 Many Macedonians say that they are Orthodox Christians, and someone might wonder why anyone needs to pray for them or share Christ with them. Consider this: Is it wrong to pray for people to have a right relationship with God?
The truth of the matter:
 Orthodox = right worship
Christian = little Christ
Orthodox-Christianity is ideal if true, but if it is an empty title, then it is a false hope, often keeping people from being true Orthodox-Christians. This is true for Orthodox, Catholics and Protestants; many believe they are Christians because they do “Christian” things, without being true Christians.
Anyone who wishes to be a true follower of Christ--regardless of denomination--must ask some hard questions:
 Am I trusting my works? or Am I trusting Christ’s?
Am I a Christian by genetics or ethnicity? or Am I a Christian by choice?
Am I seeking to use Christ as an insurance policy? or Am I seeking to be like Christ in all things?
Do I expect God to give me everything I want? or Am I willing to accept His plan for me?
To see how to follow Christ, let us consult his own words:
“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
“Whoever believes in the Son is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.” John 3:18
“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 you name drive our demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ ” Matthew 7:21-23
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son your sins are forgiven.” Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, “Why does this fellow talk like that? He’s blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, “Why are you thinking these things? Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, take your mat and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins--.” He said to the paralytic, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” Mark 2:5-11
Only God can forgive your mistakes and sins, and this forgiveness only comes through Christ.
Ask Him to forgive your sins and be master of your life today.
Then:
He will take away your sins.
He will give you His Holy Spirit to enable you to follow Him.
AND
You will have a personal relationship with God.
You can honestly tell others that you are a follower of Christ. |
 
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