What defines a Christian?

"Tabatha" raised a very intersting question recently under the post titled "Modern Day Jewish Atonement" (in the archives under June, 2007) that I found to be fascinating and worthy of discussion. It is a question that likely confuses many people outside the church as to what "Christianity" is all about. The question is:

"What are the core or essential Christian beliefs, the ones that if rejected, would render a person a NON Christian?"

I think the obvious answer to this is "faith in Jesus," but what does that mean exactly?

I propose as a starting point that belief that Jesus died on the cross for your sins is included in that faith.

I would also argue that if you truly believe it, then your belief will be accompanied by sincere repentance (i.e., if you truly understand your fate without Jesus compared to your fate with Him, you will recognize what brought you there and be so incredibly grateful for what He did that you will allow the Holy Spirit into your heart and be changed).

I will leave it there for now to see what others have to say. The specific beliefs that Tabatha asked about were:

- virgin birth
- resurrection
- Jesus as messiah
- Jesus as 'son of god' and/or 'god incarnate'
- the 'second coming'

Please feel free to chime in with your thoughts on this very intriguing question.

Please Vote

Today is Tuesday, November 4, election day. For those of us here in the United States (as well as other democracies around the world), God has given us the gift of living in a country that allows us a voice in choosing the people who will govern us. This is a privilege that many in our world do not share.

Don't waste the gift God has given you. There are many out there who are envious of the opportunity you have today. Give thanks to God that you live in such a country, then go out and take full advantage of the opportunity God has given to you.

I am not telling which way to vote. That is up to you. All I ask is that you pray, ask for God's guidance, then please go out and cast your ballot.

Thank you and God bless.

Ken