How to be a Good Christian: Don't just go to Church be the Church
by Teresa (1,504)
Freelance writer/Speaker
"Yet they act so pious! They come to the temple every day and seem so delighted to learn all about Me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask Me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to hear Me. ‘We have fasted before You', they say. ‘Why aren't You impressed?' ‘I will tell you why!' I respond. ‘It's because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with Me…Do you really think this will please the Lord? No, this is the kind of fasting I want: free those who are wrongly imprisoned, lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help." Isaiah 59:1-7 (NLT)
The name "Christian" may be a noun; a title that connects us to Christ. More importantly, however, is that it should an adjective.
When we claim to be a Christian, we are identifying ourselves with Christ. We are saying we have surrendered to His Lordship and are committed to becoming more like Him, living as He lived.
This means we actively participate in living the same kind of life Jesus did while He walked this earth. He called His followers the church, and the church His body.
We are not called to be religious, following an outward set of rules and regulations; we are called to be a living and active member of the body of Christ.
The title Christian is used so flippantly these days – merely a check mark in a box on a questionnaire. But when was the last time we gathered with other believers? When was the last time we hungered for God's word, allowing it to penetrate our hearts, causing us to be more like Christ?
I wonder if some of us would even be comfortable in a Heavenly Kingdom. Think about it for a moment: No pre-marital sexual relationships, no drinking parties, no foul music, no foul movies, unforgiveness or gossip. In contrast, there will be a lot of prayer, a lot of worship, many opportunities for studying the word of God, wholesome music, wholesome movies, and wholesome fun.
On the other end of the spectrum, we have Christians that have become so zealous in their religiosity that they ridicule and criticize anyone who "has not seen the light". They are arrogant and forget who they once were. They love to claim how often they go to church and they love to point out the sin in other people, but their hearts are hard, wicked, and judgmental.
Each of us must examine our own lives and be honest with ourselves – Which category do you fall into? Is there another option?
How can we walk in true Christianity, exercising a proper mixture of grace and truth – how can we be the church?
Over the years, three things have been a constant help to me – not that I have attained perfection, but by God's grace, I live out my faith, getting farther and farther away from the person described in Isaiah 59: 1-7.
Perhaps the following can be of help to you as well.
1) Repent – Ask God to show you your sin – then be faithful to repent.
2) Remember – Before you surrendered to Christ, you too were an enemy of God.
3) Read – Study the word of God so that you will be transformed into the image of Christ.
I leave you with the following passages of Scripture – allow them to speak to you, listen to what the Lord says, and respond.
"..In view of all of this, make every effort to respond to God's promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and more excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection with love for everyone. The more you grow like this, the more productive and useful you will be in your knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. But those who fail to develop in this way are shortsighted or blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their old sins." 2 Peter 1:5-8 (NLT)
"Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tender-hearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other's faults. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." Colossians 3:12-13 (NLT)
"All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people for every good work". 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NLT)
"How can a man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are you, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes. With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as all riches. I will meditate on Your precepts, and contemplate Your ways. I will delight myself in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word" Psalm 119:9-16
Is Christianity a check mark in a box, or is it who you are – Don't just go to church, be the church.
Lord help us all.
© Teresa Ortiz – World-Wide Bible Studies 2009
Article submitted Monday, May 25, 2009 & read 1803 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow in CO (288 days 21 hours ago.)
Very carefully and thoughtfully written - a good challenge to keep our hearts tender, like His. Preach it, Teresa. And in His strength may we truly become more like out Lord daily and step by step! MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi Marijo, thank you for the input! It is a step by step journey of faith isn't it?!
God blessings to you! Teresa
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» left by Reginald Perry from Orange, NJ (288 days 4 hours ago.)
Sister Teresa, I truly enjoyed your post, and I commend you for coming up front and telling it like it is. Years ago I read a book written by C. S. Lewis entitled, "Mere Christianity." In the book he speaks candidly of how flippantly the noun Christian is used. Some people believe that they are Christians, because their parents are Christians. The truth is, you need a personal relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ.Continue the marvelous work of ministry, and I know that God has you in His perfect will.ReggieRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi Reggie,
Thank you for reading and taking a moment to comment. I appreciate your input and I am glad you mentioned Mere Christianity. I have not read it, but I have heard so many wonderful things about it. Maybe its time I open the book :-)
Thank you for the encouraging words. I am blessed by the opportunity to share my Love for the Lord and His wonderful grace and truth with others. I am also blessed by the other believers on this site and the wonderful lessons they share.
