Untitled Sermon

Part 1: Foundation of Christianity

We need a firm foundation to become a good Christian. Today we are going to think about the essence of becoming a Christian.

Three Misunderstandings of Christianity

There are three misunderstandings of Christianity.

1. Christianity is not a creed. A Christian can agree to a particular creed (or every creed), but may be not a true Christian.

James 2:19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe - and shudder!

2. Christianity is not strictly a code of conduct. It is great and necessary to live life morally, but it is not the essence of Christianity. Although someone lives morally, they may not be a true Christian because we cannot be saved through our good works.

Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

3. Christianity is not a cult. Worship, prayer, Bible study, fellowship, service, etc. is necessary for Christian life. However, despite doing those things, someone cannot understand the essence of Christianity. That is why Jesus rebuked the Pharisees. (John Wesley, 1792)

The Essence of Christianity

4. The Essence of Christianity is Christ. Christianity is not a religion, but rather Christ’s whole personality and a personal relationship with Christ. Without a personal relationship, these studies, theological knowledge, good deeds, devotion, etc. are meaningless.

Philippians 3:7-9 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith.

5. The following passages explain the essence of Christianity, which includes personal knowledge, communion, etc.

John 15:15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.

a. First of all, we have to have Christ, which is through salvation and justification.

Philippians 3:8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.

Romans 3:28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.

b. Secondly, we have to serve Christ as our Lord, which is through obedience, sanctification, etc.

Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Commitment to Believe in Christ, Conversion

We have to think about what we need in order to establish a personal relationship with Christ.

6. Admit: I need to confess that I am a sinner, so that I can admit that I need my Savior.

a. What is a simple definition of biblical sin? Self-centeredness. The biblical order is to firstly love God, secondly love your neighbor, and lastly love yourself. However sin changes the order and separates us from God.

2 Timothy 3:1-2 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy...

Isaiah 59:2 but your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden his face from you so that he does not hear.

b. Consequences of Sin: The consequences of sin is God’s anger and judgment.

Romans 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Hebrews 9:27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.

7. Believe: We need to believe Jesus is our Savior, through his characteristic and works.

Acts 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

8. Consider: We need to consider accepting Jesus as our Lord.

Acts 2:36 Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.

9. Do: After you do the previous acts (admit, believe, and consider), then you have to decide to repent of your sins and receive Jesus as your Lord.

Acts 2:38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

John 1:12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God