WEBVTT
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I hope you are not offended by this question, but
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“Are you a
true Christian?”
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Are you absolutely
sure about your answer?
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And if so, how do you know?
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How does the Bible
define a Christian?
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Does it say there
are requirements?
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And if so, what are they?
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Is there more to it than
repeating the sinner’s
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prayer?
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Please be patient with me
as I ask another personal
00:24.724 --> 00:25.892
question.
00:25.959 --> 00:29.396
Is it possible that you
could be deceived?
00:29.462 --> 00:32.632
After all, doesn't the
Bible say that Satan has
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deceived the whole world?
00:34.601 --> 00:36.636
But how can that be
when the world’s largest
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religion is professing
Christianity?
00:39.539 --> 00:42.442
And what about Jesus’
warning to beware lest we
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be deceived?
00:43.743 --> 00:48.014
On today’s program I'll be
exploring according to the
00:48.081 --> 00:51.351
Bible what is a true Christian.
00:51.418 --> 00:52.585
And I'll be offering you
00:52.652 --> 00:53.853
a resource that gives more
00:53.920 --> 00:56.489
detail on this subject
than I have time on this
00:56.556 --> 00:58.625
short program to give.
00:58.691 --> 01:02.095
Our study guide, What
Is a True Christian?
01:02.162 --> 01:05.198
can be yours absolutely
free of charge, so be sure
01:05.265 --> 01:07.867
to have writing material
available to take down our
01:07.934 --> 01:10.370
contact information that
will be shown during this
01:10.437 --> 01:12.005
program.
01:12.071 --> 01:14.707
Now stay with me, as I'll be
right back to give you
01:14.774 --> 01:18.077
four signs of a true
Christian and reveal the
01:18.144 --> 01:21.714
best one-verse description
of what it means to be a
01:21.781 --> 01:22.916
Christian.
01:22.982 --> 01:29.556
♪
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A warm welcome to all of
you from all of us here at
01:32.625 --> 01:35.795
Tomorrow’s World, where
we look to the Bible for
01:35.862 --> 01:39.132
answers to life’s most
important questions.
01:39.199 --> 01:41.901
We also tell you not to
believe us just because we
01:41.968 --> 01:46.940
say it, but believe what
you see in your own Bible.
01:47.006 --> 01:49.242
And, of course this advice
applies to other ministers
01:49.309 --> 01:50.844
as well.
01:50.910 --> 01:54.013
Believe what you read
in your own Bible.
01:54.080 --> 01:57.083
On today’s Tomorrow’s
World program, I'll be
01:57.150 --> 02:00.687
giving you four signs of
a true Christian, and I'll
02:00.753 --> 02:04.190
also reveal the best
one-verse description of
02:04.257 --> 02:06.359
what it means to
be a Christian.
02:06.426 --> 02:09.863
I'll also be offering a
free resource to help you.
02:09.929 --> 02:11.898
What Is a True Christian?
02:11.965 --> 02:15.301
gives more detail than I
have time to give, so be
02:15.368 --> 02:18.438
sure to take down our
contact information.
02:18.505 --> 02:22.075
Most people have regrets
over things they've done.
02:22.141 --> 02:24.577
They instinctively know
that some things are
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wrong.
02:26.045 --> 02:28.515
Furthermore, they know
that they are guilty of
02:28.581 --> 02:30.316
doing wrong.
02:30.383 --> 02:32.986
So how does one undo
the wrongs he or she has
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committed?
02:34.954 --> 02:37.924
Some turn to what they think are good works to erase their
02:37.991 --> 02:41.694
past--volunteering at a
homeless shelter, giving
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money to feed the poor,
02:43.530 --> 02:47.333
or becoming a warrior against climate change.
02:47.400 --> 02:50.503
But does that make
them a Christian?
02:50.570 --> 02:53.940
By that standard, secular
humanists and atheists
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could be considered Christians.
02:56.042 --> 02:59.045
But are we saved
by good works?
02:59.112 --> 03:03.550
Paul explained in
Ephesians 2, verses 8 and 9...
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"For by grace you have
been saved through faith,
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and that not of
yourselves; it is the gift
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of God, not of works,
lest anyone should boast."
03:14.360 --> 03:17.030
It takes more than good
works to be a Christian,
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but is God against
good works?
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Absolutely not!
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Notice the next verse:
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"For we are His workmanship,
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created in Christ Jesus
for good works, which God
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prepared beforehand that
we should walk in them."
03:33.112 --> 03:36.783
No, God expects good works
from those who are saved
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through faith.
03:38.418 --> 03:41.087
Others think that they
can be saved by observing
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ritualistic laws, such
as vain repetition of
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memorized prayers.
