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There are differing opinions about what
it means to be a Christian. Some believe that because they were
born in a predominantly Christian country, or raised in a home
where they went to church they are Christian. Others may
consider themselves Christian because they uphold and practice
certain values and behaviors. At Pleasant View we believe that
being a Christian is a reasoned decision based upon God's
instruction.
We believe
that God creates human beings and endows them with free will, an
ability to make conscious, deliberate choices. Frequently the
choices we make are determined on the basis of our own
self-interest, with little regard how those choices may affect
others. This reveals a flaw in our basic nature. The Bible
declares we're all flawed and identifies this flaw as sin.
" ...for all
have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23
We believe God
to be perfect, selfless and sinless in nature. As such, our
flawed nature and His flawless nature are at odds. This causes
a separation from God the Bible identifies as death.
"For the wages of sin is death, ..."
Romans 6:23a
Because God
desires our love and a relationship with us this conflict must
be resolved. The resolution is offered in the person of Jesus
Christ, the only human to have ever lived who was not controlled
by his human nature. Although he had every inclination to live
a life motivated by his own self interest, he chose not to be
driven by nature, but rather subjected his nature to the desires
of God, (his Father), for the good of the human race, (us).
" ...but
the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 6:23
To be
Christian is to admit that we are primarily selfish and often
powerless to behave contrary to our self-interest. This is
called confession. Then, since we are powerless to undo what we
have already spent our life doing we accept, by faith, God's
provision for us through Jesus Christ.
"That if you confess with your mouth,
'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him
from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that
you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that
you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9,10
Confession of our selfish nature and the
acceptance of the provision of Jesus Christ are accomplished
through prayer, which is simply a conversation with God. A
prayer might go like this;
Dear God: I confess that I often think and behave in ways that
are selfish. I also confess that most times I'm unable to think
or behave differently, even though I know I should. Please
forgive me. I want to trust Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness the Bible says is available through Him and allow
Him to be Lord of my life. AMEN |
Pleasant
View Free Methodist Church
