The Hopeful Christian

The Hopeful Christian explores what it means to be a Christian. This book does not ask about heavenly salvation or how one can know if they are "saved." In its pages, we will explore what being a Christian is truly about using the Apostle Paul's letter to the believers in Rome, specifically Romans chapter 12. How much wiggle room do we have in our own interpretation of the expectations and desires of Jesus Christ? Everything Paul writes can be linked back to the teachings of Jesus. When one believes on the name of Jesus as Romans chapter 10 describes, and is saved, does that automatically classify one as a Christian? Or is being a Christian much more specialized? Can you be a believer and not a Christian? Does it matter? The author has begun to understand that it matters greatly to those around us. Do those who consider themselves Christians adhere to the ideas that Paul lays out in Romans chapter 12? Some might say that actually following such admonitions is a lofty endeavor. If Christians do not measure up in every aspect Paul describes as the model of Christian living, the results in society and in the world are bound to be hazardous for all people. The gospel is about more than a future in heaven. The gospel may be even more about the well-being of humanity while they reside upon this earth, Christians or not, believers or not. The Hopeful Christian is not a theological work. It seeks to offer an interpretation of Romans chapters 12 and 13, taken with other portions of Scripture to see how we Christians measure up to the title given to those earlier believers in the book of Acts. In today's world, specifically in the United States, where many have left or are leaving the faith, we must ask ourselves with honesty how we have contributed to this decline. We must also ask how we have failed the people of the world by not acting on any of these Christian attributes. The author is sure of their own belief but often questions whether they meet the expectations of being a Christian. If the author were living with those earliest believers, would they also call him a Christian? I hope you will read and explore to see how we can all work to make the Kingdom of God a reality in the lives of those around us.