Fundamentalist Evangelicals, Pentecostals, Charismatics, and other Protestants tend now to define “Christians” very  more narrowly to include only those persons who have been “born again” regardless of their present denomination. About 35% of the North American adult population identify themselves in this valid way. By some definitions, 75% of Americans are nominal Christians; but now by the other more valid definitions it is only about 30 percent are the real Christians. As simple as that too. 

Now no one can even make himself to be a  real Christian. No, not by quantities of their good works or trying to live a moral life of the highest quality, not by  their church attendance, water baptisms, good citizenship, higher education, charitable giving, burning candles, reciting prayers, amount of prayers, or even their studying the Bible, their Knowledge of the Bible now too,  or  thousands   and one things of similar nature. Do you understand also this?  

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“Seventy five years ago, if a church going Baptist knew somebody else was a Catholic, or something else, he would have doubts over whether that person was a serious Christian,”  

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“Today, if the churchgoing Baptist knew a supporter of abortion rights, or was an adulterer, alcoholic, gay, drug user, wife beater, abuser, today you would not bother even to ask if the person was Catholic or Protestant Christian , for the others would next say, ‘Well, I have serious doubts he is any kind of a Christian in reality.’ ” Even a serious Mormon and professed social conservative such as Romney is rightfully now classified as a non Christian.

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Catholics and most Lutherans and Episcopalians and some others today who still seem to like to play the big numbers games over quality now would falsely say that anyone who has been baptized is a Christian, but most real Christians now also would not agree. They see baptism as an initiation ceremony that may or may not indicate the presence of a true Christian faith.

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One next has to still practice the whole Christian faith as set forth in the Bible , in the New Testament specially. But to do that you would have to read it, since statistics shows that 95 percent of professing Christians actually do not read their Bible more than 5 minutes a day, that would likely now mean there would even be much less,  very few real Christians to even start of with.

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“So really What is a Christian, anyway? Someone of American or European descent? A persecutor of Jews? A person who is anti Muslim, anti Hindu? Someone who votes for only the most conservative party?

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 Many liberal Christian denominations, secularists, public opinion pollsters, non Christians even define “Christian” very broadly as any person or group who sincerely believes themselves to be Christian? But can they rather be sincerely wrong in their beliefs. The answer is mostly yes still too!

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In recent decades, however, the real Christians have begun discerning the other true Christians from mere professing believers less by denomination and more by actual beliefs, not just by their personal religious commitment. “It’s a question of the heart: Has someone turned away from his own good works attemopts to make it to heaven and rather has put his trust in Jesus Christ to attain this and does he believe in the Full Gospel of Jesus that the Bible portrays?”

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For you don’t become a Christian by joining a church, adopting a creed, or by believing in God. There are lots of false churches, false creeds, and even the devil believes in God. So sadly now there are masses that have been in church all their lives and they are no more Christian then a cow is!! Reality

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Again True Christians even these days Are Holy Ghost Baptized and they know they have received such a personal experience.. even as evidenced by speaking in tongues

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Jesus died for sinners on the cross, was buried, and rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4). His death was a sacrifice that turns away the wrath of God (1 John 2:2). This is the only way to be saved.

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Jesus is the one who died for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). He is the only way to the God the Father (John 14;6). He alone reveals God (Matt. 11:27). He has all authority in heaven and earth (Matt. 28:18). It is only through Him that you can be saved from God’s wrath (Eph. 2:3). He can forgive you of your sin (Luke 5:20; Matt. 9:2). He can remove the guilt that is upon your soul. Jesus can set you free from the bondage of sin that blinds your eyes, weakens your soul, and brings you to despair. He can do this because He bore sin in His body on the cross (1 Peter. 2:24) that those who trust in Him would be saved. Jesus Christ now is God in flesh (John 1:1,14; Col. 2:9), physically risen from the dead, Lord (Luke 24:34; John 2:19-21) and Savior (Acts 5:30-32). He came to die for sinners (Rom. 5:8) to deliver people from the righteous wrath of God upon us. But you still have to do your part.

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If you are not a Christian, and want to be delivered from the righteous judgment of God upon you due to your sin against Him, then come to the One who died for the sins of the world. Come to the One who died for sinners (Matt. 11:28). Admit, confess, Turn from all of your sins. Believe and trust in Jesus. Receive Jesus, who is God in flesh, who died and rose from the dead (1 Cor. 15:1-4) as your personal Lord and Savior. Ask Jesus to forgive you now of all of your sins. Receive Christ (John 1:12). Only He can wash you clean from your sins and only Jesus can deliver you from the righteous judgment of a holy and infinite God. Pray to Jesus. Seek Him. Ask Him to save you. He will if you come to him humbly, sincerely and repentantly.