03:46.359 --> 03:49.829
Again, what do the
scriptures say?
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Breaking into a thought,
Paul wrote in Galatians 2:16...
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"Knowing that a
man is not justified by
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the works of the law but
by faith in Jesus Christ,
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even we have believed
in Christ Jesus, that we
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might be justified by
faith in Christ and not by
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the works of the law; for
by the works of the law no
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flesh shall be justified."
04:17.557 --> 04:20.526
There is only one name
and one way that we can be
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saved, and that name is
spelled out in Acts 4,
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beginning in verse 10:
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"... let it be known
to you all...
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that by the name
of Jesus Christ...
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this man [that is the one
that had been healed]
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stands here before you whole....
04:37.076 --> 04:39.712
Nor is there salvation
in any other,
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for there is no other name
under heaven given among
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men by which we
must be saved."
04:46.019 --> 04:49.188
Salvation only comes
through Jesus Christ.
04:49.255 --> 04:53.559
Therefore, Sign #1 is:
A True Christian
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Recognizes Jesus
as His Savior.
04:57.430 --> 05:01.167
And this leads us to our second sign of a true Christian:
05:01.234 --> 05:06.606
Sign #2: A True Christian Keeps the Law of God.
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A misunderstanding occurs as
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a result of not knowing
05:09.842 --> 05:12.145
the meaning of
justification.
05:12.211 --> 05:15.481
While justification is
needed for salvation,
05:15.548 --> 05:19.686
justification does
not mean salvation.
05:19.752 --> 05:22.755
Justification means
our past sins have been
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forgiven.
05:23.990 --> 05:26.292
But what is sin?
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Dust off your Bible and
look it up in 1 John 3:4...
05:30.897 --> 05:34.033
"Whosoever committeth sin
transgresseth also the
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law: for sin is the
transgression of the law."
05:39.405 --> 05:41.841
That's from the
King James Version.
05:41.908 --> 05:44.343
Now let’s go back to the
passage I quoted earlier
05:44.410 --> 05:47.480
in Paul’s letter to the
Galatians, a verse that is
05:47.547 --> 05:50.550
often quoted by those who
teach that everything has
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been done for us and that
we no longer need to keep
05:53.753 --> 05:55.188
the law.
05:55.254 --> 05:58.524
As with other passages
used to abrogate the law,
05:58.591 --> 06:01.661
this one is taken
out of context.
06:01.728 --> 06:05.965
Galatians the 2nd chapter once again, and verse 16...
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"... a man is not justified
by the works of the law
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but by faith in Jesus
Christ, even we have
06:13.239 --> 06:16.743
believed in Christ Jesus,
that we might be justified
06:16.809 --> 06:21.114
by faith in Christ and not
by the works of the law;
06:21.180 --> 06:23.983
for by the works of
the law no flesh
06:24.050 --> 06:26.219
shall be justified."
06:26.285 --> 06:29.255
Was Paul advocating the
abolition of law because
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of grace?
06:30.890 --> 06:34.460
Not at all, as we read
the verses that follow.
06:34.527 --> 06:38.498
But if, while we seek to
be justified [that is, have past
06:38.564 --> 06:43.069
sins forgiven] by Christ,
we ourselves also are
06:43.136 --> 06:46.339
found sinners, is Christ
therefore a minister of
06:46.405 --> 06:47.273
sin?
06:47.340 --> 06:49.375
Certainly not!
06:49.442 --> 06:52.545
For if I build again those
things which I destroyed,
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I make myself
a transgressor.
06:55.548 --> 06:58.451
For I through the law died
to the law that I might
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live to God.
07:00.253 --> 07:02.155
Therefore, while a true
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Christian has faith in
Christ’s sacrifice for the
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forgiveness of sin, he
also recognizes that he is
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obligated to stop sinning,
07:11.531 --> 07:14.500
and that means, keep
the law of God.
07:14.567 --> 07:16.969
Frankly, friends, the
whole concept of doing
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away with the law of
God is ridiculous.
07:20.039 --> 07:22.975
Why would anyone go back
to do the very things for
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which Christ died to pay
the penalty of on our behalf?
07:27.013 --> 07:29.248
Most rational people
understand that a
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Christian should not
murder, commit adultery,
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steal, worship idols, etc.
07:36.622 --> 07:39.392
What it comes down to with those who are against law,
07:39.458 --> 07:41.828
is which laws, and they have
07:41.894 --> 07:45.798
an aversion to the next
sign of a true Christian.
07:45.865 --> 07:48.467
I'll give you that third
sign in a minute, but I
07:48.534 --> 07:50.169
first want to tell you
about today’s free offer
07:50.236 --> 07:54.540
What Is a True Christian?
