Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:13-23 Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!”

What does it take to be a True Christian? It is not just who or what you believe, and it is not just what you have faith in. It has everything to do with Who and What you OBEY. Jesus said in the above passage that you will know them by the fruits they produce. A good tree can not produce bad fruit and a bad tree can not produce good fruit. Also in 1 Peter 4:17-18, it says “For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Is being a true Christian about who you profess, or who you possess? You can talk about Jesus all the time, but do you possess him in your heart. You can come to church on Sunday and feel good about yourself and look like a saint, but if you don’t live for Jesus the rest of the week and have a desire to get closer to him, what kind of Christian are you? The following scriptures make this point. Ezekiel 18:4, “For every living soul belongs to me, the father as well as the son—both alike belong to me. The soul who sins is the one who will die.” Romans 8:5, “Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Revelation 20:15, “If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”

God’s love demand Discipline. How much time are you spending with God each day. Are you reading the Bible, God’s holy word; Are you spending time in Prayer; Are you going to Sunday School; Are you going to Bible studies, or are you in a small group. Are you spending all your time on what you want and not giving God any of your time and efforts. Are you working for His Kingdom or are you wrapped up in your little kingdom on this earth. If you are not working for God’s kingdom then what you put first in your life is your god and idol. This is a violation of God’s commandment of not having any gods before Him. This is sin. Colossians 1:19-20, says, “For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.” Nothing I mean nothing should come before Jesus!

Do you know God or do you just know about God? In John 1:12, it says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” Joining a church can not save you, taking communion can not save you, being Baptized can not save you.If you have not repented of your sins and get baptized all you will be is a wet sinner.

What is the difference between what demons believe and what most Christians believe? In James 2:19, it says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.” It is the belief in Jesus and who he was that makes all the difference. Mark 1:23-24, says, “Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, what do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” So if it only takes believing in God and Jesus then the demons will go to heaven as well. But this is just not true, so there has to be more than just believing. It has to do with who you obey.

On the next post I will give you the evidence so you can see if you are truly a follower of Jesus.