Normal Christianity

         My pastor taught a message last week entitled, Welcome to the Supernatural--Normal Christianity. He began by answering the question, "What is Christianity?" As defined, Christianity is "a relationship with Jesus Christ, with an acceptance of and adherence to His values, teachings and lifestyle. It is to leave the carnal and mundane limitations strapped upon man and to soar upon a life with no constraints."
         Sounds like something special. Sounds like we should be living lives superior to natural, everyday living---lives of a "super" natural kind. So, here are some questions we should ask ourselves:

• First, have I invited Christ in as Lord of my life?
• Secondly, are my values the same as His? In other words, do the values I base my life on coincide with those outlined in the Bible?
• Thirdly, do I listen to and follow His teachings? Do I make a conscious effort on a daily basis to know Him and to do what He says?
• And finally, does my lifestyle reflect the life of Christ? Can people tell I am a Christian by the way I live? 

Danxia landform in China. The color is a result of
an accumulation of many years of red sandstone and rock.

         Normal is not generally exciting--but in this case it is! It's exciting to get wisdom ahead of time and avoid mistakes. It's exciting to have favor in circumstances when no one around you can explain it. And, it's exciting to know that there is still hope when all appears to be lost--hope through a life in Christ. 

         That makes "normal Christianity" special!

             

Scripture Links:  I John 3:1; Matthew 8:23-27; Matthew 15:32-38; Matthew 9:35; John 14:12; 

To Receive Jesus as Lord ad Savior:(Sinner's Prayer) Dear God, I am a sinner. I need a savior. I need Jesus. I believe Jesus died for my sins and rose on the third day. I ask Jesus now to come into my heart and to become Lord over my life. Satan has no more power over me. I say with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. Father, help me to live for you, and thank you for saving me. John 3:16.

To Rededicate Your Life to the Lord (after falling away):Dear Heavenly Father: I confess to you that I have sinned. You said if I confess my sin you are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I turn away from sin and turn to you, and I ask you to forgive me. I forgive myself also. Father, thank you for forgiving me, remembering my sin no more and allowing me to have right standing with you again. In Jesus' name, AMEN.