07:54.607 --> 07:57.543
This resource contains far
more information than I
07:57.610 --> 08:00.479
have time to cover in
this short program.
08:00.546 --> 08:03.683
One section asks and
answers the question:
08:03.749 --> 08:06.285
Are Denominations "Christian"
08:06.352 --> 08:09.021
Because They Do Good Works?
08:09.088 --> 08:12.859
Another section addresses
this important question:
08:12.925 --> 08:15.094
Is There Hope for Me?
08:15.161 --> 08:17.763
And still another section describes:
08:17.830 --> 08:20.366
The Fruits of a True Christian.
08:20.433 --> 08:23.636
There's much more vital information in our resource,
08:23.703 --> 08:26.272
What Is a True Christian?
08:26.339 --> 08:28.841
Many people are deceived
on this subject.
08:28.908 --> 08:32.345
That may not be you, but
what do you have to lose
08:32.411 --> 08:35.314
by ordering this
free resource?
08:35.381 --> 08:37.817
So, pick up the phone and
call the toll-free number
08:37.884 --> 08:40.620
shown on your screen,
or go to our website at
08:40.686 --> 08:46.559
TWTV.org/Christian to
order your free copy of
08:46.626 --> 08:49.829
What Is a True Christian?
08:49.896 --> 08:52.465
And when I come back I'll
give you another sign of a
08:52.531 --> 08:55.234
true Christian--one
that totally undermines
08:55.301 --> 08:58.304
attempts to do away
with God’s law.
08:59.005 --> 09:06.245
For today’s free
offer call...
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Or go to...
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This clear and
straight-forward resource
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will help you understand
this vital truth--
09:17.089 --> 09:20.393
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
09:20.459 --> 09:22.528
If you're calling for the
first time, you will also
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receive a free annual
subscription to Tomorrow's
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World magazine.
09:27.166 --> 09:30.303
Ten inspiring issues
discussing news, science,
09:30.369 --> 09:32.939
and modern culture will
help you make sense of
09:33.005 --> 09:37.443
your world from a
biblical perspective.
09:37.510 --> 09:39.812
Call today and join
millions around the world
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who are turning to
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truth, prophecy, and hope
in these confusing times.
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Call now!
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Or go to...
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Before the break I said
I would give you another
10:01.233 --> 10:02.435
sign--one that
10:02.501 --> 10:05.104
totally undermines
attempts to do away with
10:05.171 --> 10:06.706
God’s law.
10:06.772 --> 10:08.975
Above all else, a
Christian is
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a follower of Christ,
10:11.143 --> 10:13.145
but what
does that entail?
10:13.212 --> 10:15.581
Here it is in Sign #3:
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A True Christian Walks in Jesus’ footsteps.
10:19.719 --> 10:21.120
How many professing Christians
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today believe what Jesus taught and walk as He walked?
10:25.157 --> 10:28.327
In other words,
lived as He lived.
10:28.394 --> 10:30.563
Do you realize that
believing in Christ and
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obeying Him are two
different matters?
10:33.099 --> 10:35.701
Many people
dismiss obedience.
10:35.768 --> 10:39.038
Yet, how long will someone
keep his job if he doesn't
10:39.105 --> 10:42.208
do what the boss
tells him to do?
10:42.274 --> 10:47.980
Dear friend, consider this
statement in Luke 6:46...
10:48.047 --> 10:51.417
"But why do you call Me
“Lord, Lord,” and not do
10:51.484 --> 10:53.753
the things which I say?"
10:53.819 --> 10:56.355
Lord means boss or master.
10:56.422 --> 10:59.325
The disconnect between
what Jesus instructs and
10:59.392 --> 11:01.594
what people actually
do is found
11:01.660 --> 11:06.432
in Matthew 5:17-18...
11:06.499 --> 11:08.968
"Do not think that I came
to destroy the Law
11:09.035 --> 11:10.469
or the Prophets.
11:10.536 --> 11:13.472
I did not come to
destroy but to fulfill
11:13.539 --> 11:15.941
[meaning, to fill to
the full].
11:16.008 --> 11:18.277
For assuredly, I say to
you, till heaven and earth
11:18.344 --> 11:22.181
pass away, one jot or one
tittle will by no means
11:22.248 --> 11:26.519
pass from the law
till all is fulfilled."
11:26.585 --> 11:28.687
Jesus then went on to show by
11:28.754 --> 11:31.624
examples how the Ten
Commandments are even more
11:31.690 --> 11:33.859
binding than before.
11:33.926 --> 11:36.095
After explaining the
spirit of the law against
11:36.162 --> 11:39.298
murder, He then gave
this example regarding
11:39.365 --> 11:40.733
adultery...
11:40.800 --> 11:43.269
"You have heard that it was
said to those of old,
11:43.335 --> 11:45.504
“You shall not commit adultery."
