Are All “Christians” Christian?

[SPRINGFIELD_XD_40]

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@springfield

Do you mean business like money-making? Kung mao ni imong malink mosugot ka kung ato pud i-link ang catholicism sa politics? Bati kung mao na atong ma comment, diba?

I have no problem taking it by heart because it is true . Ikaw nadawat na nimo that CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS na nag sulputan are indeed a BUSINESS in the form of a MONEY MAKING SCHEME ?

I believe, the true Christians is the universal body of believers of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is comprised whether a Catholic, baptists, protestants, born again, etc.) as long as you believe Jesus Christ as your Saviour and you have this personal relationship with God in the Spirit.

Set aside the fanaticism bai . Even an ATHEIST who acts and lives by words and deeds in the truest CHRISTIAN WAY , mas malangit pa na sila kaysa nimo . That is a fact.

Kana kay wala ma accept, it only means that it is insufficient for me based on my understanding sa bible. To tell you honestly bro gamay ra akong nabaloan but Ill give you an analogy why we need to know the bible; When you say that what you believed about the (veneration) of the pope, virgin mary and the saints is in line with the truth, I do not agree with that coz I also view it as did not coincide with my view of truth. If you will force us to believe in your interpretation, what if we will ask you to believe also with our interpretation? so dili magdaug kay we have differences man in our ideas. So in order for us to really know the truth, we should seek guidance to something more authoritative antique referent, in which case the BIBLE coz it’s hard to posit something which you have no or lacking foundation.

The fact remains , you dont have a choice but to accept it as is since it is not your belief and tradition. You have to accept it that thats how the RC's deals its practices biblically , traditionally , spiritually and physically.

The problem with you and to those who share the FANATICISM of the bible , the only AUTHORITATIVE REFERENCE you have are your OPINIONS and PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING of the bible . Unless you would change your stand na di diay na imoha but of your pastors na gi share lang s aimoha , still it will apply gihapon kutob sa kinsay ni share sa pastor nimo and so on and so forth.

Although some denominations makes it more sad because they claim instead of preach. Kahibalo ka kins ani sila.

We know the word respect bro as well as the word love and we lived by it. That’s why as mentioned before, sinabtanay lang gud. In speaking the truth there is always a counter perspective and we cannot change a man’s heart, only God. Important is we’re doing our part.

Somewhere down the road , hehehehe murag kanta noh ? We have to agree with something , hey ... its starting to reconcile right ?

If you are a Roman Catholic bro, don’t you know that RC is technically considered also as a denomination coz its early stages came from the christians?

True , that is a valid point but you never see RC evangelize in a fanatic , desperate and frustrated way even to the point telling everyone that if you dont become an RC , you will not be saved.

If we’re talking about the truth of Jesus then there should only be one truth. I don’t believe if Jesus claimed what he ought to be (saviour of mankind, way, truth, life) we can also apply it to Buddha, Krishna or Mohammed who never had that claim.

The TRUTH we are talking here are the REAL CHRISTIANS , the very people who can accurately interpret the bible and worthy to be called CHRISTIANS. Heck , even Buddhist , Muslims , Hindu's etc acknowledge JESUS as the Son of God of the Christians. Its not about Jesus claiming something ,its about YOU , ME and the rest of the so called CHRISTIANS claiming something.

[King]

nindot ni kay nangita jud sa true christian. we need to be open-minded and accept the fact that many who claim to be christian doesn't follow what the true christian does before.

to narrow the road diba if nakakita ta nga sayop na ang atong agian diba mangita ta ug paagi nga mahibaw.an nato ang road sa truth, while using the map (bible). mahibaw.an nato kung natuman ba sa usa daan ang sakto nga agianan. if not pede pud nato markahan ang ato giaagian aron dli nata masaag ug maagian napud.

[Aphiemi]

here's another thing to think about...

"the sin that you once love you now hate"- Paul Washer

that's one sure sign of a true Christian.

[Crinkles11]

Are you a real Christian?
You can know for sure!

Many people consider themselves to be Christians. Why not? We enjoy a rich Christian heritage. But suppose you conducted an informal opinion poll near where you live, and asked ten people to explain what it takes to make someone a real Christian. Most likely, you would get ten different answers!

Most people are as confused about this crucial issue.