Please come back often and share your thoughts and perspectives with all of us. My desire is that we grow into a wonderful community of believers who fellowship in the truth while encouraging others to grow in the faith. Share this site with your family and friends.
Lord bless you brother Reggie, and may God continue to bless you as you seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Serve Him with a pure heart.
In Christ,
Teresa
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» left by Bruno (4) (286 days 1 hour ago.)
Great read, Teresa, and I couldn't agree with you more. There's actually a t-shirt that says "Don't go to Church" on the front and "Be the Church" on the back.. I'm going to have to get one of those.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hey Bruno,
I appreciate the input. I want one of those T-shirts! I recently learned of another t-shirt out there that says, I'm the wretch that song talks about. I want one of those too!
Blessings! Teresa
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» left by Irene Fleming from Clraendon Hills, IL (182 days 17 hours ago.)
I was really very curious about what kind of guidelines a true Christian should follow. I am not a church going person, because the few churches I have attended have just the sort of people mentioned above. Claiming to be Christians, especially in front of others, but then talking about others behind their backs. I read a small pamphlet called "Our Daily Bread" and, for awhile, I was reading the Bible every night. But I'm not sure what it was that made me stop, I was all the way up to Psalms, and then I just stopped. I know my life is missing something. I talk to God every night before I go to sleep, but I still feel that emptiness. I've proclaimed that Jesus is my Lord and Savior, and I am going to Heaven, but deep inside, I still feel awkward and alone. Irene F.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hello Irene,
I'm so glad you came across this article and decided to leave a comment/question. The guidelines a true Christian should follow are weaved througout the entire bible, but for a quick reference, a good place to start is the book of Ephesians and 1 & 2nd Thessalonians. I do have an article called "the general will of God for every christian" you can google it and find it.
Its good to know that you have professed Jesus as your Lord and Savior, but that is only part of living a fullfilled life. Going to church and being in fellowship with other Christians is not an option. Jesus established "church" (believers gathering for prayer, worship and study of God's word). It is required of us by Jesus and the writer of Hebrews commands it.
Fellowshipping with other Christians is essential to our health as Christians. We are fed emotionally and aquire knowledge and strength. It is not God's design that we walk the life of faith alone. The awkwardness and lonelyness you feel is a direct result of your spirit missing out on the fellowship God has called you to. If you are not reading your bible that is another missing ingredient to a fullfilled Christian life.
There are no perfect churches out there because there are no perfect Christians, however, there are some very good churches that teach the word of God, provide means of fellowship through midweek studies and women's studies. It just takes some time to find one. It is worth the search and it is your call as a Christian by the Lord to do so.
The other thing is, you can come to this site and read all the wonderful articles and begin to interact with all the believers here which is a good beginning to Christian fellowship. If you would like, I would be happy to help you with studying the bible, its always good to have a study partner. Also, I would love to help you find some churches in your area that teach sound biblical doctrine.
Thank you again for writing. Joy and fullfillment are not so far away for you. It starts with getting back into fellowship with your heavenly Father. Feel free to read, comment, and ask questions on any of the articles here on World-wide Bible studies, you will get a response.
We would love to have you join us on a regular basis. You can send me an email anytime by using the contact form on this site.
I look forward to hearing from you again. I will be praying for you! Lord Bless you Irene. Teresa
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» left by Bruno (4) (180 days 20 hours ago.)
Now that the Summer break is over, I am re-starting the family-oriented small group that Jean and I host on Friday nights. I think this will be the study tonight.Thanks Teresa!Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Sounds great! Glad it could be of use for your group. Lord bless you guys, I will remember to say a prayer each Friday for all of you! Teresa
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» left by Ashley from OC (148 days 9 hours ago.)
