Devotion from Pastor Sam Martin

Pleasant View General Baptist Church

78 East Jennings Avenue
Wood River, Illinois 62095

Devotion By Pastor Martin

Acts 11:19-26

Genuine Christians

Many view Christianity as a religion or a denomination. Actually, it was a title given to a group of believers who imitated Jesus Christ? "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26c They were called Christians because they followed and imitated Jesus Christ. You may call yourself a Christian, but are you really like the Lord Jesus Christ?

I believe we have many who are Counterfeit Christians. They are folks not saved but they act the part. Some become followers of the Pastor instead of God. I am a firm believer that the people should follow their Pastor, but when he stops following Christ you need to find someone else to follow. Counterfeit Christians are good people that want to impress upon others that they are religious. They tell folks they are going to Heaven but they don't have a true heart knowledge.

We also have Convenient Christians. They love the Lord but they love themselves more. They serve God but they serve themselves first. They love God and serve God when it is convenient for them. If they get a better offer on Sunday morning, Sunday night, or Wednesday night they will take it. The Convenient Christian many times leaves the Lord out because their plans are more important than His. This type of Christian will never amount to much in God's service.

The most important type of Christian is the Genuine Christian. A Genuine Christian want to imitate Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ served others so they serve others. Jesus Christ spent much time sharing the Word with people. The Genuine Christian shares God's Word with those they meet. Jesus Christ was honest, faithful, kind, loving, and etc; the Genuine Christians should want to be these also.

Well, are you a Genuine Christian or have you been faking it? Are you a Convenient Christian that claims Jesus Christ only when it benefits you. Think about it!!!

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