God wants each of us to know where we stand in His eyes. That's why it isn't mere chance that you have visited this page.

Ask yourself, "Am I a real Christian?" You can know for sure!

What Is a Real Christian?

Maybe you were raised in a Catholic or Protestant home. Or maybe you were brought up in some other religion. And you tell yourself, "Well, I think I'm all right. Don't worry about me." No matter what your background, I encourage you to take an honest look—beyond the myths—about what makes someone a Christian.

To begin, let's explore what you think makes a real Christian. Below are some common ideas about that.

Being born in a Christian nation


Myth #1
Being Born in a Christian Nation Makes You a Christian


I've met people who have told me, "I was born in Christian nation, so of course I am a Christian. What do you take me to be, a heathen?" The truth is that they could be a lot of things.
Others have said: "I've been a Christian all my life; I was born in a Christian home" or "in the church." But since when does where you're born determine what you are? As one of my friends quipped, someone may be born in a stable, but that doesn't make him a horse. Nor does being born in an airport make someone an airplane.
Be thankful for where you were born and for the family and church in which you were reared. But don't assume that automatically makes you a Christian. God has no grandchildren.


Thinking positively
Myth #2
Thinking Positively Makes You a Christian

Some people also think that if you give a hearty handshake, pat others on the back, smile, and ask, "How are you doing?" that you're somehow a Christian.
Now, normally a Christian is cheerful and excited about life and genuinely cares about others. A Christian also understands that he or she is valuable in God's eyes because He made us and loves us deeply.
But you could develop a certain sense of well-being and self-worth apart from knowing what God's Word, the Bible, teaches us about thinking right in an unright world. So thinking positively about life in general and about yourself in particular doesn't automatically make you a Christian.


Living a good life
Myth #3
Living a Good Life Makes You a Christian

And, then, living a clean and moral life doesn't make anyone a Christian. Many atheists live a decent, straight life. Anyway, how good is "good"? That is the real issue. Most people have a warped idea of the true standard against which our goodness should be measured.
Compared to a mass murderer, you may feel that you're ready for sainthood. Even compared with your family and friends, you may come out okay.
But God's standard of goodness is very different. He puts you up against His Son, Jesus Christ, who lived an absolutely perfect life here on earth. Compared with this level of perfection, our own goodness looks pretty shabby.
Remember, the world has always had plenty of "good" people. So if goodness were enough, God need not have sent Jesus. The fact that Jesus had to come to die on the cross to make our forgiveness possible shows that goodness doesn't make someone a Christian.


Going to church
Myth #4
Going to Church Makes You a Christian

Last Sunday four out of ten Americans went to church. But does that mean that all these people are Christians? of course not. Even some thieves go to church. Some people go to church because it's a social habit. Others attend because their family makes them go. At the encouragement of a minister, they may even go to special classes for confirmation or membership.
It is true that Christians go to church and take an active part in church life. But attending church doesn't make you a Christian.


Giving to others
Myth #5
Giving to Others Makes You a Christian

Many of us were taught since childhood to give a portion of our income to charity or to the church. Whether rich or poor, we feel it's our "Christian" duty.
Even Prince Charles, heir to the British throne, says he feels a "duty to do something" so that "in some way I can make life a little less stinking for some people." So he donates part of his wealth to worthy causes. And that's commendable. But that's not what makes somebody a Christian.
Yes, Christians give to others. More than anyone else, they help the needy and less fortunate. But you can give away everything you own and still not be a Christian.


Receiving a sacrament
Myth #6
Receiving a Sacrament Makes You a Christian

Maybe you were baptized as a child or young adult. That doesn't necessarily mean you're a Christian. Many violent inmates in penitentiaries were baptized years ago. But few people would consider these inmates Christians.
Or maybe you take Communion every Sunday. If you're a Christian, that's great. But I've had someone tell me, "I'm confused. I take Communion every week, but I don't know what it means to be a Christian."
You see, both baptism and Communion are biblical. God commands Christians to observe these ordinances. But receiving either one won't make you a Christian.


