She [Lydia] was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. Acts 16:14-15
Cultural Christianity has a form of godliness but no faith in Christ. There is a resemblance to righteousness, but not an authentic heart change. Because the culture may understand the tenets of Christianity, a citizen may think their birthright into that society makes them a Christian. However, understanding without conversion/transformation is just head knowledge. Familiarity does breed contempt where cultural Christianity replaces personal faith with a general "feel good" faith.
Yes, there are those like Lydia who may even worship God but are worshiping as an unsaved sinner, not as a saint. As Paul taught, she came under conviction from the Holy Spirit to believe in and accept the resurrected Christ into her life. Her baptism was an outward confession of her inward conversion to a life dedicated to following Jesus Christ. Conversion Christianity is a person who came to the end of themselves and confessed their need for Jesus as Savior, and recognizes that their sin has separated them from God and His fullness. Transformation is from the inside out process that occurs in us all as we seek after and spend time with God. Assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3, NKJV
Have you been genuinely converted to Christ? Have you humbled your heart like a little child and embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life? Our individual conversion to Christ is a significant source of strength for our church, community and family. We become “salt and light” for a society in search of its soul. Preachers, lawyers, judges, students, mechanics, coaches, teachers, homemakers, executives, artists and athletes who love Jesus begin to influence friends, associates, and acquaintances for Jesus. Converted Christians change the culture for Christ.
Cultural Christians blend into the culture. Converted Christians influence the culture. The strings of your parents' faith can not make you right with God only yours can. Our beliefs cannot be a barnacle on the cruise ship of someone else’s conversion. Personal conversion is our only qualifier for heaven after death and abundant life on earth. Cultural Christians are only an imitation of real intimacy and salvation that is found in Jesus.
Yes, there are those like Lydia who may even worship God but are worshiping as an unsaved sinner, not as a saint. As Paul taught, she came under conviction from the Holy Spirit to believe in and accept the resurrected Christ into her life. Her baptism was an outward confession of her inward conversion to a life dedicated to following Jesus Christ. Conversion Christianity is a person who came to the end of themselves and confessed their need for Jesus as Savior, and recognizes that their sin has separated them from God and His fullness. Transformation is from the inside out process that occurs in us all as we seek after and spend time with God. Assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3, NKJV
Have you been genuinely converted to Christ? Have you humbled your heart like a little child and embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of your life? Our individual conversion to Christ is a significant source of strength for our church, community and family. We become “salt and light” for a society in search of its soul. Preachers, lawyers, judges, students, mechanics, coaches, teachers, homemakers, executives, artists and athletes who love Jesus begin to influence friends, associates, and acquaintances for Jesus. Converted Christians change the culture for Christ.
Cultural Christians blend into the culture. Converted Christians influence the culture. The strings of your parents' faith can not make you right with God only yours can. Our beliefs cannot be a barnacle on the cruise ship of someone else’s conversion. Personal conversion is our only qualifier for heaven after death and abundant life on earth. Cultural Christians are only an imitation of real intimacy and salvation that is found in Jesus.
SN: Come join us for worship and the word each Sunday (9:45am) and Wednesday (7:00pm) at First Baptist Chesterbrook 1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va.
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Rev. Todd A. Brown, Pastor
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. 22101
First Baptist of Chesterbrook
1740 Kirby Rd. McLean Va. 22101
Worship with us Sundays at 9:45am
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact
Vision:" Disciples Making a Kingdom Impact
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