The Authentic Christian Life - Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

You may as well know this too, Timothy, that in the last days it is going to be very difficult to be a Christian (2 Timothy 3:1 TLB).

The Apostle Paul in the above text, warned of perilous times in the last days, and I want you to notice his choice of words. Notice that he didn’t say it’s going to be impossible to be a Christian in the last days; no! Rather, he uses the word, "difficult." Why will many find it difficult to be Christians in these last days? It’s because of the challenges they would be facing, which really, shouldn’t be a problem if they’re in fellowship with the Holy Spirit. 

There’s no Christianity without the Holy Spirit; the only way to live the authentic Christian life is through the Holy Spirit. Irrespective of how nice, calm, or cool one might seem, if that person doesn’t have the Holy Spirit, he can’t live as a Christian. Human "goodness" or self-righteousness isn’t the definition of Christianity. Christianity is Christ alive and at work in you; Christ taking up His abode in the quarters of your heart, literally living in you through the Holy Spirit; that’s real Christianity! 

Jesus is in heaven. The only way He lives in you is through the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit doesn’t live in you, it doesn’t matter how kind and nice you are; people may call you a "wonderful" person, but you’re not a Christian. It’s the Holy Spirit that brings you into Christ. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body…." He’s the One that comes over you, and baptizes or immerses you into Christ, to become a member of the body of Christ through the new birth. 

He brings you into Christ, and makes you God’s temple, but you must receive Him to live in you. If He lives in you, and becomes the Lord of your life, He’ll make you triumphant always! He’ll help you live the authentic Christian life; a life of absolute mastery, perpetual victory, and permanent success.

Prayer 

Dear Father, I thank you for empowering me with supernatural ability and equipping me with all that I need to live the divine life. By the Holy Spirit who lives in me, I set forth the wonderful deeds, and display the virtues and perfections of divinity to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

further study: Acts 1:8; Luke 24:49

: Mark 10:32-52 Numbers 14-15

: Acts 24:1-9 Psalm 56