"Five Marks Of An Authentic Christian"

This is a recap of a series of messages from Pastor James McDonald that I did in October, 2009. I pray that it blesses you.

I recently listened to a sermon series by Pastor James McDonald and he stated that these are the five marks of an authentic Christian:

1. Love deeply
2.Obeying faithfully
3. Living authentically
4. Knowing completely
5. Believing confidently

The following verses sum it up so well:

" 5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins." 2 Peter 1:5-9
Many thought that I would never get here - that I was too broken, that I simply could not put be back together. But God had other plans and through lots of prayer, love, and true brothers in the Lord I am not only back together but can say with confidence in my Lord Jesus that I am an 'Authentic Christian" as witnessed by family & friends.
The song ‘Complete’ by Kutless really speaks to that end – it came to help change my prayer life among other things and ties in the words from James McDonald and 2 Peter 1:5-9 so well. Below are the lyrics
What are you waiting for ? Get “Complete” in Jesus !

“Complete” by Kutless

"Incomplete it all began The broken state that I was in I wished that I was someone else Cause' I was lost inside myself I started seeing who I am The day my life with you began You clearly solved the mystery That finding you meant finding me.

God, I've fallen to my knees I'm bowing at your feet I give you all of me In you I am complete It's all because of love I'm not who I was I'm who I meant to be In you I am complete

God who doesn't need at all I heard your voice I felt your call It's echoing I cannot shake you off. The stars that shine they bear your name They sing the song that gives you praise You've captured me My heart is lifting off

God, I've fallen to my knees I'm bowing at your feet I give you all of me In you I am complete
It's all because of love I'm not who I was I'm who I meant to be In you I am complete

I've got to tell the world about the things you've done I want to shout it out, I'm gonna live it now Amazing grace is why I'm singing

God, I've fallen to my knees I'm bowing at your feet I give you all of me In you I am complete It's all because of love I'm not who I was I'm who I meant to be In you I am complete"