I like what Sister Teresa said about Christians believing they are Christians because their parents are. I've always believed in God, but it isn't until recently that i wondered why and I realized that I always agreed with my parents. Now I really want to know why I believe in Him and why I have faith. I have so many questions and interests about the Bible and I love knowing that there are people out there that have answers and can guide me in the right direction. I want to be a good Christian and I thank you all for your comments, they truly are inspirational!Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi Ashley,
I'm so glad you found your way to world-wide bible studies and this article. What an encouragement is is to know that you are growing into your own relationship with God through Christ. I will be praying for you! I do hope you come back often. there are so many good study helps here and all of us will be happy to answer any questions you have honestly and to the best of our ability.
Lord bless you abundantly! Teresa
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» left by Lydia Najera from Spangle, WA (77 days 14 hours ago.)
Teresa,You always hit the nail on the head for me with the way that you share yourself with me and others.Love Lydia NajeraRespond to this comment
» left by whydoesitmatter from whydoesitmatter (62 days 19 hours ago.)
It says that by accepting Christ, you will have a personal relationship with Christ. By going into a physical church-building where you are amongst OTHER self-proclaimed Christians, which then turns your "personal relationship with Christ and God a PUBLIC one, does that not defeat the purpose of having a "personal relationship" with Christ/God?Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi Why Does it Matter :-)
It matters because a personal relationship with Christ is witnessed by the public eye. Jesus said we are to go out and make disciples and be fishers of men's souls. Also, He ordained public and community worship/fellowship.
However, public worship is not so that you look good to others but there is no personal and quiet time with the Lord in prayer and study. We are to make it evident by our actions and attitudes to the public that we have a personal relationship with Christ. Personal just means that we have made a decision within our own hearts to surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in our lives.
This is why it matters :-)
Many blessings to you. Thanks for reading and for the comment.
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» left by ^_^ from God's planet of duality. (61 days 16 hours ago.)
Hey! Thanks for the reply! I really appreciate you taking the effort out to clarify my questions. Perhaps I wasn't being clear enough, or perhaps my wording was used inappropriately where you may have misunderstood my line of questions. Or even perhaps our sources of info are different altogether (mine is NKJV).
I think you gave me answers as to "why it matters" to go to a church and not whether or not it is "contradictory" that your "personal relationship" with GOD becomes "public relationship" once it has been "witnessed by the public eye."Here is what I know based on reading my version of the Bible. I'm not sure what you have as there are many versions out today.Church = followers of God (nothing mentioned regarding a house of worship)Perhaps what I REALLY should ask is, did Jesus ever asked for a church "building" to be erected in his name?It worries me that in order "to make it evident by our actions and attitudes to the public that we have a personal relationship with Christ" isn't that a show of sign that the person has committed a sin of avarice?Please help. Again, your time is greatly appreciated. Thank you.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi again,
Thanks for writing back. In this particular lesson, I quoted from the NLT which is the New Living Translation. But I almost always use the NKJV of the Bible. I suppose I should put that in perins when I qoute Scripture from it :-) Sometimes the NLT makes the point clearer, as in this case for this lesson.
This comment does help clarify what you are saying - at least what I think you are saying. It is true, the church is the body of Christ which is the people who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior. Jesus said anywhere where two or three are gathered there I will be in the midst of them. "Church" is anywhere God's children meet. In the New Testament book of Acts, we read that community (or public) times of fellowship happened in peoples homes. When we read all the new testament epistles, there are addressed to the "the church in..." We know it is addressed to the people.
We have a command from Jesus to meet together - the word comes from Paul "Do not forsake the fellowship of the saints"
Jesus said his children will be known by their fruits. All throughout the new testament we are exhorted to let our light shine before men so that they may praise and give glory to God.
Coming together with other Christians to pray, study, and have communion, strengthens the body of Christ (the church) so that individually we will grow stronger in our relationship with God.
It is in our motive of why we serve others and do good deeds that would or would not count as "sin"
If we do good just to look good in the eyes of others, this is sin because it comes from a selfish attitude. If however, we are doing good out of the gratitude of our hearts for what Jesus has done for us, then it is not sin because the motive is real.
So going to church - rather , having church, by going to a public place of fellowship is not necessarily a building. It could be a park or someone's home, it could be the coffee shop down the street. It is where ever the body of Christ gathers. Jesus asked for the church to come together - this is why he gave us pastors and teachers and gifts of the Spirit, so that the body of Christ would grow,
Having a building to go to, just makes it possible for more people to come together at one time. Remember, Jesus did go into the Synogagues and teach as did Paul.
