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How is true Christianity?
Many people believe true Christianity is dead or lost. And many think true Christianity is only love or rules. However, one thing is for sure: true Christianity is a fight.
I recently returned from a short trip to India. In India, the Spirit of God gave me a particular verse from the Bible. It is found in 1 Timothy 6:12 (ESV)
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Indeed, our brothers and sisters from India are true warriors. They know better how it is to fight the good fight of faith. Many pay with their lives to keep their faith. For instance, in Odisha state (the cradle of Hinduism) hundreds of Christians have been killed by the Hindu people between 2008-2010. And the news did not report much about the killings.
I am inspired and strengthened in my faith as I think of the believers in India. Next, I want to share with you three things we can learn from 1 Timothy 6:12.
1. True Christianity is a fight
Many people call themselves ‘christians’ but if we are to compare them with the first believers we cannot find many things in common with them. Moreover, we cannot see any self-denial, self-control, no prayer life, and no picking up the cross in their lives.
However, a true Christian is called to be a soldier all of his life. A true Christian will fight to be as Biblical as one can be. True Christianity is a fight!
A Christian is not called to fight other Christians or denominations. A Christian is called to fight the flesh and its desires (1 Corinthians 9:27, Romans 7:23-24, etc.). And the world (James 4:4, 1 John 5:4, Galatians 6:14). Likewise, he needs to fight the devil and his agents (Ephesians 6:11-12).
There is no vacation in true Christianity from fighting. All the promises of Jesus for the seven Churches in Revelation 2 & 3 are for those who overcome! The tragedy is when people believe the Church is more like a social club. And when you do not see believers fighting against their real enemies I mentioned above.
Many ‘so-called Christians’ do not pray for weeks and have no problem with that. And they did not read the Bible or fellowship with other believers for months and there is no inner fight in them.
As long as you fight sin, it is good because it means you are not dead.
2. True Christianity is a fight of faith
We have as much victory as we have faith.
Needless to say that our faith is in the Word of God and in the promises we find there. When Satan tempts Jesus in the wilderness, Jesus did fight with the Word of God, as we read in Matthew 4. Moreover, our faith is in the living Word of God— in Jesus Christ. And in His life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father.
True Christianity is about having a living faith in the living God. A true Christian knows he is weak without Jesus and that’s why he relies only on God. Indeed, there is no other way to be more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37).
I know we do not all have the same level of faith. Therefore, we need to fight for each other and always pray to the Lord to increase our faith (Luke 17:5).
3. True Christianity is a good fight
It is a good fight because it is lead by the best General— Jesus Christ. He has all the power in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). He cannot lose a battle, He cannot fail, and He cannot make mistakes! Moreover, He always leads His soldiers to victory!
His eyes are seeing all of His soldiers, and He does not forget them— not even one. For Jesus, all of His soldiers are important and precious. How could they not be when He ransomed them with His blood?
True Christianity is a good fight because we receive the best help. The Holy Spirit dwells in us, no matter how weak we are. All God’s soldiers are chosen by the Father, washed in the blood of Jesus and born by the Spirit. The Holy Spirit is always here to help us in our fight against the flesh, the world, and the devil. Therefore, let us ask for guidance, wisdom, and power. He wants to teach us!
And at the end of our fight
Now what?
I did encourage the Pastors and Christians leaders in India to continue fighting. And never give up no matter how hard it is to be a Christian. Indeed, a life lived in the service of God is a life worth living.
True Christianity is a fight. And India is one of the best places to understand this truth.
We all need to fight this fight until the end. The time is short, and soon Jesus will come back, and everything will end. And on that day Jesus (Revelation 21:4, ESV)
will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Let us never forget to pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord who go through hardships and persecutions. Indeed, when one member suffers the whole body suffers.
Especially, spend time right now and pray for India and the Church there. Ask the Lord if there is something else you can do for them.
Do you agree?
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I am a blogger, writer, minister, husband to Olguta, and most importantly, a child of God. I am also a certified Coach, Speaker, Trainer, and Teacher with The John Maxwell Team, and I am helping people reach their full potential.
Great words, healthy food and very encouraging!
God bless you, Oni!
Thank you, Cornelius! Make sure you read William Gurnal’s book. It is long but excellent book.
Wonderful article! Thanks for reminding about the external fight against self, world, Satan and his minions.
Kenny, as always, I am humbled when you read and comment on my articles. God bless you!
Good job Onisim
Thank you, Pastor Jack!
A message in tune with my heart right now. Thank you for keeping the torch kindled! God bless and use you mightly!
Thank you, Delia! All glory to God!