11:45.571 --> 11:48.974
But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to
11:49.041 --> 11:50.843
lust for her has already
11:50.910 --> 11:54.146
committed adultery with
her in his heart."
11:54.213 --> 11:55.514
James, the brother of Christ,
11:55.581 --> 11:57.683
tells us that we cannot
break one commandment
11:57.750 --> 11:59.652
away from the others.
11:59.718 --> 12:02.455
Notice what law, what
group of commandments he
12:02.521 --> 12:05.057
refers to in this context.
12:05.124 --> 12:08.527
"For whoever shall keep the
whole law, and yet stumble
12:08.594 --> 12:11.397
in one point, he
is guilty of all.
12:11.464 --> 12:14.500
For He who said, “Do not commit adultery," also
12:14.567 --> 12:16.502
said, “Do not murder."
12:16.569 --> 12:17.870
Now if you do not commit
12:17.937 --> 12:20.906
adultery, but you do
murder, you have become a
12:20.973 --> 12:23.576
transgressor of the law.
12:23.642 --> 12:25.277
Clearly, James is
speaking of the
12:25.344 --> 12:27.279
Ten Commandments
as a whole.
12:27.346 --> 12:30.249
You cannot break one
without being guilty of
12:30.316 --> 12:31.917
breaking them all.
12:31.984 --> 12:34.753
And one of those commands
is to remember the Sabbath
12:34.820 --> 12:38.290
day to keep it holy, and
that brings us to Christ’s
12:38.357 --> 12:41.393
example and whether we
are going to follow it.
12:41.460 --> 12:44.797
Are we going to walk in
Jesus’ footsteps, or the
12:44.864 --> 12:48.467
footsteps of apostate
Christianity and that of
12:48.534 --> 12:52.538
the sun-worshipping Roman Emperor Constantine?
12:52.605 --> 12:55.307
The New Testament record
shows us that Jesus kept
12:55.374 --> 12:57.543
the seventh day Sabbath.
12:57.610 --> 12:59.678
It's true that He
violated some of the
12:59.745 --> 13:02.348
humanly devised
restrictions the Jews put
13:02.414 --> 13:04.783
on the day, but
nevertheless, He kept the
13:04.850 --> 13:09.688
Sabbath as intended by God, and as shown in many scriptures.
13:09.755 --> 13:14.760
And three times, He declared Himself Lord of the Sabbath.
13:14.827 --> 13:15.895
Not once did He
13:15.961 --> 13:19.098
call Himself Lord of
Sunday, or Lord of the
13:19.165 --> 13:21.200
first day of the week.
13:21.267 --> 13:23.569
Furthermore, we see that
He observed the biblical
13:23.636 --> 13:27.373
Holy Days and Festivals
of Passover, the days of
13:27.439 --> 13:30.709
Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Tabernacles, and
13:30.776 --> 13:33.112
the Last Great Day.
13:33.179 --> 13:34.980
We're often told
that the Sabbath day was
13:35.047 --> 13:38.317
changed to Sunday and
these annual Sabbaths were
13:38.384 --> 13:41.086
done away at the
death of Christ.
13:41.153 --> 13:44.056
There are clever
justifications, human
13:44.123 --> 13:47.526
reasonings, twisted
scriptures, and scriptures
13:47.593 --> 13:51.397
taken out of context, but
what is the example of
13:51.463 --> 13:55.634
Jesus’ followers after His
death and resurrection?
13:55.701 --> 13:57.803
Paul kept the Sabbath day
with Gentiles.
13:57.870 --> 14:00.873
That's found in Acts 13.
14:00.940 --> 14:03.609
Paul also taught the
Gentiles of Corinth to
14:03.676 --> 14:06.512
keep the Passover and the days of Unleavened Bread.
14:06.579 --> 14:09.181
That's in 1 Corinthians 5.
14:09.248 --> 14:13.752
Jesus’ followers kept Pentecost--Acts 2.
14:13.819 --> 14:15.454
And the Day of Atonement was a
14:15.521 --> 14:18.991
time marker for Luke, who wrote the book of Acts.
14:19.058 --> 14:22.294
That's in Acts 27:9.
14:22.361 --> 14:24.363
These are only
samples and there are many
14:24.430 --> 14:26.832
more scriptures
supporting this.
14:26.899 --> 14:29.935
The point is that Jesus’
followers walked in His
14:30.002 --> 14:31.070
footsteps.
14:31.136 --> 14:34.039
They kept the same
laws that Jesus kept.
14:34.106 --> 14:37.443
And that's why Jesus’ beloved
apostle John tells us in
14:37.509 --> 14:41.213
chapter 2 and verse 6
of his first letter...
