Lesson: Religious or Christian?

Rich Young Ruler

Matt. 19:16-30

•   He was a Good man
•   his heart was in right place
•   he followed all God's commandments
•   He was a good man who followed God's commandments and did everything right.

Why No heaven???

He wasn't willing to give up his possessions and everything for God. his money and other things he owned, owned him. They were a stumbling block between him and God.

As Christians, we have to be willing to follow, obey, and trust.

Willing to give up everything!! Give now and get later (service ---> eternity)

Break into groups and give each group a piece of paper. Tell them to write the Characteristics of a Christian. Then collect them. After this, give another paper and tell them to write the characteristics of a religious person. They will most likely be very similar. Now read one characteristic off a sheet but don't tell them which sheet they came off of. Then have them tell which it is Christian or Religious. Most will be both but that is good. This shows how easy it is to be religious and get caught up in being a border believer. If you have one of those characteristics, you are a religious person, but if you have all of them you are a Christian.

GOOD BELIEVING

Is this enough?

•   why not?
•   Doesn't God want us to be good people?

What Distinguishes a Christian?

•   Personal encounter
•   Excepts JC into heart
•   Wants God's will in place of own
•   Aims to be Christ-like
•   Change from old self to new

It's more than going to church or reading the bible and praying.

Analogies

I may know football but may not be good player.
I may know the Bible, but not be a Christian.
May got to church but not have a commitment with God.
May never miss a Sunday but may miss heaven.
You can't buy your way to heaven!

Just because you are a Christian doesn't make things any easier. There will be friction between human, sinful nature and Christ's love. Must have faith and trust in God.

Conclusion Romans 6:23
For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Be founded in Christ and make a change. Don't just go to church or read your bible but be a Christian that is an example to others. What are you? The decision is yours. No one can make the decision for you. God is waiting with open arms.

What are you going to do?