Believing in God
Myth #7
Believing in God Makes You a Christian

Eight out of ten people in America say they believe God exists. But are they all Christians? Colonel James Irwin, remembered for his Apollo 15 moon mission, said that while he was in the Middle East, a Muslim leader said to him, "You talk about God so much--why aren't you a Muslim?"
Do you see my point? If you can be a Muslim and believe in God, then it is not "believing in God" that makes you a Christian.
I have a good friend who believes in exercise. But he never does any. He is forty-five pounds overweight and hopelessly out of shape. I know countless small boys who believe in soap. But they are not a shade cleaner in spite of their belief. Belief, on its own, makes no difference. That is why belief, by itself, doesn't make someone a Christian.


Talking about Jesus Christ
Myth #8
Talking about Jesus Christ Makes You a Christian

Many people talk about Jesus Christ and even speak well of Him. They may be teachers, ministers, church leaders, or "just plain folk." But they may not even believe that the Bible's message about Jesus is true.
Some actually have a distorted view of Jesus that fits their own way of thinking, rather than seeing the Jesus of history and the Bible. And that disqualifies them from calling themselves real Christians.


Praying
Myth #9
Praying Makes You a Christian

Certainly Christians pray. But someone can pray and still not be a Christian. Hindus pray all the time. Muslims pray five times a day.
When traveling abroad, the late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat carried a little prayer rug on which to kneel five times daily. But he was a Muslim, not a Christian. So praying in itself doesn't make someone a Christian.


Reading the Bible
Myth #10
Reading the Bible Makes You a Christian

Of course Christians love the Bible. Some of us read it daily. But just reading the Bible doesn't mean you are a Christian.
When Karl Marx was seventeen years old, he wrote a fantastic explanation of part of John's Gospel in the New Testament portion of the Bible. Great theologians agree with much of what he said. But Karl Marx eventually rejected the Bible's authority, and during his adult life he called himself an atheist, a communist--anything but a Christian.
Nikita Khrushchev, the former premier of the USSR, read the Bible when he was a boy. Yet later he made it his ambition to bury the church in the Soviet Union by 1965. Instead, he is buried, and the Russian church continues to grow.
Read the Bible all you can. It explains how to settle this issue once and for all. Since it's God's Word, not man's, we can trust it completely. But remember, just reading the Bible won't make you a Christian.


What Makes You a Real Christian?

You can't be born a Christian, and if thinking positively, living morally, going to church, giving to others, receiving a sacrament, believing in God, talking about Jesus, praying, and reading the Bible doesn't make you a Christian, then what does? What is a real Christian?"

Let me mention three basic principles from God's Word that describe a real Christian. Then I'll explain how today you can become a real Christian.

Principle#1
Walking in the way of life


First of all, the Bible says that a Christian is someone who has found the way of life rather than the way of death. That way to life is found in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Jesus said, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). Notice that Jesus does not say he will show you the way. He says, "I am the way!"

Jesus also spoke of a narrow road and a wide road. Many walk on that wide road, which in the end is the way of death (see Matthew 7:13).

Do you sometimes feel as though you are lost and don't know where you are going? When you become a Christian, you have found the way of life.

You ask, "What kind of way is this way of life?"

It is the way of peace. God's peace fills your heart when you walk in the way of Christ. Jesus said to His followers, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives" (John 14:27). God's peace is a gift available to each of us.

When you walk in the way of Christ, you experience an inner peace--tremendous quiet in your heart. The broken pieces in your life are put together again. Oh, the psychiatrist can analyze you. The psychologist can pinpoint some of the problems in your past. But only God can give you lasting peace.

The way of life is also the way of purity. The Bible says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God" (Matthew 5:.

If you are fooling around with sin; if you are playing with immorality; if you are not being truthful in your business; if you are dishonest in your school, in your work, in your play, in your home--then you know nothing of the way of life.

You may consider yourself a nice person, perhaps the life and soul of the party. But you are not a Christian, because the way of Christ is the way of purity.

When you come to Christ, He forgives your sins and purifies your heart. That doesn't mean you suddenly become holier than everyone else. On the contrary, you become more conscious of your shortcomings. But God gives you the power to live a righteous life.

The way of life in Christ is also the way of love. "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another," Jesus said (John 13:35). The Bible adds, "We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love our brothers" (1 John 3:14).

Today, the word love has been robbed of meaning. It's used to describe a person exploiting the emotions of another for his own satisfaction and selfishness. But that is not love. True love wants the very best for someone no matter what it may cost us.

