How would you describe yourself as a Christian?
How Paul describes himself:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live,
but Christ lives IN ME.
The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,
who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20
Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, he is a new creation;
the old has gone, the new has come! 2 Corinthians 5:17
A. DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN TRUE CHRISTIANITY
- What falls short
a. Just being part of a church
b. Just receiving the sacraments
c. Just following the example of Jesus
- True Christianity involves a spiritual union with Christ
a. Spiritual: internal, not just external
b. Spiritual: produced by the Spirit of God
Ephesians 3.14-17
Titus 3.5-7
B. DON'T MISS OUT ON THE MYSTERY OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY
Like marriage Ephesians 5.25-32
Like the human body Ephesians 5.22-23
C. DON'T FAIL TO ENTER INTO THE FULLNESS
OF TRUE CHRISTIANITY
The “way in” is the “way of faith”
The fullness that God has for us
a. Blessed assurance
b. Spiritual blessings
c. Blessed presence and power of Christ
John Olson