Category: Christian Faith

How to Be a Real Christian

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Christianity is estimated by census figures, surveys, etc., to be the world’s leading religion in terms of population numbers, with more than two billion, perhaps as many as two and a half billion, who identify themselves as Christians. Among those claiming to be Christian are represented a wide assortment of beliefs and practices that are often contradictory not only to each other, but are often exactly the opposite of what Jesus Christ himself believed, taught and practiced. One dictionary definition of a Christian is one who professes belief in Jesus as Christ. Is a Christian just anyone who claims to be a Christian? If not, exactly what does it mean, from the standpoint of Scripture, to be a Christian? What makes one a Christian in God’s sight?

That is the subject the message, “How to Be a Real Christian.” In it are discussed specific steps necessary to becoming or remaining a Christian, as God’s word defines a true Christian.

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Copyright © 2025 by Rod Reynolds

Unless otherwise noted Scripture taken from the New King James VersionTM
Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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Unleavened Bread — Flee Sin in Haste

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“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John the Baptist identified Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29)

Immediately after the Passover comes a festival that depicts the next step in the fulfillment of God’s master plan: the seven days of Unleavened Bread. The Passover pictures Christ’s death to save us from sin and its ravages. Jesus did not sacrifice Himself for us so we will continue to live in sin. Christ’s death reconciles us with God so we can become children in His family. Sin separates us from God. We read in Isaiah: “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah 59:1-2).

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God’s Law is a Blessing

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The world as a whole is groping in darkness and blindness for a path to happiness, peace, safety and life. In the world many don’t realize they can’t see. They don’t realize they are blind and walking in darkness. They think they are walking in light and that they know the path to a better, fuller, happier life. Yet, they keep falling into pits. They keep stumbling into snares. And the result is a world full of unhappiness, misery, suffering and death.

At the same time they have nothing but contempt and scorn for the light that would show them the true path and lead them to safety and happiness. They, oddly enough, don’t regard the light as a blessing, but rather as a curse. How about you. Do you know what is the true light? And do you regard it as a blessing or a curse?

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Purity of Heart

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The pure of heart will see God (Matthew 5:8). But our hearts are by nature corrupted by the leaven of sin (Romans 7:14; 8:7). The Feast of Unleavened Bread pictures the removal of the spiritual leaven that corrupts us, so  we can have pure hearts. How is that accomplished? How can you have a pure heart, so you can see God?

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Significance of the Passover

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In considering the Passover it’s most important that we understand the spiritual lessons behind it. God has used history and religious symbolism to weave a pattern of spiritual instruction for us to learn. Learn about the Passover and some of its multi-faceted symbolism and spiritual lessons.

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