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GARDEN VARIETY CHRISTIANITY

by linzy bruno
6/05/2024 / Bible Studies

MERELY CLAIMING TO BE CHRISTIAN DOES NOT A TRUE CHRISTIAN MAKE .....

1). The Name Only Christian, or Carnal Believer

This is someone who only calls upon the Name of the Lord in times of trouble, but pretty much ignores Him when things are going well. This is someone who does not stop to think of God; what He would say about their sinfulness is of no concern whatsoever, that is until something goes wrong. There are varying levels of carnality. We all abide in some level of worldliness, which is the flesh just by being in the world, but the key is to fight the draw of worldliness on purpose, and purposefully follow God. We can make that change if we get out of our own way and let God do what He wants to within us:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

“For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God.” (Romans 8:6-9)

“For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.” (Galatians 5:17)

But, there is no excuse to continue ignoring God in the flesh. We cannot make this change on our own, but if we get out of God’s Way and surrender to His Holy Spirit’s Leading, which is inside of every believer, we will be enabled:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become brand new.” (2Corinthians 5:17)

It would appear that carnality can be seen as a test of our hearts…….

But, it’s important to note that God will not be mocked:

“Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.” (Galatians 6:7-8)

ALSO SEE: Matthew 25:1-13

The carnal believer is sadly, not saved, or in grave danger of that countenance before GOD.

2). The Scarcely Saved Believer

This is someone who is having difficulty understanding God, for a lack of reading His Word or some sort of mental block/chronic emotional turmoil. This is someone who is greatly troubled in soul and spirit or someone with emotional problems. This is not an advisable countenance before the Lord, however, God is Merciful. Only He knows the heart of every one of us and He knows if someone is truly scarcely saved or if they are only acting that way to get God’s sympathy:

“For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, Where will the ungodly and the sinner appear? Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” (1Peter 4:17-19)

In the above verse, Peter is exhorting his church to not allow themselves to remain conformed to this world, as Paul teaches the Roman church:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Romans 12:2)

The scarcely saved are saved, but are in desperate need of breaking the pattern of stagnation.

3). The Maturing Believer

This is someone who truly wants to grow and learn, and works with God’s Spirit in order to do so. It’s not that anyone can ever get to the point of complete maturity, but this one is striving to reach that pinnacle. This is someone on a journey with God; someone who walks with God in humility and repentance:

“and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:23-24)

“as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1Peter 2:2-3)

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;” (Colossians 1:9-10)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26)

ALSO SEE: 1Samuel 2:26, 2Peter 3:18, Hebrews 6:1, Jeremiah 12:2, Luke 17:5

The maturing believer has gone beyond salvation and enjoys spiritual growth! Hallelujah!

4). The New Age Believer.

This category would include any false teaching that claims to be Christianity. The easiest and fastest way to detect this lie is to compare what they say to what the Bible says. But, do this with suspicion in mind, for they are good at twisting the truth sometimes. This is someone who is lost; following a fake Jesus, and who is most likely not reading God’s Word or gravely misunderstanding it. And this is someone who needs to come to the Throne in fear of the LORD and not put it off, for the clock is ticking, and the end of time as we know it is near!

The new ager is sadly, not saved.

NKJV

CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW THE EXPOUNDED VERSION OF THIS ARTICLE COMPLETE WITH HIGHLY INFORMATIVE VIDEOS:

https://linzybruno.substack.com/p/the-confusing-voices-of-spirituality

Linzy is a certified Bible Counsellor, with countless republications on her viewers blogs, Bible Studies, Ezines and the like. Her portfolio includes, non-fiction articles, short stories for all ages, and Christian poetry.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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