What is a Christian?

Roman · #1 (**permalink**) 05-13-2007, 01:02 AM

To me, a Christian is someone who believes in Christ......

This doesn't mean you have to follow specific doctrine. This is proven through the hundreds of sect of Christianity. If there was one way to interpret the Bible, there would be only one sect, right?

Why is it that some of us who believe in Christ are labled as frauds, demonic, deceiving, false prophets, etc, etc., when they have a different view or interpretation? This doesn't just happen with what I believe now. I have heard preachers call other traditional sects cults, say they're not of God/HS, etc., why is this?

Why is it when someone has experiences with God or Christ that agree with us legitimate but those that have similair experiences that disagree with us illegitimate?

oceanbreeze · #2 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 10:15 PM

I have a family member that goes to church every Sunday, is in the Church Choir, Knights of Columbus, ect... yet leads anything but a Christian lifestyle. She has allowed her children to be physically, emotionally, and sexually abused, she condones behavior that leaves me absolutely appauled. I don't give a rat's a$$ if she believes in Christ, she isn't a Christian by virtue.

Areyouforreal · #3 (**permalink**) 05-21-2007, 10:49 PM

A Christian is a follower of Christ. You will know a Christian by the fruits that they produce. A Christian follows a narrow path while other follow the wide path.

bluedog · #4 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:38 AM

In reality there should be only one sect of Christians...but due to mans misinterpation of scriptures...there are many sects that claim to be Christians...but Christ will seperate the Wheat from the Chaff....To make a point....as to how people corrupt the scriptrue form its meaning...Lets ask a simple question....What must one do to become a Christian? Anyone care to give it a shot? People on tv tell you all you must do is pray....and accept Christ into your heart...is this correct..or is it a condensed version to gander monies....from so called Christian Partners? Another tells you that you must not be baptised...another says that you do...another tells you that you must be baptised with the "HOLY SPIRIT"....one says that we must take communion on the first day of the week...another disregards this custom altogether..and says that it does not matter...one says that we are not to have biblical Fathers....another proudly wears the title...Father...and the average person..just wanting to be accepted into the faith...does as he is led to believe...often time without never opening the book that shows one the correct answer to all of the above...this is the reason there are so many different sects or denominations....why all the confusion?....it is the oldest tactic know from the begining of time...divide and conquer....some are quick to acknowledge the exsitance of God...but shun away from even the wishpering of the dark one..the one who has vowed...never to allow mankind to gain entrance into the gates of heaven....but one can not exsit without the other....there is even confusion as to who he is...or what he is ...or how he works...some say that he has been conquered....some say that he no longer exsits......but just look at mankind....does any see his handiwork? Or do believe as he wants you believe....that this only the work of the deranged mind of man...there are so many misconceptions...due to the fact...that our bible just lays on the shelf...collecting dust...and if one does attend chruch..and professes Christianity....he merely takes the word of someone that tells them what to think....or many dont even go to any chruch at all...they may watch on tv....and make themself believe...this is all I need....This I know..the path is narrow...the journey is long...and the world is filled with anti-christs....telling many lies and respresting them as truths....the path is easy to find...but it is just as easy to be led a stray...and think that you continue on the correct path....the answer..is simple...JUST OPEN THE BOOK...AND PROVE THE SPIRITS THAT PROFESS TO GUIDE YOU...you may be surprised....BD

Mom_Adams · #5 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 02:36 AM

If you have to ask you need to open the Bible and read it again because Jesus made it very clear what's required. Nothing more and nothing less.

nathanbforrest45 · #6 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:02 PM

Its really very simple. A Christian is someone who accepts Jesus Christ as the only true Son of God. Merely professing it with one's mouth does not automatically make you a Christian. You must, by your actions, show that you truly believe. You must also bear in mind that Christians are not perfect and that All sin and fall short of the glory of God. A believe in Christ Jesus only guarentees that you are forgiven of your sins and can enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. It does not mean you will not pay a price for committing them.

As far as the various sects of Christanity are concerned I do not beleive one has more authority than any other. I don't believe any religion that tells you that you must be a Baptist or a Catholic or a Methodist to be saved is correct. One only profess a believe in Christ. I suppose you could be a Buddhist and be saved as long as you believed that Jesus Christ is the only true Son of God

Areyouforreal · #7 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:17 PM

Matthew 7:16-20
16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

This is also good.
http://followchrist.info/e_whois.html

oceanbreeze · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Areyouforreal

Matthew 7:16-20
16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

This is also good.
http://followchrist.info/e_whois.html

Excellent scripture. As long as I keep minimal exposure of the family member to my children, we will be fine.

Areyouforreal · #9 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladyofmts

Excellent scripture. As long as I keep minimal exposure of the family member to my children, we will be fine.

That is an excellent reason that God give us a way to know who is a Christian and who isn't

George O Well · #10 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 12:54 PM

I believe that if:

1) you sell Bibles door-to-door on payment plans,
2) you think other people (especially negroes and Mohamms) have lesser moral standards than you,
3) have a big booming voice,
4) you drive a white Cadillac Seville,
5) you can make yourself sweat at will,

you are, indeed, a Christian.