In 1976 I found myself in Israel with my wife among a small group of fifteen people from our church. At one point we were singing a worship song when a woman asked us if we were believers. We responded we were Christians. She explained the term Christian was a political term and that many people called themselves Christians but were not believers in the Word of God nor truly practicing the faith of Christianity. As a new Christian and believer that concept was new to me. If someone told me they were a Christian I believed they were a Christian indeed, not just one who inherited the title Christian. Since then I have met a lot of people who dress like, drink like, talk like, walk like, the devil and tell me to my face I am a Christian. Ever met anyone like that? It wasn't long before I realized very few people ever read the Bible one time in their lives, our manual, and I wondered if faced with the rules Jesus asked us to obey if they would confess to be a Christian.
18 “Hear then the parable of the sower.19 When anyone hears the[i]word of the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart. This is the one on whom seed was sown beside the road. 20 The one on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; 21 yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the[j]word, immediately he[k]falls away.22 And the one on whom seed was sown among the thorns, this is the man who hears the word, and the worry of the [l] world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.23 And the one on whom seed was sown on the good soil, this is the man who hears the word and understands it; who indeed bears fruit and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixty, and some thirty.”
The point that can be made is knowing the Word, obeying the Word, and imitating Christ in acting as the Word instructs is the way to reaping a prosperous and successful life as a Believer (read Joshua 1:8). When you do not follow the commands of Christ you are giving the Devil legal access to interfere in your life. Start by knowing His Word. Click here for "one page" notes on the Bible Basics and begin to prosper in life and have great success. The Greek word for salvation, sozo, has more meaning than eternal salvation. It denotes earthly benefits for peace, protection, prosperity and Godly provision.
Study (know) His Word, don’t be deceived or distracted by worldly temptations! Start today and become a true Believer!