How do I live as a Christian?
Christians are saved by faith, therefore they should live by faith. As Paul pointed out to the Christians who lived in ancient Turkey:
“The righteous shall live by faith.” (Galatians 3:11)
And by faith we strive to change the way we think and the way we live, with God’s help. As Paul told the Christians living in Rome at that time:
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)
So what is God’s will? Jesus said his will, or purpose, was to rescue, or save, people:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”(Luke 19:10)
And that’s his purpose for Christians too:
“As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21)
And he said that we should do this — seek and save the lost, help the poor and needy — in the context of a community of like-minded believers, commonly known as the church:
“A new command I give you. Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my followers, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
In the light of these admonitions — to transform our way of thinking and living and purpose — it’s important that we examine our lifestyles, how we spend our time, our money, and the factors we weigh in making life decisions. As Paul wrote:
“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” (Hebrews 12:1)
And devote ourselves to God’s Word, the Bible, which time and again has proven itself to be trustworthy and reliable. As Paul wrote to his protege, Timothy:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:16-17)
You can join with others who have embarked on this same journey by participating in Friedens’ Sunday worship or any one of Friedens’ many Growth Groups, in which people meet to discuss various topics and issues and seek God’s truth and how to apply it to their lives. You may also be interested in having an impact on the community through various Service Opportunities. Please call the church office at 284-2471 with any questions.