Author	Thread: Living the Christian Life - What does it Mean?
Admin	Living the Christian Life - What does it Mean? Posted : 19 May, 2012 04:58 AM There has been much debate and even more confusion about what it means to be a Christian. In this present day and age there are many groups and denominations, all with their unique brand and method for following Christ in "Good Faith." The question for all of us is this... What's the difference and how much does it really matter? The 4th chapter of Acts records the events of the 1st century Apostles, men that Jesus identified as believers and charged with the task of being "His Witnesses", spreading "His Word of Truth", and making "Disciples" or followers of "His Way." The passages describe how Peter and John were brought before the Sanhedrin (the religious counsel) because they were preaching and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. All this took place around the healing of a cripple man by Peter which the counsel could not refute. Peter and John were threatened and had imposed upon them the rules of the counsel leadership. Living the Christian life must involve following the example of Jesus (...I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. John 8:28), and not allowing the rules of religion or the traditions of men to hinder us. It means forming a relationship with God that is steadfast and unmovable. Take a look at the Apostles reply to the counsel. Acts 4:19-20 ...�Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God�s sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.� Jesus said that His Apostles would be His witnesses. Every witness that has ever taken the stand in any court can only testify to what they have seen or heard, nothing more or less. Becoming a believer or "Disciple of Christ" is adopting a way of life that allows us to live with the same conviction of the Apostles. After their release, Peter and John prayed to speak "The Word" with great boldness (Acts 4:29). The emphasis is placed on "The Word of God", not the rules of religion. This is the foundation of "The Church" and verse 32 says very clearly that all the believers were one in heart and mind... not the same denomination or religious order. As Paul pointed out in his letter to the church of Ephesus... Ephesians 4:4-7 There is one body and one Spirit �just as you were called to one hope when you were called � one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. For more discussion on Christian Living, visit my column online. Go To - mattmilamii.hubpages.com "Blessings" Post Reply
View Profile History	Living the Christian Life - What does it Mean? Posted : 30 May, 2012 07:11 AM Following Christ for most is to LOVE. The reality we are all here for love but most important we are here because we all have failed to love. If we have loved our wives or respected our husbands they would never had need to abandon us. Even though the reality is some peoples need for love goes to great for any mortal to fill. This is why God who has abundent love has given his son. Let us grow in the purity of Agape love that is true christianity. Post Reply