14:41.280 --> 14:45.184
"He who says he abides in
Him ought himself also to
14:45.251 --> 14:48.854
walk just as He walked."
14:48.921 --> 14:52.091
We read in
Revelation 12:9 that Satan
14:52.157 --> 14:55.160
has deceived this whole
world, and that includes
14:55.227 --> 14:57.596
the majority of what
is thought of as
14:57.663 --> 14:59.265
Christianity.
14:59.331 --> 15:01.166
And that should not
surprise students of the
15:01.233 --> 15:04.970
Bible as that warning
comes from Christ Himself,
15:05.037 --> 15:08.140
as well as Paul,
Peter, John, and Jude.
15:08.207 --> 15:11.076
So, whose steps
are you following?
15:11.143 --> 15:13.312
Are you following
traditions handed down to
15:13.379 --> 15:16.915
you, or what you
read in the Bible?
15:16.982 --> 15:18.284
What Is a True Christian?
15:18.350 --> 15:21.320
is not for the cowardly,
but for those who are
15:21.387 --> 15:24.556
courageous enough to look
in a mirror, comparing what they
15:24.623 --> 15:29.328
see in scripture and then
act on what they see.
15:29.395 --> 15:32.665
It exposes misconceptions
professing Christians have
15:32.731 --> 15:35.067
about what the Bible says.
15:35.134 --> 15:37.436
That's why we're
offering to you our free
15:37.503 --> 15:40.706
resource--What Is
a True Christian?
15:40.773 --> 15:42.975
So, pick up the phone and
call the number on your
15:43.042 --> 15:45.411
screen, or go to
our website at
15:45.477 --> 15:50.883
TWTV.org/Christian and
order your copy of
15:50.949 --> 15:53.519
What Is a True Christian?
15:53.585 --> 15:56.088
And when I come back after
this very short break,
15:56.155 --> 15:59.491
I'll give you another
sign of a true Christian.
16:00.392 --> 16:02.394
This clear and
straight-forward resource
16:02.461 --> 16:05.164
will help you understand
this vital truth--
16:05.230 --> 16:08.200
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
16:08.267 --> 16:08.967
Call now!
16:09.034 --> 16:14.807
Or go to...
16:15.240 --> 16:17.810
So far we've seen three
signs of what it means to
16:17.876 --> 16:19.511
be a true Christian.
16:19.578 --> 16:22.281
Before the break I said I
would give you one more,
16:22.348 --> 16:26.385
but first, let’s review
the ones I've already given.
16:26.452 --> 16:28.921
As we've seen, Sign #1:
16:28.987 --> 16:33.592
A True Christian Recognizes Jesus as His Savior.
16:33.659 --> 16:37.563
#2: A True Christian Keeps the Law of God.
16:37.629 --> 16:43.235
And, #3: A True Christian Walks in Jesus’ Footsteps.
16:43.302 --> 16:44.603
Now we're ready for another
16:44.670 --> 16:48.006
important sign to look
for in true Christianity.
16:48.073 --> 16:50.876
This sign is similar to
the previous two, but it
16:50.943 --> 16:54.513
needs to be emphasized as
it will determine eternal
16:54.580 --> 16:57.549
life or eternal death.
16:57.616 --> 17:01.053
As already shown, sin is
the transgression of the law.
17:01.120 --> 17:03.689
That's the Bible
definition of sin as shown
17:03.756 --> 17:06.658
in 1 John 3 and verse 4.
17:06.725 --> 17:09.962
Of course, the very term
sin is a term originating
17:10.028 --> 17:11.563
in the Bible.
17:11.630 --> 17:14.767
Our second sign of a true
Christian is that he keeps
17:14.833 --> 17:17.903
the law of God, but
let’s take that one step
17:17.970 --> 17:19.204
further.
17:19.271 --> 17:21.940
We know that there was
only one human being who
17:22.007 --> 17:24.943
lived perfectly, and He
gave His life to pay the
17:25.010 --> 17:27.045
penalty for our sins.
17:27.112 --> 17:30.616
Through faith in Christ’s
shed blood we do have that
17:30.682 --> 17:34.887
forgiveness, but does that
mean we have it made, that
17:34.953 --> 17:37.823
we really don't have to
overcome the pulls of our
17:37.890 --> 17:39.124
nature?
17:39.191 --> 17:44.496
Sign #4: A True Christian
Must Overcome Sin.
17:44.563 --> 17:46.565
When a young man came to
Jesus asking what
17:46.632 --> 17:49.635
good thing he could do to
have eternal life,
17:49.701 --> 17:51.703
what was Jesus’ answer?
17:51.770 --> 17:56.475
Read it in
Matthew 19:17...
