"Well, it's been a while since I've
been to church, but... you know... I'm trying!"
How many times have you had an exchange like this
with someone you know? If you ask me, I'll tell you a LOT!
Over the years I've come to realize that most
people don't understand the difference between being a Christian
and becoming
a Christian.
To BECOME a Christian is to be BORN AGAIN!
To BE a Christian is to live Christ-like on a day-to-day basis through the
power of the Holy Spirit!
Becoming Born Again is the entrance, the doorway into the Christian life.
Without becoming Born Again you're trying to occupy a house without ever
walking through the door!
If we follow this analogy and ask the question, "Well, what if
someone climbs through the window and gains access to the house, then
what?"
To this I will reply, "That person has gained access illegally and
has NO RIGHTS and NO PRIVILEGES in that house. In fact he is a total
imposter, his bluff can be called anytime and he can be forced to leave
that house with NOTHING!!!
Becoming Born Again means gaining legal entry into the household of God!
It signifies that you have the right to be identified with Jesus in every
way including His title - CHRIST from which we get CHRISTIAN!
But here's an interesting fact. In Acts 11:26 when the disciples were
first called Christians at Antioch, it's because the people saw them
ACTING like CHRIST, that's why they called them Christians or Christ-like!
They were demonstrating the power and character of Christ!
The word 'Christian' comes from the word 'Christ' which in the Greek is 'khris-tos'
meaning, Anointed - Son of God!
So while being Born Again lets you into the family of God where you can be
identified with His son and be truthfully called a Christian, it's only
when you begin to demonstrate the anointing (the power and character) of
Christ that you are manifesting the FULLNESS of that title and proving
that you are worthy of it!
