For the "Almost" Christian: Put Your Faith in Jesus
Today in chapel, we began a new three-part series exploring an important question: What does it really mean to be a Christian? The first message focused on the idea of the "almost" Christian" and challenged students to consider whether their faith is rooted in religion, tradition, or a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Twelve Men in Ephesus
Our message in Chapel came from Acts 19:1-7, where the Apostle Paul arrived in Ephesus and encountered twelve men whom Luke referred to as disciples. These men had responded to the teachings of John the Baptist and were seeking to follow God, but they had not yet heard the full message of Jesus Christ. They had experienced John's baptism of repentance, which prepared people's hearts for the coming Messiah, but their understanding was still incomplete.
John the Baptist's purpose was to point people to Jesus. Although these men had embraced John's message, they had not yet understood who Jesus was or what He had accomplished through His death and resurrection. When Paul explained the gospel to them, they placed their faith in Jesus Christ and received the Holy Spirit.
This passage reminds us that sincere spiritual interest, religious knowledge, and even a desire to follow God must ultimately lead us to Jesus. True Christianity is found not merely in knowing about God, but in personally trusting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
The Importance of Spiritual Growth
We also looked at the example of Apollos. Apollos was a gifted teacher who faithfully shared what he knew about God and the teachings of John the Baptist. However, his understanding was incomplete. Priscilla and Aquila, who had been discipled by Paul, came alongside him and helped him better understand the fullness of the gospel.
Their example demonstrates the importance of discipleship. Paul invested in Priscilla and Aquila, who then invested in Apollos. In the same way, Christians are called to grow in their faith and help others grow as well.
Christianity Is More Than Religion
One of the central truths from today's message was that Christianity cannot be reduced to religious practices or labels.
Christianity is not:
Instead, Christianity is about the gospel.
The gospel is the good news that Jesus did what we could never do for ourselves. Through His death on the cross and resurrection from the grave, our sins can be forgiven and our relationship with God can be restored. Salvation is not earned through good works or religious effort. It is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
The Holy Spirit and the Christian Life
Students were reminded that the moment a person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they receive the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit guides, teaches, comforts, and transforms believers. Following Jesus is not simply about trying harder to be good. God gives His Spirit to help us grow and become more like Christ each day.
A Life That Proclaims the Gospel
Another major challenge from today's message was the reminder that our lives constantly communicate what we believe.
If Jesus is truly our Savior, that reality should be reflected in our words, attitudes, actions, and relationships. People often see the gospel lived out before they hear it spoken.
Students were encouraged to:
The way we live can point others toward Christ.
What Does an "Almost" Christian Look Like Today?
The message then explored four ways someone might appear Christian while never truly placing their trust in Christ.
A person may identify with a denomination or church background such as Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Church of Christ, and MANY others. While church involvement is important, being connected to a denomination does not automatically mean a person has a personal relationship with Jesus.
Some people connect Christianity primarily with religious experiences and activities. They may have attended church their entire lives, gone to church camp, or been baptized as an infant. While these experiences can be valuable, salvation comes through faith in Christ, not simply participation in church activities.
This person views salvation as a way to escape hell rather than as the beginning of a relationship with Jesus.
To illustrate this point, every student received a ticket. Some students asked about the ticket, while others simply accepted it without understanding its purpose. The illustration showed how people often respond to faith. Many want the benefits, but few take the time to seek the deeper truth behind what they have been given.
The message emphasized that God is not simply offering an escape from judgment. He is inviting us into a relationship with Him and into the abundant life He has prepared for us.
Our culture often encourages people to seek spirituality through many different practices, including astrology, tarot cards, palm readings, crystals, chakras, ancestor worship, or other spiritual beliefs and practices.
While many people pursue these things searching for guidance, purpose, or peace, Scripture teaches that true hope, truth, and salvation are found in Jesus Christ alone.
We Will Never Be Perfect
The chapel message concluded with an encouraging reminder: Christians are not perfect people.
Following Jesus does not mean we will never struggle, fail, or make mistakes. Spiritual growth is a lifelong process. As believers continue to walk with Christ, He works in their lives through truth and grace, helping them become more like Him.
Chapel Challenge:
The question is not whether you attend church, know Bible stories, or identify as a Christian. The real question is:
Have you personally trusted Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord?
Take time this week to honestly examine your faith. Is your relationship with God built on religious activity, family tradition, or a genuine trust in Jesus Christ? If you have placed your faith in Him, ask God to help you continue growing in your walk with Him and living in a way that points others to Christ.
God offers more than religion. Through Jesus Christ, He offers forgiveness, a restored relationship with Him, the gift of the Holy Spirit, fullness of joy, and the abundant life found only in Him.
Dinner and Discipleship (Family chapel chat for around the dinner table)