17:56.542 --> 17:58.644
"But if you want to
enter into life,
17:58.710 --> 18:00.979
keep the commandments."
18:01.046 --> 18:03.248
Notice that He did not
tell him to acknowledge
18:03.315 --> 18:05.851
the commandments,
but to keep them.
18:05.918 --> 18:08.954
Why is it then that some
believe, by their actions,
18:09.021 --> 18:11.790
and some by their words,
that overcoming the pulls
18:11.857 --> 18:14.793
of our flesh, and of the
mind, are not necessary
18:14.860 --> 18:16.695
for salvation?
18:16.762 --> 18:19.031
Forget the clever
justifications.
18:19.097 --> 18:21.366
What does the
Bible tell us?
18:21.433 --> 18:25.037
Note this stern warning
from the Apostle Paul to
18:25.103 --> 18:27.439
the Church of
God at Corinth...
18:27.506 --> 18:30.175
"Do you not know that
the unrighteous will not
18:30.242 --> 18:32.411
inherit the
kingdom of God?
18:32.478 --> 18:34.713
Do not be deceived.
18:34.780 --> 18:38.917
Neither fornicators, nor
idolaters, nor adulterers,
18:38.984 --> 18:41.820
nor homosexuals, nor
sodomites, nor thieves,
18:41.887 --> 18:45.190
nor covetous, nor
drunkards, nor revilers,
18:45.257 --> 18:49.962
nor extortioners will
inherit the kingdom of God."
18:50.028 --> 18:51.563
The next verse shows that some
18:51.630 --> 18:54.500
in Paul’s audience had
these problems before
18:54.566 --> 18:56.335
coming to the truth...
18:56.401 --> 18:58.904
"And such were some of you.
18:58.971 --> 19:01.874
But you were washed, but
you were sanctified, but
19:01.940 --> 19:04.743
you were justified in the
name of the Lord Jesus and
19:04.810 --> 19:07.179
by the Spirit of our God."
19:07.246 --> 19:08.647
Notice, that Paul says
19:08.714 --> 19:10.949
that such were some of you.
19:11.016 --> 19:13.418
In other words, they were
no longer caught up in
19:13.485 --> 19:14.753
those behaviors.
19:14.820 --> 19:16.455
They were overcomers.
19:16.522 --> 19:19.758
Notice also, that they
were justified--their past
19:19.825 --> 19:22.995
sins had been forgiven
through Jesus Christ.
19:23.061 --> 19:26.365
They were washed, as it
were, by the blood of Christ.
19:26.431 --> 19:30.335
And they were therefore
sanctified or set apart.
19:30.402 --> 19:33.305
At the very end of the
Bible, God explains
19:33.372 --> 19:35.908
that unrepented sin
would keep one out of the
19:35.974 --> 19:38.877
Kingdom and condemn him
to the second death.
19:38.944 --> 19:41.947
Again, these are not sins
of occasional weakness
19:42.014 --> 19:44.583
that are sincerely
repented of and covered by
19:44.650 --> 19:46.351
the blood of Christ.
19:46.418 --> 19:49.221
But, we must nevertheless,
with the help of God,
19:49.288 --> 19:54.793
overcome our weaknesses, as
Revelation 21 tells us,
19:54.860 --> 19:56.461
beginning in verse 6...
19:56.528 --> 19:59.064
"And He said to me, “It is done!
19:59.131 --> 20:02.200
I am the Alpha and the Omega.
20:02.267 --> 20:05.971
He who overcomes shall
inherit all things.""
20:06.038 --> 20:07.406
Notice that.
20:07.472 --> 20:10.776
This is not something we
can remove from the Bible.
20:10.842 --> 20:11.743
It is...
20:11.810 --> 20:14.313
"He who overcomes
[that] shall inherit all
20:14.379 --> 20:18.016
things.... But the
cowardly, unbelieving,
20:18.083 --> 20:21.186
abominable, murderers,
sexually immoral,
20:21.253 --> 20:25.424
sorcerers, idolaters, and
all liars shall have their
20:25.490 --> 20:27.559
part in the lake which
burns with fire and
20:27.626 --> 20:31.396
brimstone, which is the
second death.”
20:31.463 --> 20:34.866
Yes, the Alpha and the Omega--that's Christ according
20:34.933 --> 20:37.569
to Revelation 1:11.
20:37.636 --> 20:40.839
And He says we must overcome sin if we want to
20:40.906 --> 20:43.141
be in His Kingdom.
20:43.208 --> 20:47.179
This is not easy, and
we don't overcome all at once.
20:47.245 --> 20:50.315
But Christianity is a way of life, of overcoming and
20:50.382 --> 20:52.818
following in the
footsteps of Jesus.