The way of life is also the way of obedience. The way of the Christian is to serve only one master--Jesus. The Bible describes Him as "Lord of lords and King of kings" (Revelation 17:14). The Christian lives as though this is true. Jesus becomes your Lord, your Master, your King. What He says goes.

The servant of a king waits for the slightest hint of a command, then rushes to obey. A soldier following the leadership of a great commander willingly obeys every order.

Similarly, real Christians give God complete authority over their lives. We will go wherever He wants us to go, do whatever He wants us to do. And we do not care what it may cost in terms of comfort or reputation.

Jesus has every right to rule like that. Remember, He is not supreme because He inherited authority from His ancestors like an earthly king or lord. Nor does He rule like a corrupt military dictator, by using great power to destroy.

Jesus is Lord and King because He made us, He gave His life for us and our sins, and He always does what is best for us.

Principle#2
Enjoying eternal life


Second, a Christian is someone who enjoys eternal life. He has a more full and complete life. Jesus said, "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Life with Christ was not only God's original design for us; it is the way He intends for us to live today. That is what makes life with Christ abundant.

And eternal life never ends. It goes beyond physical death--forever and ever.

Do you have eternal life? You may say, "Well, I'm not sure."

If I asked if you were married, would you say, "I think so"? Or suppose I asked if you are pregnant. Would you say, "A little bit"? Of course not! These are things you can be absolutely sure about.

Do you know that you have eternal life? If you're already a Christian, you know it. Jesus said concerning those who follow him in faith: "I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand" (John 10:2. Do you have that triple security?

First He says, "I give them eternal life."

Second He says, "They shall never perish."

Third, "No one can snatch them out of My hand."

What more could you want? A Christian is someone who discovers these three things to be true.

The Bible also says, "He who has the Son has life" (1 John 5:12). In other words, eternal life is Christ in your heart. Can you say, "Yes, I know I have eternal life. I can remember when Christ came into my heart"?

Principle#3
Becoming God's Child


Furthermore, a Christian is someone who has been born into God's family and therefore has become one of God's children. You say, "I thought everyone was a child of God. Isn't God the Father of all mankind?"

According to the Bible, God is the Creator of all people but not the Father of all people. Many people don't even want him to be their Father.

You become a member of God's family by being born into it. The Lord Jesus said, "Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). What does that mean?

When you and I were born into the human family, we had no choice about the matter. That's physical birth.

But to become a child of the heavenly Father, you must have a spiritual birth. This happens when we repent of our sins and put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Every year we celebrate our physical birth with parties and gifts. But do you remember your second birth? If not, you must make a decision. Do you want to become a part of God's family by receiving Christ? The Bible says, "To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God" (John 1:12).

[SioDenz]

For me, I can CLAIM to be a believer and follower of Christ - But only God has the Authority to Judge me if I am a TRUE CHRISTIAN worthy of His Grace

[heliopause]

@springfield

I have no problem taking it by heart because it is true .

Okay I understand if that’s your perspective. But you don’t only offend non-Catholics but the Roman Catholics as well.

Ikaw nadawat na nimo that CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS na nag sulputan are indeed a BUSINESS in the form of a MONEY MAKING SCHEME ?

I would agree 100% there are some who abused Christianity. And you can observe it even if wala kay deeper knowledge about sa religion by simply contrasting on the lifestyle of these leaders nga imong giingon “gi-negosyo lang ang religion” against sa kahimtang sa ilang mga members. They’re driving on their mercedez benz/pajero while ilang karaang members naglakaw lang gihapon tabok sa pikas bungtod. Wala naman tay labot kung duna o walay sakyanan ang alagad sa ginoo no, mas gamit man gani nila. Importante lang, dili kwarta sa pobre nga member ang gikolekta para lang makasakyanan ang pari/pastor.

Pero dili nato ma generalize coz there are also millions/billions of Christians who truly understand, converted and having a genuine relationship sa Ginoo. You cannot deny that.

Set aside the fanaticism bai . Even an ATHEIST who acts and lives by words and deeds in the truest CHRISTIAN WAY , mas malangit pa na sila kaysa nimo . That is a fact.

Says who? unsay basis nimo? Atheist acting the christian values...Mas malangit pa sila where in fact they don’t believe those things…..How come?>Try to ponder it daw.

The fact remains , you dont have a choice but to accept it as is since it is not your belief and tradition. You have to accept it that thats how the RC's deals its practices biblically , traditionally , spiritually and physically.

