VLSS 204: The Christian in Society

Study Notes

A Christian is not someone who is born to church-going parents, baptized as a child, identifies themselves with the church, goes to church regularly, or tries to do good works as prescribed in the Bible.
According to the Bible, a Christian is someone who:
- Has heard the good news of salvation through faith in Christ (John 3:16)
- Believes Jesus is the Son of God
- Repents of their sins
- Confesses their faith in Christ
- Has been baptized into the body of Christ
The term "Christian" is used three times in the Bible (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) and means a follower of Christ.

Being born again is not a physical process, but a spiritual one.
To become born again, one must:
- Accept that they are a sinner, unable to save themselves
- Believe that Jesus died on the cross for the forgiveness of their sins
- Pray and ask Jesus to come and live in their heart by the Holy Spirit
When this is done sincerely and in faith, one becomes born again as a child of God (John 3:16; John 1:12-13).

Spiritual disciplines are practices or habits that help deepen a person's relationship with God and enhance their spiritual growth.
Examples of Christian spiritual disciplines include:
- Praying
- Fasting
- Bible reading
- Meditation on scripture
- Attending church and fellowshipping with other believers
- Participating in holy communion
These disciplines help Christians develop a deeper relationship with God and become more Christ-like in their thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

The Bible is a spiritual guidebook for Christians that helps them grow in their faith and develop a deeper relationship with God.
Reading the Bible helps Christians:
- Know the nature of God and His ways
- Understand what God has said concerning every aspect of their life
- Know what God likes and what He does not like
- Find meaning and purpose in life
- Promote spiritual growth

Biblical meditation involves pondering the words of Scripture with a receptive heart, trusting the Holy Spirit to work in you through those words.
It involves:
- Whispering to the Holy Spirit for understanding
- Thanksgiving (1 Chronicles 16:34-35)
- Prayers of praise acknowledging God for what He is
- Confession (Psalm 32:5, 1 John 1:9-10) and asking for forgiveness

Biblical fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves self-denial of things that promote the development of the flesh.
It is not just about abstinence from food, but a lifestyle that focuses on prayer and spiritual development.
Fasting helps one:
- Get their soul under control
- Focus on prayer and spiritual development
- Humble themselves before God (Matthew 16:24-26)

Work is part of God's design for humanity (Genesis 2:15).
Work is not a punishment, but a natural part of human life.
Christians should work as if they are working for the Lord, with integrity, diligence, and purpose (Colossians 3:23-24).
Work is necessary for supporting oneself and others (2 Thessalonians 3:10).