"REAL CHRISTIANS"

I Was Just Thinking About - - -

The discussion regarding who is or who is not a Christian can usually generate more heat than light. The term and how it is used is generalized so that it means anyone who is not Jewish is thought to be a Christian. The narrower definition is expressed in Easton’s 1897 Bible Dictionary: “It is the name given by the Greeks and Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known were brethren, the faithful, elect, saints, believers. But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name Christian came into use and was universally accepted.” The three places where the name Christian appears in the New Testament are: (1) Acts 11:26, “The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” (2) Acts 26:28, where the question of King Agrippa posed to the Apostle Paul was: “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” And (3) I Peter 4:16, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”

In the current political climate, the issue has arisen in terms of who can speak as a “Real Christian” representative and/or project that a personal political opinion echoes the “evangelical” point of view regarding who would be the best elected official for the nation at this time. On The Blaze TV, Glen Beck assumes that: “No Real Christian Would Vote for the New York Mogul.” When criticized by a mega-church “evangelical”, Beck responded: “I’ll take on the Jews, and I’ll take on the Lutherans, and I’ll take on the Catholics, and I’ll take on the Mormons — I’ll take ‘em all on.” He then added: “Religious voters are not living your principles today in American society. We’re a Christian nation — are we really? he asked. Why are we in so much trouble? Why do we have the same kind of problems that the non-Christian nations do with pornography and drugs and everything else? We should be setting an example if we were actually living our Christian faith.”

As a counterpoint, Robert Jeffress, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX and a supporter of the current leading Republican candidate states: “Beck does not know God's mind.” He then quotes a Beck statement: “All throughout the South the evangelicals are not listening to their God.” Jeffress’ comment (retort) is: “Beck's wacko comment speaks for itself… I am somewhat puzzled that Beck claims to know how the God Christians worship would vote in the Republican primaries.” Jeffress is contradictory in his criticisms inasmuch as he has publicly endorsed one candidate who appears to lack the Biblical principles required of a “Real Christian.”

What are some of the basic Biblical principles for anyone who claims the identity of being a “Real Christian”? A beginning point would be Micah 6:6-8, “With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? He has shown you what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Connect this requirement with Philippians 2:5-8,  “Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. and being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself.” As Jesus began His earthly ministry, he began to choose and call disciples who would follow Him. He did not want or need the “self-made-man” types. Instead, Jesus stated. “Follow Me and I will make you…” into what I want you to be – seeking others who will follow and learn about Me.” It was a dramatic call and shift from a focus upon “I” to one that was upon “Him”! Later on, Jesus would broaden His appeal to others when He stated (Matthew 11:28-30): “Come to me…Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” 

Are you a “Real Christian”? Are you allowing Jesus Christ to make you into what He wants you to be? When I was attending a Bible College, a song that meant much to me then, as it does now, was written by Charles P. Jones in 1904: “Jesus Christ is made to me, All I need, all I need, He alone is all my plea, He is all I need. (The Refrain): Wisdom righteousness and power, Holiness forevermore, My redemption full and sure, He is all I need.” Consider these things with me!