No you’re wrong! Is it because that kana ang religion sa atong ancestors meaning we will cleave to that bisan nakadungog naka unsay insakto? How about if nataw ka sa prisohan, pabilin ka diha bisan wala kay labot tungod kay imong namat-an prisohan na? Humans are rational beings bro, mangita jud na kung unsay insakto ug kamatuoran. The only thing is either kulang ilang knowledge about sa kamatuoran or their pride paralyzes their common sense rejecting God.

The problem with you and to those who share the FANATICISM of the bible , the only AUTHORITATIVE REFERENCE you have are your OPINIONS and PERSONAL UNDERSTANDING of the bible .

Let me ask you, kung ang imong nadungog sa mga leaders (pari, pastor, etc) dili na mao based on the scripture, dili nimo gamiton imong discretion pagweigh sa kamatuoran? If lahi imong pagsabot then I respect you for that kay kitang tanan is still learning. Mao sad ni akoa.

Do you mean if we accept that Jesus is the way, truth and the life, no other figure and we strongly believe in that, pasabot nimo personal opinion lang na sya? Of course sa bible lang kay kung imong belief pwed ra bisan unsa, then hanap ang imong relasyon kung kinsa jud imong Ginoo. Think deeper about it.

Unless you would change your stand na di diay na imoha but of your pastors na gi share lang s aimoha , still it will apply gihapon kutob sa kinsay ni share sa pastor nimo and so on and so forth.

Sakto part coz faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Ikaw mismo dunay sakto nga hunahuna kung paminaw nimo giilad raka or dili na mao ang pagexplain sa pastor/pari. Mas nindot kung ikaw mismo maoy magkugi ug research kay hesitant manka sa imong church leaders.

True , that is a valid point but you never see RC evangelize in a fanatic , desperate and frustrated way even to the point telling everyone that if you dont become an RC , you will not be saved.

A true Christian knows what the Lord commands (to go and preach the gospel, share the truth) Dili kanang Sunday morning christians lang and living a life with no difference from unbelievers the rest of the week.

Of course you can hardly find a RC preaching in the streets or sharing the gospel coz in reality, you have less knowledge about the truth of the gospel! Ask anyone here who is a catholic on how to know to get saved? That’s true. We are talking honest here. I am very frank and open bro.

The TRUTH we are talking here are the REAL CHRISTIANS , the very people who can accurately interpret the bible and worthy to be called CHRISTIANS.

Who are those people you mean? So your belief is that non-catholic christians are not REAL CHRISTIANS? or only those scholars who can interpret the bible you accepted as true christians. Be specific daw.

Heck , even Buddhist , Muslims , Hindu's etc acknowledge JESUS as the Son of God of the Christians.

They acknowledge but they did not believe! Simple as that. Head knowledge is different from believing bro.

Its not about Jesus claiming something ,its about YOU , ME and the rest of the so called CHRISTIANS claiming something.

So the claims of the Lord Jesus Christ is not important for you? That is why we are called christians coz we believe and follow Christ, not the pope, pastors or our own personal ideas. Jesus is supposedly to be in the center of our lives.

Sorry if some of my replies is quite aggressive but there are truths in it. Let us be mature and positive lang.

[heliopause]

For me, I can CLAIM to be a believer and follower of Christ - But only God has the Authority to Judge me if I am a TRUE CHRISTIAN worthy of His Grace

yes bro and we ourselves know also if we have this true relationship with God. Our daily devotions, prayers and living the christian life proves it.

[heliopause]

@crinks
nice imong post. in ana unta maoy nindot at least dunay ma contribute nga makaayo ba
God bless part.

[Crinkles11]

@crinks
nice imong post. in ana unta maoy nindot at least dunay ma contribute nga makaayo ba
God bless part.

Basta dili ta ganahan sa post part, samot na against sa atong bilips dili jud ta ganahan. One more thing, I did not join istorya to please everybody.

[heliopause]

Basta dili ta ganahan sa post part, samot na against sa atong bilips dili jud ta ganahan. One more thing, i'm not joining istorya to please everybody.

nice crinks. daghan sad maganahan anang imong gipost ron kaysa nonsense. but hope makasabot ta sa atong gipost i mean tinuod ni sa atong kinabuhi.