If I were to ask you “what is a real Christian”. What would you say?
If I were to ask you “what does a real Church look like”. What would you say?

According to our mindset we would answer many varied things.

Pr 23:7 .... ( NASB ) For as he thinks within himself, so he is.    

Because whatever we think we believe is right - is what we believe. The mind is a very powerful thing. The bible calls it a stronghold. There are many scriptures that talk about renewing our mind, casting down thoughts that come against the will of God. Bringing captive every thought to be obedient to Christ.

I would say that the biggest obstacle to majority of Christians is their mind. Not the devil – he was defeated 2000 years ago. Not sin – Jesus delivered us from it. But the mind – someone said the mind is a battle field – that is where we are defeated by the devil – that is where we are defeated by sin because sin starts as a thought in our mind.

James 1:14-15

It all starts in the mind.

The Bible talks a lot about the mind of man – how that it can actually be an enemy towards God.

Rom 8:6-7

* in scripture means the external, the human nature – or basically doing it mans way.
** means Christ centred – heavenly minded – to have your mind set on heavenly things. (not on heaven)

Rom 8:5

Now many people think that this is just talking about sin – like committing adultery, or lying etc.
Some people dont think its even talking to them – they think “well im not walking in the flesh”

but this is actually talking about setting my mind on external things or things that I do – my way.

Most people would say “I dont think about sinning all the time” – that maybe so but this scripture isnt talking about that kind of sin – its talking about the sin (that is an enemy against God) that is doing it my own way. Carnal, external, fleshly – human effort.

•    Getting back to the question – what is a real Christian

John 1:12

Rom 8:14 ( NASB ) For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.

Being led by the Spirit of God causes maturity – knowledge does not bring Godly maturity.
A better lifestyle doesn’t cause us to be more mature in Christ (in fact to many it has the exact opposite effect).

Even the gifts don’t bring maturity.

What you carry is different to who you are. The anointing, the gifts are different to the fruit of the Spirit and the fruit of character.

Many people look at the talents, gifts or success in a persons life and from that exult them to a level of stardom. Instead we should look within a person to see what fruit of character is in them.

People see doors opening as a sign of God’s blessing – many times its human promotion. People heard someone is doing something great and they want them. etc

I believe we desperately need some spiritual discernment in the church - Discerning of spirits is more than just demonic sprits but discerning human spirits.

The bible actually says to test the spirits.

Getting back to knowledge and lifestyle -

Why do we then concentrate on attaining these things. Our whole culture is based on these things – obtaining knowledge and getting a better lifestyle. Even in church, preaching is aimed at these things. How can I get more knowledge – then this will make me better. How can I get a better lifestyle – then I will feel better.

We even think that if I can study the bible more then that will make me a better Christian. If I go to church then I will learn how to put this knowledge into practise so that I can get....

In church - It all starts at the top. Leaders are trained by this mindset. I have even talked recently with pastors that are going to preaching classes because they want to be able gain knowledge on how to speak better and have more effect.

Getting degrees in all sorts of things because this is what is going to elevate them into more successful ministry.

There is something better than learning technique. Learning principles. Because we are discovering in the western church today that we have lost something – we may be physically rich (compared to some countries) but we are spiritually poor – even with all our knowledge – even with all our wealth – even with all our abilities.

I would say that the Church today is about as carnal as it can get (I was going to say ‘before its stops being Christian’ – but that’s another thought)

Now can I say there is nothing wrong with wanting to get knowledge – there is nothing wrong with wanting better. I believe its a God given thing inside us.

What is wrong is that it should not be our basis our premis. It is not our foundation. It is not wrong for someone to want to be able to speak better so that they can be more effective in communicating the Gospel .... but there is a better way.

‘For all who are led by the Spirit of God – these are the sons of God.’

I want to learn how to be led by the spirit in my ministry, in my job, in my family, with my wife. That doesn’t mean we throw away knowledge but it does mean we keep knowledge under the obedience of Christ.

Our greatest desire is to train leaders, to train Christians about being led by the Spirit. About abiding in the vine – letting the sap of Christ produce Godly fruit in our lives. Because it is about fruit – do you realize you will be judged by the fruit not the amount you know. Its not about gifting - its about fruit.

So to answer the second question -  “what does a real Church look like”.

A real Church looks like you – Church is a reflection of you. If a whole bunch of spirit led Christians came to church then the church would be Spirit led. Birds of a feather flock together.

Church is not the building – church is not the meeting. Church is not the ministry – church is people

Christianity started out in Palestine as a fellowship; it moved to Greece and became a philosophy; it moved to Italy and became an institution; it moved to Europe and became a culture; it came to the west and became an enterprise.

We have got to get back to the premise of the Gospel. Break through ungodly mindsets that have been controlling our churches. Pull down strongholds that have been shackling the people.

So the last question I want to ask is – will the real Christian please stand up.

Right about now you might be saying something like “you have said all this but you haven’t told me how to be led by the Spirit” In fact as I was preparing this I thought – I need to at least give them one point – but then a small voice just said – “tell them to seek Me.”