Bible 9

Where do you see yourself in this list?

You don’t need to raise your hand or write anything down, just think about it.

There are a lot of Rebels, who learn about God and reject him. Some of them grow up in Christian homes and they want no part of it. Most of them wouldn’t be caught dead in a meeting like this, but if this describes you, let me suggest some things.

Ask yourself: What am I rebelling against? Your parents? The church? The hypocritical Christians you see on TV? Okay. But remember that Jesus was a rebel too. He hated hypocrisy worse than you do. Maybe you could talk to him about your rebellion. He might agree.

But maybe you’re just Playing the Game. Your folks bring you to church, and you don’t want to upset them too much, so you act like a good Christian—until you don’t. Different time, different crowd, you’re a different person. Let me just say that you can fool your parents, and you can fool me, but you can’t fool God. He knows exactly who you are, and he wants to know you better, if you just stop playing around.

Some of you might be something like Andrew in the video, on the Family Plan, assuming that you’re a Christian through osmosis. But have you ever had a heart-to-heart talk with Jesus, where you say yes to him, where you give him your heart? If not, this would be a great time to do so.

I know some of you are Struggling with Doubts, and maybe you feel guilty about that. You worry that you’re not a very good Christian. You don’t want to be a hypocrite, but there are all these questions. Relax! It’s natural to have doubts. Some of the great heroes of the Bible had doubts at various times. It doesn’t disqualify you. Just keep talking with God about them.

Maybe some of you are Brand New in the faith, and you have an amazing spiritual energy right now. That’s great. Remember, it’s not all about how you feel, but it’s a relationship with God that makes you both happy. Enjoy it.

And some of you have been Christians for a while and you’re Growing Strong. Good for you. There are some temptations that are especially dangerous at this point, so watch out for pride, for complacency, for legalism. Keep connecting with God each day.

If any of you would like to talk about where you are in your relationship with God, please let me know. I’d love to chat with you further.