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When I got my first Job the first thing I too was told was what I was going to do, what my job description was, what my pay was going to be and when, and who was going to be my direct boss, as well as the name of the firm I was working for.

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I rightfully believe that if we all had done that with terms Christian, Pastor , Church Elders too we now next would not have so many different cults, sects, definitions of what a Christian now is as well. It was amazing when I did a search on what is a Christian, I got consuming, contradicting, varying definitions and yet there is still only one valid New Testament Bible.. So what is the valid true Biblical definition of Christian, Pastor , Church Elders or do you merely think you know the right answer still?

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In fact, the question of what makes a Christian has set the true present Christian movement apart from other Christian traditions movements from its inception in the 18th century. Early theologians such as John Wesley and George Whitefield introduced notions of “true religion” to distinguish their followers from “traditional” or “routine” religion.

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Using the Dictionary, or listening the views of others to define these clearly Biblical terms is also now absurd to do this..

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The word Christian is used three times in New Testament

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(Acts 11:26 KJV) And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

(Acts 26:28 KJV) Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

(1 Pet 4:16 KJV) Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

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Disciples of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch (Acts 11:26) because evidentially their behavior, activity, and speech were anointed, Christ like. (Acts 10:38 KJV) How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

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Unfortunately over time, in the often dead, corrupted churches, the real definition of word “Christian” has lost a great deal of its real, original significance and is more often used of someone who is a religious Christian and supposedly has high moral values instead of being a true born again, anointed disciple of Jesus Christ.

John 1:12 tells us: “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name.”

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Those who personally now had received Him as Savior, King, Lord, Baptizer of the Holy Spirit, Healer, Deliverer and much more too.. do first see the  links below too.

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and what is your own definition of a real Christian..

. a mere sincere follower of Christ or a person evidentially anointed by the Holy Spirit now!

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The Greek name for an individual “Christos” rendered “Christ” in Scripture, the basic of the term Christian now as well, comes from the Greek word “chrio” means to anoint with oil, the symbol of the Holy Spirit, one can tell if any person is a Christian cause they also can see the evidence of the holy spirit’s anointing.. so now we all can be anointed one inspectors of all Christians now too.

Jn 4:25-26 (v. 25) The woman said, ‘I know that Messiah [Greek = “Messias”] called Christ [Greek =”Christos”] is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.’ Then Jesus declared, ‘I Who speak to you am He.’ ”

1 John 2:27 “And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you, but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him” (NASB).

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“We have here the noun form of chiro, which is chrisma, and is translated ‘anointing.’ In the case of our Lord, the Holy Spirit rested upon Him, for that was the order in the dispensation of law (Num 11:29). In the case of the believer during this Age of Grace, the Holy Spirit is placed within him (John 14:17). His ministry in the believer today is not only for service as was the case in Old Testament times, but also for sanctification. But His indwelling is only potential so so far as His ministry is concerned. His indwelling does not at all mean that His ministry is performed in its fullest manifestation and in an automatic way. The believer must avail himself of that ministry through the avenue of trust, just as he availed himself of the ministry of the Saviour through trusting Him. Two of the Spirit’s ministries are given here, His work of teaching the believer the Word, and His work of giving the believer an innate ability to know in an intuitive way, things spiritual. The Greek word for ‘know’ in this passage gives us this latter truth. A slight correction is offered in the words ‘ye all know,’ not ‘ye know all things.’ Thus the anointing with the Spirit in the case of the believer refers to the act of God the Father sending the Spirit to take up His abode in his heart, and this in answer to the prayer of God the Son (John 14:16).”

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Luke 4:18-19 (Wey) [Jesus:] “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim Good News to the poor; He has sent me to announce release to the prisoners of war and recovery of sight to the blind: to send away free those whom tyranny has crushed, to proclaim the year of acceptance with the Lord.”

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1: A true Christian: Is ALSO one who Believes that Jesus is Lord: For even the devil jimself still believes that  Jesus Christ exists and that he is God, but the devil will not MAKE  Jesus Christ the LORD OF HIS LIFE. SO HAVE YOU EVEN NEXT DIED TO SELF AND Now personally MADE Jesus Christ THE LORD OF YOUR LIFE YET TOO? Why Not?

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2. A true Christian: Accepts that the Bible is the full and final counsel of God: The true Christian acknowledges that the Bible is the means used by God to reveal his character and counsel for faith and life. The Bible is used to test everything, including experience, emotions, thoughts, prophecy and teaching. The Bible is accepted as infallible and accurate. 

