What is a Christian? - Is Christianity for You

I met a woman who never knew her parents. She was raised in an orphanage never knowing a traditional family. She grew up. She studied. She worked. She was an agreeable person to be around. At a large gathering she heard about God and His Fatherhood. This appealed to her as she knew no father of her own. She would become a Christian and pursue this relationship with God. Even as an adult she would talk to God about her sadness about never having parents. She knew God loved her and was there for her. Yet, there was a deep emptiness that still hurt. Much to her surprise on a plane ride she met a businessman who was going to build Christian orphanages. This resonated with her, so she shared her own story. This man said, “Well, consider me your father.” “Okay,” she said dismissively. Well, over the course of a few years, this relationship developed, and he eventually adopted her as one of his own children.

Every person alive today is a spiritual orphan. Look at what Galatians 4:3-7 says: “In the same way we also, when we were children, were enslaved to the elementary principles of the world. 4 But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” 7 So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.”

Paul tells us we by nature are slaves. Slaves to what? Sin. Romans 5 tells us by our slavery to sin we are enemies of God. But, God who is rich in mercy and grace, adopts people. Young people, old people and everyone in between.

Why? Because He loves His creation (John 3:16-17) and He wants a relationship with us.

Reflect: Paul told us in the Galatians passage that God desires to adopt us. How does that impact your view of God? How does that impact your view of yourself?

Respond: If what was said in the video and what was studied in the above passages are true, how does this influence your understanding of being a Christian?

We look forward to your comments and questions below!

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https://bttb.org/is-christianity-for-you