I hope this has answered your question from my point of view of Scripture. What are you saying exactly, that you do not think Christian fellowship or sharing the gospel with others is mandated by Jesus?
I appreciate the conversation '"from God's Planet of duality" - what does this mean? :-)
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» left by Hello, my name is Gia from and I'm from NYC (60 days 16 hours ago.)
Hi Teresa. Thanks for your explanation and glad to know that you are enjoying the conversation. Most of the times, the Christians with whom I engage this topic of contradictions with, they get mad at me for saying what I say and then they would usually condemn me to hell LOL which, in my opinion, we are already IN hell. =DThis what you say is very true, regardless of one's religious choice. "If we do good just to look good in the eyes of others, this is sin because it comes from a selfish attitude. If however, we are doing good out of the gratitude of our hearts for what Jesus has done for us, then it is not sin because the motive is real."So, permit me if you will then how would one know if in fact the sincerity of a person is genuine or not? Simply by examining their fruits is rather difficult these days don't you think so? And that is what I mean about a world of Duality - like the two sides of a coin. You can either choose to trust or distrust a person. The examples that you showed regarding doing good to LOOK GOOD vs. doing good becuz of your gratitude is a very good example of dualism. =) In case you are wondering, I am not a Buddhist. =D However, the Buddhist faith does a good job of explaining the concept of dualism. It's "reincarnation," but unfortunately, Christianity does not believe in that. Christianity believes only in Heaven and Hell. ;-) which if you can look at it from a neutral perspective, it looks a lot like ---- re-i-n-c-aaa. lol i hope u get my point. =)I think it's very clear that there are really only 2 types of people in the world today, the good people and the bad people. Good people are the ones who help out others w/o looking for a reward, bad people are the ones who are doing their work becuz of a reward. And becuz of the latter, innocent people lost their lives becuz of it. I'm referring to the incident in NYC recently where the EMT workers were on break and were asked to help out a pregnant woman with an illness but refused and ultimately led to the death of both the mother and the child. But the thing is that no one person is ever really very good, or very bad. To actively judge if someone is bad or good is basically placing a judgment on them, right? But according to the scriptures, one who is human, does not have the right to place a judge on others because then THAT person would be committing a sin. Still, to demonstrate even further, you have to have people in distraught for you to give them a hand isn't that right?I agree that whoever believes in the existence of God, indeed SHOULD get together and do the good will that God intended for all his children to do. Help out those who needs help, pray for those who are seeking, or just basically lend a helping hand. And that is the MAIN THING that JESUS or GOD wanted us to do wasn't it? I think the word "mandate" is rather strong. Because if you can briefly look back into history, anything that was "mandated," was overthrown because it caused dissatisfaction in some people. Also, I don't recall Christ ever mandated his followers to be his followers. In fact, I believe it was the opposite that he did that allowed him to gain the respect of the masses. So, in light of absolution, relativism emerged. But because there exists relativism, it allows the existence of absolution w/in relativism. and it goes on, and on. and on. and on. and. yeah .LOL. It's like what Heraclitus (one of Socrate's students) said, "The only thing that ever changes is change itself."Please bear in mind that I am not trying to convince you or anyone else who happens to be reading this conversation that their choice in Christianity (or whatever the name of their chosen or mandated belief) is a bad thing. I was taught to respect a person regardless of their gender,race,status,religion of choice - where was I raised? Well, right here in the good ole' U.S. of A, my faithful friend. =)I really don't mean to play devil's advocate. I just feel that the lost of innocent lives due to the divided beliefs of the SAME GOD is, just, well, ironic, isn't it? Perhaps it's just me. Then again, perhaps it's for the BEST that MOST humans' "choice of religion" should remain divided, so that people who does something or anything good for the gratitude of what others have done for them to exist and actually fulfill the needs of those who are TRULY in need, regardless of choice of religion. I apologize if i end up confusing anyone. =) Oh. what a tangled web we weave! =D And believe it or not, I was not forced into accepting the word of Christ. But at the same time, I was able to see it for what it truly is - a philosophical way of life. If one is able to fully adhere to ALL his teachings, then one will not sin. If that is the case, then the person must be a God, but since no one can become the one true God but God himself, then that would make the person a -------- ??? Please enlighten me. =)Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (59 days 4 hours ago.)
