Hallmarks of a Real Christian

Hallmarks of a Real Christian

Most Christians seem to have heard the question, “If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”  But such a question raises the issue of what would be the appropriate evidence?  A few weeks past, the Pope raised questions concerning whether there was appropriate evidence for Donald Trump’s claim to be a Christian in the light of statements he has made.

Interestingly there is one place in Scripture where a statement is made about what constitutes a real Christian as distinct from a mere professor of faith.  It appears in Paul’s letter to the Christians in Philippi.  It is also where not much further on Paul talks about weeping over those who are false professors of faith. In the opening of Philippians chapter three Paul warns against false teachers who seem to be characterised as legalistic, imposing aspects of the Law of Moses onto the simple Christian faith based on grace.  This is how he defines what characterises real Christians:

“They worship (or serve) by the Spirit of God.”

This clearly implies the need for spiritual regeneration about which Jesus challenged Nicodemus.  Jesus also spoke about this to the woman he met by a well. Our worship and service for God must have the breath of God’s Spirit in it.  Only then is it alive and real, engaging with the living God.  This is so much more than intellectual assent that there is a God and so much more than the nominalism that besets too many of our churches.

“They glory in Christ Jesus.”

The original Greek text expresses sense of exulting or boasting.  It is well expressed in the line “Jesus is the sweetest name I know”.  Perhaps it might be described as being a ‘Jesus fan’.  It is about being excited by Jesus.  I was intrigued to note that Paul puts the word Christ before the word Jesus. It seems to suggest that our excitement over Jesus is because he is the Christ.  My experience of fans is that they cannot get enough of the object of their interest, whether it is a pop star or a football team, or whatever. They queue to attend events, spend inordinate amounts of time and money, and proudly wear anything to display their passion. Should our enthusiasm for Jesus be less than that?

“They put no confidence in their own efforts to please God, recognising their unworthiness.”

So no room for boasting about themselves.  No suggestion here of being better than others.  Human nature so often wants to be thought of as worthy.  But James and John, and their mother had to learn that you cannot earn ’brownie points’ through your own efforts.  Apart from Jesus (i.e. out of fruitful union with him) we can do nothing.

I heard of a young man who struggled to overcome pride.  He regularly prayed in prayer meetings that the Lord would “make him nothing”. Eventually an exasperated and more experienced Christian told him, “Brother, you are nothing; accept it by faith!”

So, reality check: Do we meet the criteria?  Is our worship and service for God full of the life of God?  Are we excited about Jesus?  Do we recognise our own unworthiness?  I hope so.

From the Diary

It was good to celebrate Easter.  At the prison during the week a follower of Jainism asked me why Christians are enthusiastic about Easter.  I only had enough time to say that it demonstrated that Jesus was much more than a good man and that his death had great significance.  Please pray for him.

Another celebration took place on Thursday after Easter in St Leonards-on-Sea for a service of thanksgiving for Alan Tarling, an old friend and former trustee of Sunrise Ministries (Rural Mission Solutions). Alan, I was reminded, first met me as a boy soprano singing a Christmas solo in 1958! It was good to meet other old friends and our enjoyment of the occasion was a small foreshadow of the greater gathering yet to come.

While in Sussex I met up with Katrina who will be starting work with Rural Mission Solutions on 3^rd May as a Children and Families Adviser.  We give thanks for her addition to the team.

Sunday 10^th – Yelvertoft.  Please pray as they eek God’s guidance for the future ministry as I step down from that role soon.

Monday 11^th – Please pray for Jim & Jane Currell.  Jane’s faith came alive during our ministry in Herstmonceux.  They now serve the Lord through Oasis in Kyrgyzstan.  In the evening the church at Yelvertoft holds an important Church Meeting (pray for wisdom).

I will be involved in planning our next Holiday at Home outreach in Market Harborough.

Tuesday 12^th – Planning school assemblies in the morning and working in the prison in the afternoon.

Wednesday 13^th – taking part in the Churches Rural Group meeting in Stoneleigh, Warwicks.  

Friday 15^th to Sunday 17^th – I am attending a student’s training weekend in Nottingham in my capacity as a member of the Congregational Federation’s Pastoral Care Board.

Saturday 16^th – Please pray for our Messy Church Team who will run Get Messy at Yelvertoft for the first time without me!

General Prayer Request:  Please pray as I gradually reduce my work at Yelvertoft and plan to give more time to the challenges of rural mission.

Thank you for your fellowship,

Barry