Why I Am Still A Christian

I. Introduction: I have heard, and preached, many sermons on why a person should desire to become a Christian. The focus of these sermons is to persuade others to make the decision to become a child of God for it is the right thing to do. However, I want look at an equally important statement: why I am still a Christian.

II. Becoming a Christian

A. Why I became a Christian.

B. I realized that I was lost.

C. Isaiah 59:2 – Your sins have separated you from God. John 14:6 – Jesus is the only way to the Father. John 8:24 – If we do not believe Jesus, we will die in sin

D. I realized that the only way to salvation was heeding Jesus’ teaching.

E. Mark 16:16 – Believe Jesus and be baptized in order to be saved. Romans 10:9 – Believe and confess Jesus in order to be saved. Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized in order to be saved Hebrews 10:26; 35-36 – Remain faithful to God.

F. How I became a Christian.

G. I studied the word of God and knew what was required of me and my heart was touched by God’s love, Jesus’ sacrifice, and my sinfulness. I knew that I would be lost if I died because God expected obedience. I acted on my belief by deciding to turn from wickedness and do my best to obey God. I confessed the name of Jesus before the congregation of the Lord’s people in Fultondale, Alabama. I determined that from that day forward I would declare through my words and actions that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that I would live under his rule. I was baptized that same night into Jesus and the Lord added me to His church. I became a part of that local church to fulfill the commandments of worship that are found in the scriptures.

III. I am still a Christian

A. … though my brethren haven’t always acted like Christians.

B. “Some will go to hell by refusing to attend services for risk of sitting by a hypocrite.” -Author unknown

C. Christians sometimes do not act like Christians

D. Corinth (generally) 2 Corinthians 11:28-29 – concern for the churches.1 Corinthians 3:1-4 – Acting carnal. Galatians 2:11-14 – regarding Peter.

E. If I am fair, I must confess that I have not always acted as I should.

F. Cannot be content with that, but must repent. We must be patient with others.

G. … though life hasn’t always been easy.

H. Matthew 11:28-30 – It is still a yoke and a burden.1 Corinthians 10:13 – It would be great if the sentence ended after “tempted.” Romans 8:18 – We have a greater hope after this life“And God Said No” (artistic license—ideas are from scripture)

IV. And God Said No

V. -Claudia Minden Weisz

VI. I asked God to take away my pride,

VII. And God said, “No.”

VIII. He said it was not for Him to take away,

IX. But for me to give up.

X. I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,

XI. And God said, “No.”

XII. He said her spirit is whole,

XIII. Her body is only temporary.

XIV. I asked God to grant me patience,

XV. And God said, “No.”

XVI. He said that patience is a byproduct of tribulation,

XVII. It isn’t granted, it is earned.

XVIII. I asked God to give me happiness,

XIX. And God said, “No.”

XX. He said He gives blessings,

XXI. Happiness is up to me.

XXII. I asked God to spare me pain,

XXIII. And God said, “No.”

XXIV. He said, “Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares

XXV. And brings you closer to Me.”

XXVI. I asked God to make my spirit grow,

XXVII. And God said, “No.”

XXVIII. He said I must grow on my own,

XXIX. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

XXX. I asked God to help me love others

XXXI. As much as He loves me,

XXXII. And God said, “Ah. Finally, you have the idea.”

A. Although life can be very difficult at times, we can have comfort in the exhortation of Paul, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10.

B. … though I am not perfect and sinless.

C. John wrote, “if we say we have no sin we lie” Philippians 3:12-14 – I press on.

D. … though the world thinks that I am a fool.

E. 1 Corinthians 1:18-251 Peter 4:1-5; 12-16 – The world is amazed at what we do. Christ gives me the wisdom to see beyond this world, the “here and now” and see what is really important and the world to come.

F. …despite the cares and tribulations of the world.

G. Matthew 13:20-23 – Cares and riches of the world choke the word. Matthew 6:24-34 – (reference only) God takes care of my needs1 Peter 5:6-7 – I give my cares to God

H. …despite discouragement and disillusionment that sometimes comes.

I. Sometimes married couples are disillusioned when they find out that marriage is work not the “happily ever after” of romance novels and princess movies—yet a great marriage is built through work.

J. Sometimes Christians get disillusioned with the Christian life when it does not meet their expectations.

K. We call it disillusionment because the illusion—an image that is not real—is destroyed. Some give up because the Christian life did not live up to the fantasy they created in their minds. Others mature and discover God’s glory in an imperfect world among imperfect people. Boys making rugs: they see mass of stitches; artist sees the final image.

L. …despite the fact that sometimes I just get tired.

M. Ephesians 2:10: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” Luke 17:10: “So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’.”” –cannot boast Galatians 6:9-10 – Do not grow weary in well doing.

N. I still believe in Jesus and love Him with all my heart.

O. I know that He is the Son of God. He alone has salvation, John 6:66-69.

P. I still believe in His promises and His faithfulness to keep those promises.

Q. 1 Peter 1:3-9 John 14:1-32 Timothy 1:12-14

R. I know that the suffering of this life is temporary and that there is a place of rest waiting for me at the end of this life.

S. Romans 8:18; 24-25 Revelation 21:3-5