sweetest of times because hope is the power behind our endurance.

3)      Impact wherever they go- 2^nd Corinthians 2:15-16 “for we are to God the aroma of Christ among those that are being saved (note it’s not those that are saved) and those who are perishing. To the one, we are the smell of death to the other the fragrance of life. And who is equal to such a task?”  Well, there is a lot to say on all the points but a summary are you the salt and light or just a Christian by name?

4)      A person of integrity – here I will as well state four aspects of the integrity which are;

·         Speaking with sincerity

·         Commissioned by God and authenticates our purpose on earth

·         Walk in the sight of God meaning honesty to all accounts

·         Do all this with authority in Christ.

                      This makes them people who their word is their bond and they do what they say trustworthy.

5)      Undeniable realistic- this indeed is evident that their lives are visible to all and things are being done in the open and not secret. Christianity is evident in the change seen in the life of a believer and Paul writes this to the Corinthians and refers to them as letters  “ this is your confirmation you are walking letters were written by the spirit of God in your heart” the change cannot be hidden but all see it. I wonder with today’s Christianity where its only God who knows it yet we the witnesses have nothing to witness as the change in your life.

And of course, the counterfeit will always try to appear to have all this and others that I may not have put here today but reality will always push them to expose the pretense and as Paul states, we will know that the reason they left is because they were not for us to begin with. The secret is this being a Christian doesn’t authenticate it but living as a Christian then all the above become evident better put will be working out your salvation which then authenticates your faith and friends this is God who works in us both to will and to do of his good pleasure ( Philippians 2:13)

Shalom.