ARE YOU SMARTER THAN A YOUTH PASTOR?

It is necessary for us to learn from others' mistakes.  You will not live long enough to make them all yourself." - Colossians 2:16-23
1.  Being a Christian is not based on BEING MORAL

"... for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" - Galatians 2:21b (NIV)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. -  Romans 3:21-23 (NIV)

2.  Being a Christian is not based on something MYSTICAL

It doesn't have to "FEEL" to be REAL

Take a look at the experiences of Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:24-28.  How wonderful does that sound?

We live by faith, not by sight -  2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

3.  Being a Christian is not based on MYSELF

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."

                                                Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)

So what is it then?

Simply put-our lives as disciples of Christ are based on being MOLDED into CHRISTLIKENESS.

How can we do this?

"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)
"I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength" - Philippians 4:13 (NIV)