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3 . A true Christian: Is distressed by sin in the Church: In Hebrews 1:9, referring to Jesus Christ our Lord it is said that he ‘loved righteousness and hated wickedness’. The true Christian actively avoids sin in his own life and opposes it in the Church because it undermines our Christian witness before the unsaved (1 Peter 2:12). Marked by: A deep concern about unrighteousness in the World (2 Peter 2:8). An active interest in opposing sin in the World (Proverbs 25:26; Ezekiel 9:4; Psalm 119:158). A willingness to confront sin in the Church (Matthew 18:15-17). Personal honesty and reflection followed by the open confession of any known personal sin (1 John 1:9; James 5:16).

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4. A true Christian: Always tests what they hear and do, against the Word of God: The Lord requires the Christian to test both themselves and what they see and hear against the Word of God (1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Corinthians 8:8). True Christians measure their own thoughts words and actions against Scripture (Romans 12:2; Proverbs 3:21). They do the same in relation to others. Marked by: Regularly appraises their own behaviour against the character traits known as the ‘fruit of the spirit’ (Galatians 5:22; Ephesians 5:9; 2 Corinthians 13:5).\

. Does not automatically accept any teaching or prophecy just because it comes from a pastor or well known Christian (Isaiah 8:20; Matthew 7:15; Philippians 1:9-11).

. Applies the ‘Berean principle’ to any teaching they hear (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).

. Tests the actions of others against God’s commands and judges the person accordingly (1 Corinthians 5:12; Revelation 2:2).

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5.A true Christian: Consciously models agape love: Love is the most important characteristic of any Christian (1 John 4:8) because the exercise of love as defined in 1 Corinthians 13 mirrors the character of God. Without love a Christian is no more than a ‘clanging cymbal’ (1 Corinthians 13:1; 1 John 3:14). Love is not an emotion. It is an act of will made more possible by the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the true Christian (John 14:21). Marked by: A love of God reflected in a sanctified life free of immorality, complacency and deceit. The love of God is reflected in the willingness to obey his commands for holy living (Matthew 22:37; 1 John 5:2-3). Love and forgiveness for those who hate and abuse the Christian (Matthew 5:44). A love of the truth and active opposition to what is evil (Romans 12:9; 1 John 3:18). A willingness to be patient, kind, forgiving, unselfish, persevering, trusting [in God], protective [of others and the truth] and hopeful [in our eventual glorification] (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). An acceptance of Gods correction (Revelation 3:19). The conscious separation of the holy from the secular (Luke 16:33; 1 John 2:15). A loving concern for brothers and sisters in Christ, family and others [our ‘neighbours’] (Matthew 19:19; 22:39; 1 John 3:17). A reduced fear of what might happen in this world and no fear about the certainty of salvation (1 John 4:18).

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6 .A true Christian:  Fears God, holding Him in reverential awe: Unlike worldly fear, the fear of God is not a destructive emotion but a life giving, strengthening knowledge based on holding a perfect, holy God in reverential awe. The true Christian knows that God will hold us to account for everything we do, judging our actions, thoughts and motives. Scripture teaches us that fearing God is essential if we are to gain the wisdom and knowledge we need to live according to God’s principles and mirror His character (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7). Marked by: Actively searching the word of God for the Lord’s commands because to love God is to obey His commands (1 John 5:2-3). The living of an increasingly sanctified life [free of sin – Proverbs 14:27], through the knowledge of God (2 Peter 1:3; Titus 1:1). Freedom from anxiety, living at peace and seeing church growth (Proverbs 1:33, Acts 9:31). Is willing to examine and change habits (Psalm 55:19). Knows the protection and provision of God (Proverbs 2:1-8). Accepts any testing times as godly growing and learning experiences (Exodus 20:20).

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a Christian thus also is someone who …

·A true Christian: Believes that the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to God. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)

· A true Christian: Believes that Jesus took the punishment for their sin by dying on the cross. (Romans 5:8). They have repented (turned away) from their sin and turned to Christ in faith, knowing that by His death and resurrection He has made them right with God. (Romans 10:9,10,13). They have invited Christ into their lives, in the person of the Holy Spirit. This is referred to as being born again. (John 3:3, John 1:12,13). They now have peace with God (Romans 5:1) and the promise of eternal life. (John 3:16).

· A true Christian: Acknowledges that they are a sinner and fall far short of God’s standards. (Romans 3:23). Sin is not doing what humans say is wrong – but what God says is wrong. It is the breaking of God’s law. (1 John 3 :4), This is summed up in the 10 commandments. (Exodus 20:1-17)

· A true Christian: Believes that because of their sin they were separated from God and were under His condemnation, deserving of death and eternal punishment. (Romans 6:23a) but now through Jesus Christ and the holy spirit they have been reconciled with God

·A true Christian: No longer is fooled into thinking that they can clean up their own lives and earn favour and forgiveness with God, through good works or religious acts. This comes through what Jesus Christ alone has done for them. His underserved favour (Grace). (Ephesians 2: 8-9, Romans 6:23b). They now do even rather rely on the power of the Holy spirit to live the Christian life. The walk and live by the per of the Holy spirtt.