20:52.884 --> 20:54.119
So let’s not come up
20:54.186 --> 20:57.389
with clever excuses,
reasonings, and arguments
20:57.456 --> 21:00.258
around obedience
to God’s law.
21:00.325 --> 21:04.229
Instead, for example, someone
addicted to pornography
21:04.296 --> 21:08.266
must become un-addicted--
he must overcome it.
21:08.333 --> 21:11.336
This admonition to
overcome is also found in the
21:11.403 --> 21:14.072
letters to all seven of
the Churches mentioned in
21:14.139 --> 21:17.743
Revelation 2 and 3.
21:17.809 --> 21:19.678
Let’s notice just
one of them.
21:19.745 --> 21:23.482
The Laodiceans are mentioned there in chapter 3, verse 21...
21:23.548 --> 21:28.420
"To him who overcomes I
will grant to sit with Me
21:28.487 --> 21:33.058
on My throne, as I also
overcame and sat down with
21:33.125 --> 21:35.460
My Father on His throne."
21:35.527 --> 21:38.597
We must follow in the
footsteps of our Savior.
21:38.664 --> 21:41.600
Just as He overcame the
temptations of the flesh,
21:41.667 --> 21:44.569
so must we overcome
with His help.
21:44.636 --> 21:46.972
In a moment I'll reveal
what my former college
21:47.039 --> 21:49.841
professor, and my
predecessor in this Work,
21:49.908 --> 21:52.911
considered the best one
verse description of a
21:52.978 --> 21:55.847
true Christian
found in the Bible.
21:55.914 --> 21:59.017
But let me remind you one
more time of our vital
21:59.084 --> 22:03.088
resource titled--What
Is a True Christian?
22:03.155 --> 22:05.290
As you've heard so many
times here at
22:05.357 --> 22:07.592
Tomorrow’s World,
everything we have to
22:07.659 --> 22:10.829
offer will be sent to you
free of charge, and we
22:10.896 --> 22:12.731
really do mean it.
22:12.798 --> 22:15.667
Let me share with you
just one of many similar
22:15.734 --> 22:17.736
comments that we receive.
22:17.803 --> 22:20.238
This one is from Cortez, CO:
22:20.305 --> 22:22.374
"I've been receiving the Tomorrow’s World
22:22.441 --> 22:25.310
magazine for a long
time and I appreciate it
22:25.377 --> 22:26.745
very much to be able to
22:26.812 --> 22:29.448
read the truth that you print.
22:29.514 --> 22:32.684
I'm so thankful that you
are Sabbath keepers for
22:32.751 --> 22:36.455
very few in this world
are keeping God’s Holy Days....
22:36.521 --> 22:38.623
It’s such a
blessing to me and all
22:38.690 --> 22:41.193
those who receive your
free literature who
22:41.259 --> 22:44.396
otherwise may not
hear the truth."
22:44.463 --> 22:47.632
Check up on us and see for
yourself, by ordering your
22:47.699 --> 22:51.403
copy of What Is
a True Christian?
22:51.470 --> 22:53.872
Just call the toll-free
number or go to our
22:53.939 --> 22:58.443
website
TWTV.org/Christian.
22:58.510 --> 23:01.246
And when I come back,
I'll reveal to you what
23:01.313 --> 23:02.581
my predecessor in this
23:02.647 --> 23:06.451
Work considered the best
one verse description of a
23:06.518 --> 23:08.987
Christian that is found
in the Bible.
23:09.721 --> 23:17.195
For today’s free
offer call...
23:17.262 --> 23:22.400
Or go to...
23:22.467 --> 23:24.936
This clear and
straight-forward resource
23:25.003 --> 23:27.873
will help you understand
this vital truth--
23:27.939 --> 23:31.076
straight from the
pages of the Bible.
23:31.143 --> 23:33.345
If you're calling for the
first time, you will also
23:33.411 --> 23:36.281
receive a free annual
subscription to Tomorrow's
23:36.348 --> 23:37.816
World magazine.
23:37.883 --> 23:41.286
Ten inspiring issues
discussing news, science,
23:41.353 --> 23:43.955
and modern culture will
help you make sense of
23:44.022 --> 23:48.226
your world from a
biblical perspective.
23:48.293 --> 23:50.562
Call today and join
millions around the world
23:50.629 --> 23:53.365
who are turning to
Tomorrow’s World for
23:53.431 --> 23:59.171
truth, prophecy, and hope
in these confusing times.
23:59.237 --> 24:00.505
Call now!
24:00.572 --> 24:09.281
Or go to...
24:09.981 --> 24:12.784
Today we have very briefly
looked at four signs of a
24:12.851 --> 24:14.319
true Christian.
