by Roderick C. Meredith

While exploring the Internet some weeks ago, I came across a pop-up that asked if I would like the above-mentioned book. And of course, I was intrigued as I’ve always believed if you can’t be a perfect Christian at least be genuine in your Christianity. So I checked yes and some days later I received this booklet from the Living Church Of God.

It is a quick read composed of 3 chapters and only 27 pages, those pages, are packed with information and points that will cause you to meditate on some poignant scriptures…

Upon opening this book the first page says What Is A True Christian? More than 400 sects and denominations call themselves “Christian” but they all have some basic, and often fundamental differences. Would Jesus Christ recognize the organizations? Would Jesus Christ recognize the organizations using His name today? How can you be sure of what a true Christian should be?

In Chapter 1: Christ is the Standard—Meredith states, “Since the life, death, and resurrection of the Son of God, a great deception has resulted in the placing of Christ’s name on every type of pagan, heathen, perverted philosophy of man that has come along! Did Christ start these ideas and institutions? Do they follow His teaching and His example? How can you know?” (pg 2)

Then he asserts: Strangely, yet at least honestly, some of this world’s noted religious leaders and scholars have acknowledged that our professing “Christianity” has not even seriously tried to follow the literal teaching and example of Jesus Christ—its supposed author! (pg 3) And then quotes what noted historian Will Durant said, “Christianity did not destroy paganism: it adopted it.”

This same chapter covers topics such as Are Denominations “Christian” Because They Do Good Works? A Planned Deception, What Jesus Actually Taught, and The Law Of Liberty.

In Chapter 2 entitled “What Should You Do?” the writer says there are several things you need to do to become a true Christian—the kind of Christian the Bible describes. The first thing Meredith suggests we must believe that God is an actual Spiritual Personality who created and now rules the entire universe quoting Hebrews 11:6. Then he says you must prove to your own satisfaction that the Bible is truly God’s inspired word quoting (2 Timothy 3:16) Then he states, “You need to really study the Bible? Not just read it. (pg 13)

He goes onto say that the most vital key is to not just accept Jesus’ person but also believe in His message—in what he taught and stood for—for Jesus Himself asks, “But why do you call Me “Lord, Lord,” and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) Then we must repent and be baptized. (pgs 14-15)

This same chapter covers topics such as A Covenant With Your Creator, The Spiritual Power You Need, and “Is There Hope for Me?”

In Chapter 3 entitled The Fruits of a True Christian the author begins with Jesus said, “Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:20) The “fruits” or results of God’s Holy Spirit working in our lives show whether or not we are truly Christians.

Meredith goes on to say “Jesus explained the most important thing for a Christian to do when He said, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39) For the true Christian, God becomes the center of everything. The genuine Christian is really God-centered. (pg 23)

This same chapter covers the topic Keep Your Eyes on the Goal.

We give What Is A True Christian?

This is a short but concise read scripturally based that covers a lot of ground and challenges your authenticity as a true believer. It will have you soul-searching and seeking God for a deeper and more understanding relationship with Him to better understand who we should be according to His divine purpose for us, not as men ascribe but as He promised. This is a good read—if you can get it. The Living Church of God offers this book and other literature for free online at TomorrowsWorld.org.

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