· A true Christian: Knows that no matter how hard they try, they could never be good enough. (Romans 3:10). But keeps on trying to be a good Christian

· A true Christian: Has a desire to please God and not themselves, recognizing that they still fail, but knowing that God is willing to forgive them because of what Christ has done. (2 Corinthians 5:17,

. 1 John 1:9). There is a love for God’s word, and His people, and a longing to share their faith.

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These are SOME OF THE marks of  A true Christian:(there are many others), which demonstrate that a person has truly been ‘born again’. A true Christian will love God with all of his heart, soul, mind and strength, and will love his neighbor as he loves himself (Mark 12:30-31). Please DO take the time to examine the Marks mentioned here, and make sure of your faith… (2 Corinthians 13:5)

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(Luke 12:57 KJV) Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?

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Philippians 3:.18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

I have been pastoring for decades too , I been to many churches now too, I even have helped to fire many bad pastors too.. as a  true Christian:

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and what abou you? what have you done for Jesus Christ now? Are you really a true Christian:

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Have you been called by God directly to Minister to his people?

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and have you been baptized with the Holy Spirit as well?

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“When any Christian accepts the responsibility of now being a born again Christian , he should also next be anointed by the Holy Spirit for that task. When a pastor is called to a new church or when a Christian is chosen to be a Sunday school teacher, a choir member, a choir director, a departmental superintendent or an usher, he should be anointed by the Holy Spirit. Any new task to which a child of God is chosen and any new responsibility that God has given to him is so important that the Holy Spirit should anoint him upon the assumption of his new responsibility. This anointing was appropriation; it equipped one for a task. When God calls, He qualifies, He equips and He prepares. When a Christian is called to a new responsibility, he needs to be equipped. Hence, he needs to be anointed by the Holy Spirit as God appropriates to him what he needs to fulfill his new calling and equips him for that calling. The Christian simply yields himself to the Spirit for this anointing. He may, upon being given a new ministry, go along with God and yield himself and surrender his will and present himself for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Have you been called to a new task? Is there a new charge given you? Then choose several hours. Get alone with God. Plead with Him to equip you or anoint you for the task to which God has called you. This should be done by a new parent, a new bride, a new groom, a new pastor, a new song director, a new choir director, a new Sunday school teacher, a new bus captain,, a new usher, a new choir member, a new deacon a new evangelist.” Title, education, political position, even looks are all meaningless. Oh, but what if he’s got a Doctor of Divinity degree? Meaningless! It isn’t that we should disrespect someone’s worldly accomplishments. It’s just that these have nothing to do with Spiritual leadership.

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“For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.” (2 Cor. 11:13-15)

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If we’re to be followers of the one true God, a true Christian, we must be willing to hear Him when it comes to who He chooses as leaders. We must be discerning enough to use God’s Spirit in us to rule out the pretenders. The Anointing of the Holy Spirit is the life-blood of any Minister. Without the Anointing, the Minister is incapable of ministering to the children of God. Without the anointing of the Holy Spirit, the words of the Minister are powerless against the mountains in this life. We run into problems in the Christian Church when those who have not been called and anointed and sent by God attempt to minister, and when those who were once anointed have lost the anointing. You are not anointed by association, you are anointed by proclamation. The Lord first calls you, he then anoints you, and only then does he send you. When God calls you, anoints you, then sends you, only then can you minister life to others

http://postedat.wordpress.com/2009/01/21/god-speaks/

“HOW TO ASCERTAIN THE WILL OF GOD as a   true Christian:

. 1. I seek at the beginning to get my heart into such a state that it has no will of its own in regard to a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties are overcome when our hearts are ready to do the LORD’s will, whatever it may be. When one is truly in this state, it is usually but a little way to the knowledge of what His will is.

2. Having done this, I do not leave the result to feeling or simple impression. If so, I make myself liable to great delusions.

3. I seek the Will of the Spirit of God through, or in connection with, the Word of God. The Spirit and the Word must be combined. If I look to the Spirit alone without the Word, I lay myself open to great delusions also. If the Holy Ghost guides us at all, He will do it according to the Scriptures and never contrary to them.” George Mueller 1805-1898 –from the classic biography of George Mueller, http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Voice/George.Mueller.of.Bristol/George.Mueller.of.Bristol.html http://www.whatsaiththescripture.com/Voice/George.Mueller.of.Bristol/George.Mueller.Bristol.N.html#FAITH%20PRAYER%20WORD

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God still even speaks directly to his own, Jesus said my sheep hear my voice, Are you as a  true Christian:  able to hear and recognized personally God’s voice now too?