Hello Gia from NYC,
You are welcome. I know its true many people get upset when questioned about their faith - but thankfully there are many more who do not.
Most people can tell when someone is being phony in a lot of cases, not just in their confession of faith or religious practice. No body is perfect, but consistancy is what proves genuine faith. I suppose there are some really good actors out there, but God knows the heart of a person, and that is who each of us ultimately should be concerned with.
You are right in saying there are only two types of people - good and evil, but more specifically, and biblically, I would say the two types of people are saved and unsaved. What you said in at the end of your comment is true, every person ever born is born with a sinful nature. The Bible tells us this in plain terms all over the Old and New Testaments. We need a Savior, and that Savior was provided to us in the person of Jesus Christ, who is God in the flesh. Christianity is not a cultural thing, it is a God thing - a gift provided by His sacrifice, and we have the choice to receive or decline. God woos us, but he will never force us.
As Christians, we are to do the same, woo others by our actions, deeds, and words, but never are we to force Jesus on another person. Only to be ready to provide answers to one who is questioning.
I and many other wonderful writers here on WWbible studies have many articles on the meaning and way of Salvation according to the Bible - which is God's word to mankind.
Confessing our sin and receiving Christ as our Savior is what asssures us a place in heaven with God.
Please feel free to read and ask questions of me or any other writer here, they would love to communicate with you. You can also register and ask questions in the question answer section on the front page. These will be seen by others and you can gain some other perspectives on the Christian faith and a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
Thanks again for writing.
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» left by Anonymous (51 days 21 hours ago.)
Theresa, thank you. Thank you, and thank you again. Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness and understanding. You have truly demonstrated how to live gracefully as Christ have taught and in doing so, you have made a great example for me as well as whoever shall come upon this conversation. Again, thank you so much for your time and effort spent. =) I hope one day I will be able to serve as an example like you have to me. Take care! All the best!
Gia from NYC. =)
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» left by David Arellano(3) (51 days 13 hours ago.)
Thanks Teresa, Im finding out after many ,many years the Holy Bible is alive, breathing, and eternal.As long as I live and evolve day by day, year by year the chapters of the Bible pertain to my daily existance.By the grace of our Father in Heaven this is so.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa (1,504)
Hi David,
Sorry for the delay in responding. I am so glad you joined us and I look forward to your next piece. It is so true, God's world is alive and active and meets us where were are and the challenges us to keep moving forward.
Many blessings to you! T
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» left by tabatha (15 days 14 hours ago.)
this helps more than u can imagin. I am only 13 and have recentlly been saved. being in public schools are so hard with everyday having somone question my faith, makes me question it at times. good to know there are other belivers out therethankyou, and godblessRespond to this comment
» left by Anonymous (15 days 4 hours ago.)
Hi Tabatha,
It is good to hear from you, a young believer in Christ. I know it is rough being a Christian at a young age, but it has its reward and God will equipt you every step of the way as you pray and study the Bible - getting involved in a youth group at a good church that does not compromise the word of God will be your strength. I have written an article for new Christians on another web site, I am going to have it transfered to this one shortly, please come back and read it. It will help you know what to expect.
Please come back and visit here and if you have any questions about the faith, feel free to ask, we are all here for you.
There is great joy in the Lord I am praying for you Tabatha.
I hope to hear from you again.
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» left by Anonymous (8 days 6 hours ago.)
I'm NOT a Christian, but I think if more people thought the way you do, It would be a more appealing religion.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa Ortiz (8 days 4 hours ago.)
Hello Anon,
Thank you for the comment - this is exactly why Christians need to be humble. It's a sad thing because when we face God as individuals, we will not be able to use someone else's bad example as an excuse as to why we rejected Christ as Savior.
I appreciate your reading, your comment, and your honesty. It encourages me, and hopefully other Christians who read to continue to remain humble in their walk with God. To remember we are saved by grace and all our "good" is like filthy rags compared to the goodness and holiness of of God.
Many blessings to you!
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