What kind of Christian are you? Are you a casual Christian? In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally invites you to examine yourself and your relationship with Jesus.
What is a Christian?
Originally, Christians were called followers of “The Way.” Acts 24:14
Acts 11:26
It was a derogatory term.
1 Peter 4:16 “If you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.”
Being a Christian is not just adhering to the facts about Jesus.
A Christian is a person whose belief in Jesus causes them to follow Jesus, cultivate a relationship with Him, andapply His teaching to their life until they begin to look like Him.
In 2009, George Barna released a book called “The Seven Faith Tribes” where he outlined the seven main segments of faith in America. Barna quickly discovered that there were two main types of Christians who responded: “Casual” Christians and “Captivated” Christians.
The goal for Casual Christians is moderation. The goal for Captivated Christians is devotion.
Casual or Captivated?
- Casual Christians are Christians by culture, Captivated Christians are Christians by choice.
Joshua 24:15“…choose today whom you will serve…. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.”
You were created to worship, the question is who or what will you worship? If you do nothing, the default is idolatry. - Casual Christians believe the basics, Captivated Christian study the scripture.
James 2:19-20“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Romans 15:4
Most Christians read about the Bible more than they read the Bible. - Casual Christians pray only during a crisis. Captivated Christians talk to God every day.
Philippians 4:6“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything.”
God wants to be your daily planner, not just your crisis manager. - Casual Christians are motivated by obligation. Captivated Christians are motivated by love.
Phil 2:13 - Casual Christians attend church when its convenient. Captivated Christians practice a lifestyle of community.
Hebrews 10:25“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” - Casual Christians live like everyone else. Captivated Christians live differently.
Romans 12:2“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.” - For Casual Christians, faith is an accessory. For Captivated Christians, faith is a necessity.
Phil 3:8“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ”
Jesus deserves to be your one and only, not one of many.
Are you a casual Christian?