How to Know if You are You a Normal Christian?

Sep 29, 2021 | Dennis Heppner, Lifestyle

Before we answer that, here’s another one: What is normal?

You’re feeling a certain way this week, and decide there must be something wrong with you. So you go visit your doctor, and he/she says, “Well, tell me how your friends feel?” Or what if he said, “You know what? Everyone I know feels that way. so you are quite normal.”

Doctors begin training by studying anatomy—by learning all the body parts and how they work. I read about one medical student who went to lectures, worked in labs about 8 hours a day, then went home and ate, took a shower, and studied till midnight—every day.
So how does a doctor know if you are not well? Because he or she has studied intensively and knows what normal is. Then if you are not fitting that description, the process begins of finding out what is wrong.

So how about your Christian life? Are you normal? We don’t ask our friends how they are doing and then decide that because every other Christian is like me I must be normal. We go instead to the Bible, which is like spiritual anatomy, and see what the Christian life is supposed to be in its normal state.

The normal Christian hears God’s voice. That’s what Jesus said.

The normal Christian is born again supernaturally through faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. You must encounter God to be a normal Christian. Without a supernatural birth, literally being “born of the Spirit,” you cannot be a Christian. (John 3:3)
The normal Christian has accepted and embraced Jesus as Lord, owner, and master of their life. This means that Jesus is in charge of your life. You consult Him before making decisions. You are daily choosing to do what He wants you to do. (Romans 10:9-10)
The normal Christian lives by faith in God and his Word. Faith is trusting God. When you act like you trust God, you are openly declaring that God is greater than you are. (Hebrews 11:6)

The normal Christian hears God’s voice. That’s what Jesus said. Jesus is speaking to you whenever you listen closely. Are you listening? When is the last time you can honestly say Jesus has spoken into your life? (John 10:4)

The normal Christian is productive in life and ministry. Jesus said, “You will bear/produce fruit.” Fruit is works that reveal you are spiritually connected to the Lord Jesus. (John 15:1-2)

The normal Christian lives in victory. Victory implies there will be a battle. But victory also implies that you are overcoming through faith in Jesus. (1 John 5:4)

None of this “normality” is future. It is all now. You may read this and think, “I don’t have any friends or fellow church members like this.” Then you are surrounded by abnormal Christians.

Occasionally the doctor says, “There is no easy way to say this. What you are experiencing is not normal. Let’s run some tests.” Likewise, as the word of God would say, this then is how you should live.

When you choose to pursue normal Christian living, all the wonderful promises of God come alive in your life. Your contentment increases. Your faith grows. Your fruitfulness multiplies and your joy is indescribable.

Never let your past experience determine your present faith. Never let fellow believers lower your expectations of the Christian life. Though we are never perfect, we must be committed to a life of true Biblical normal Christian living.

Please, please, don’t settle for less than the normal Christian life!

MEDITATE

Are you a normal Christian? Are you born again through faith in Jesus? Do you embrace Jesus as the Lord of your life? Do you live by faith in God and his Word? Do you hear God’s voice? Are you productive in life and in ministry? Are you overcoming through faith in Jesus?

STUDY

Ephesians 5:8-10, For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord.

Reading Plan: Numbers 30-36

PRAY

Heavenly Father, I commit to not settle for anything other than a normal Christian life. I choose to not let past experiences determine my present faith. I commit to grow my faith as I walk in obedience in you.

LIVE

Live a normal Christian life! Bear fruit by doing ministry. Take time daily to hear God’s voice. Trust in the Lord always. Don’t settle for anything less. #Faith #ChristianLiving

Dennis Heppner grew up in Canada and was called to ministry as a young boy. Dennis and his wife Denie, who was also called to missions as a child, pastored 4 churches in Canada, but in 1987 the door opened to come to the Philippines as missionaries. They brought their 4 eldest children with them and the kids grew up here. In 2006 they adopted Emma Rose, a special Filipino treasure and a gift from God to their family.

Dennis has been a missionary evangelist in Asia for 25 years. He was the director of LIFESCHOOLS of ministry and pastored 3 churches in the early years of his ministry based in the Philippines. He is currently the founder and President of Developing Effective Leaders (DEL), superintendent of Church of God West Asia, and the founding and lead Pastor of the vibrant, growing Church of God Makati.

Dennis and Denie and their whole family, including Josh and Melody who live in Canada, are committed to missions, leadership, and the call of Christ.

Read more of Ptr. Dennis’ articles HERE!

Extended Bio HERE.

Help us REFRESH others with the life-giving Word of God today!