24:14.386 --> 24:17.355
Each one deserves much
more attention and that is
24:17.422 --> 24:20.358
why we are offering you
our free resource--
24:20.425 --> 24:22.994
What Is a True Christian?
24:23.061 --> 24:25.864
Before closing this
program, I want to reveal what
24:25.931 --> 24:27.699
my predecessor in this Work,
24:27.766 --> 24:29.534
said is the best one verse
24:29.601 --> 24:33.438
description of a true
Christian found in the Bible.
24:33.505 --> 24:37.042
But I want to first read
a scripture that sets the stage.
24:37.108 --> 24:42.180
Paul explains baptism in
Romans 6, verses 3 and 4...
24:42.247 --> 24:45.417
"Or do you not know
that as many of us as were
24:45.483 --> 24:50.255
baptized into Christ Jesus
were baptized into His death?
24:50.322 --> 24:53.191
Therefore we were buried
with Him through baptism
24:53.258 --> 24:56.695
into death, that just as
Christ was raised from the
24:56.761 --> 25:00.098
dead by the glory of the
Father, even so we also
25:00.165 --> 25:04.035
should walk in
newness of life."
25:04.102 --> 25:07.038
Yes, baptism
pictures a death.
25:07.105 --> 25:10.108
It shows us what Christ
did for us and reminds us
25:10.175 --> 25:12.944
of what we must do
in response to His
25:13.011 --> 25:18.216
sacrifice--put to death
our old carnal self.
25:18.283 --> 25:21.286
We must figuratively die,
be buried in the watery
25:21.353 --> 25:24.823
grave, and then come
up a new person.
25:24.890 --> 25:27.425
Now here is that single
defining verse of a
25:27.492 --> 25:32.697
true Christian--
Galatians 2:20...
25:32.764 --> 25:36.201
"I am crucified with
Christ: nevertheless I
25:36.268 --> 25:40.572
live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and
25:40.639 --> 25:43.942
the life which I now live
in the flesh I live by the
25:44.009 --> 25:47.512
faith of the Son of God,
who loved me, and gave
25:47.579 --> 25:49.781
himself for me."
25:49.848 --> 25:52.550
We are crucified with
Christ at baptism--
25:52.617 --> 25:54.819
that's what baptism pictures.
25:54.886 --> 25:59.257
Nevertheless, we live, yet
it is not our old sinful
25:59.324 --> 26:02.127
past that comes up out
of the water, but Christ
26:02.193 --> 26:05.196
living in us by the
power of the Holy Spirit,
26:05.263 --> 26:07.799
which is given by the
laying on of hands.
26:07.866 --> 26:12.337
And it is the faith of--not in, but the faith of--
26:12.404 --> 26:14.506
the Son of God that we live by.
26:14.572 --> 26:17.475
It is Christ living in
us that makes us
26:17.542 --> 26:19.811
a true Christian.
26:19.878 --> 26:22.714
Now, if you'd like to learn
more about this verse as
26:22.781 --> 26:25.183
explained by
Dr. Roderick C. Meredith,
26:25.250 --> 26:28.019
my former college professor,
and my predecessor
26:28.086 --> 26:30.488
in this Work,
order your copy of
26:30.555 --> 26:34.259
What Is a True Christian?
26:34.326 --> 26:36.628
And we invite you to join
us every week on
26:36.695 --> 26:37.929
Tomorrow’s World.
26:37.996 --> 26:40.932
Richard Ames, Wallace
Smith, Rod McNair and I
26:40.999 --> 26:43.969
will continue to share
with you the teachings of
26:44.035 --> 26:47.072
Jesus Christ, the good
news of the coming Kingdom
26:47.138 --> 26:50.875
of God, and the exciting
end-time prophecies and
26:50.942 --> 26:52.177
their meaning.
26:52.243 --> 26:54.746
Join us again next week,
right here,
26:54.813 --> 26:56.548
at this same time.
26:57.482 --> 27:03.989
For today’s free
offer call...
27:04.055 --> 27:08.860
Or go to...
27:08.927 --> 27:11.329
Call today and join
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27:11.396 --> 27:13.832
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Tomorrow’s World for
27:13.898 --> 27:20.038
truth, prophecy, and hope
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27:20.105 --> 27:21.339
The preceding program is
27:21.406 --> 27:23.742
produced by the
Living Church of God.
27:24.542 --> 27:26.578
Do you have the feeling our world is going
27:26.644 --> 27:28.213
in the wrong direction?
27:28.279 --> 27:31.349
A very bad direction?
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Where can you turn to make sense
27:33.685 --> 27:36.488
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Tomorrow's World exposes the truth and reveals the real
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Tomorrow's World magazine makes sense of today's chaos,
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27:52.537 --> 27:53.938
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27:54.005 --> 27:56.007
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