Get Real

An authentic Christian might be defined as a Christian who is what he or she appears to be. They tell the truth¡Kall of the time. They are the same in private as they are in public. They keep their word at all costs. They present no facades. They are not fake. They are real, authentic and genuine.

I wonder. Have you had a life changing encounter with Jesus Christ? There are real authentic Christians and there are some who are just pretending to be Christian. They live in the land of make believe. They are fake. Some have been doing it so long they have forgotten what the real thing even looks like.

If you want to see the real thing this morning, I point you to Jesus.

You remember those counterfeit bills we talked about earlier? Do you know how they train tellers to detect counterfeit money? It¡¦s not just the pen. Tellers are trained to notice counterfeit money by getting familiar with real money! That¡¦s right!

The idea is that the more familiar you are with real money the easier it will be for you to detect fake money. You would think they would train people by showing them what counterfeit money looks like and feel like. Instead, they get them completely familiar with the real deal. They get to know the genuine article. That way they will be able to spot the counterfeit.

Jesus is the genuine article when it comes to Christian living. He is our example. He is the model that we are to pattern our lives after. And He is ready to help you live the life He is calling you to live. He wants to provide you with all the resources you need.

You know, I could pretend to be the President of the United States. But that doesn¡¦t make me the President. I don¡¦t have the credentials.

The Credentials of an Authentic Christian:

1) Christ has forgiven you.

2) You have accepted Him as your Savior.

3) You are walking in the light of Hs Word.

4) Everyday.

5) Everywhere you go.

How about it? Are you an authentic Christian? Are you real? Are you genuine?

Authenticity is not about altering your circumstances.

It is about altering you and refining in you the image of Jesus Christ.

Are you open to that kind of transformation this morning?

God wants to do an incredible work in your life. Why settle for some poor imitation? Why settle for weak, anemic Christianity when you can experience a new vitality in your walk with the Lord that will literally transform your life?

2 Corinthians 13:5 The Message

Test yourselves to make sure you are solid in the faith. Don’t drift along taking everything for granted. Give yourselves regular checkups. You need firsthand evidence, not mere hearsay, that Jesus Christ is in you. Test it out. If you fail the test, do something about it.

I¡¦m inviting you to do just that this morning.

Invitation