Living Authentic Christianity: Transforming Faith Through Encounter

Summary

Authentic Christianity is not about labels, affiliations, or outward appearances, but about a genuine encounter with Jesus Christ that transforms the heart, mind, and actions. In a world filled with division, strife, and superficial claims to faith, the call is to move beyond simply calling ourselves Christians and instead live out the principles of Christ—peace, unity, love, and integrity. Just as the Olympics can bring people together in honest competition, so too should our faith bring us together in authentic community, not divided by politics, race, or background, but united by the Spirit of God.

The journey toward authentic faith involves both reason and experience. There is no true conflict between faith and reason; in fact, the study of God’s creation and the use of our intellect can draw us closer to the Creator. The story of Thomas Aquinas illustrates this: his intellectual pursuit of God was ultimately surpassed by a direct encounter with Christ, showing that while reason is valuable, it must be subordinate to the living experience of God’s presence.

Likewise, the transformation of Saul into Paul demonstrates that an encounter with Christ changes everything. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, became its greatest builder after meeting Jesus. This is the essence of authentic Christianity: not just knowing about God, but being changed by Him. To be authentic Christians, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, guided by divine wisdom, and allow God’s truth to shape both our hearts and our minds. When our inner life is aligned with God, our actions become evidence of our faith, and we find the happiness and peace that so many seek but so few find.

The invitation is to see God in all things, to let every moment—like watching butterflies or smelling flowers—become a window into the divine. As we pursue authenticity in our walk with Christ, we are promised unity, joy, and a deeper sense of purpose, not just for ourselves but for the world around us.

Key Takeaways

- Authentic Christianity is not defined by labels, affiliations, or outward appearances, but by a transformed life that reflects the character of Christ. It is about living out the principles of peace, unity, and love, regardless of our background or circumstances. The true mark of faith is seen in how we live, not just in what we profess. [13:32]

- There is a profound harmony between faith and reason; studying God’s creation and using our intellect can deepen our relationship with Him. The artificial divide between science and faith is a human construct—if God is the Creator, then all truth ultimately points back to Him. Our minds are meant to be engaged in our pursuit of God, not set aside. [26:25]

- Intellectual arguments about God, while valuable, are not a substitute for a personal encounter with Christ. As seen in the life of Thomas Aquinas, the experience of God’s presence can render even the greatest theological works incomplete, because true transformation comes from relationship, not just knowledge. [30:33]

- The story of Saul’s conversion to Paul reveals that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. An authentic encounter with Jesus can turn even the fiercest opponent of the faith into its most passionate advocate. Our past does not define us; our response to Christ does. [35:17]

- To live as authentic Christians, we must be filled with the Holy Spirit, guided by divine wisdom, and allow God’s truth to shape both our hearts and minds. When our inner life is surrendered to God, our actions become a testimony to our faith, and we experience the happiness, unity, and peace that only God can give. [36:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:17] - Prayers for Healing and Thanksgiving
[13:32] - The Gift of Giving and Doing
[15:00] - Introducing Authentic Christianity
[18:30] - The Olympics and the Desire for Unity
[22:37] - Labels, Religion, and Reason
[23:43] - Childhood Wonder and God’s Creation
[26:25] - Science, Reason, and Faith
[27:29] - The Story of Thomas Aquinas
[28:40] - Aquinas’ Unfinished Work and Encounter with Christ
[30:33] - The Difference Between Knowledge and Experience
[31:57] - The Early Church and the Holy Spirit
[33:02] - Stephen’s Witness and Persecution
[35:17] - Saul’s Encounter and Transformation
[36:17] - The Call to Authentic Christianity
[38:01] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[41:52] - Communion and Remembrance
[44:32] - The Lord’s Prayer and Final Blessing

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Authentic Christianity

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### Bible Reading

1. Acts 9:1-22 – The conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus.
2. Galatians 5:22-25 – The fruit of the Spirit and living by the Spirit.
3. Romans 12:1-2 – Presenting ourselves as living sacrifices and being transformed by the renewing of our minds.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Acts 9, what was Saul doing before his encounter with Jesus, and how did his life change after meeting Christ?
2. According to Galatians 5:22-25, what are the characteristics that show someone is living by the Spirit?
3. The sermon mentioned that authentic Christianity is not about labels or outward appearances, but about a transformed life. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate this point? [[13:32]]
4. In Romans 12:2, what does Paul say about being “conformed to this world” versus being “transformed”? How does this relate to the idea of authentic Christianity?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Saul’s (Paul’s) encounter with Jesus was necessary for his transformation, rather than just learning more about God? [[35:17]]
2. The pastor shared the story of Thomas Aquinas, who stopped writing his greatest theological work after a personal encounter with Christ. What does this suggest about the difference between knowing about God and truly knowing God? [[30:33]]
3. The sermon draws a connection between faith and reason, saying they are not enemies. How can studying God’s creation or using our intellect actually bring us closer to God? [[26:25]]
4. According to the sermon, what is the evidence that someone is living an authentic Christian life? [[36:17]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said that authentic Christianity is about living out the principles of peace, unity, and love, not just claiming the label “Christian.” In what areas of your life do you find it hardest to live out these principles? What is one step you could take this week to be more authentic in your faith? [[13:32]]
2. The story of Saul shows that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace. Is there someone in your life (maybe even yourself) that you have written off as “unlikely” to change? How might God be inviting you to see them differently? [[35:17]]
3. The sermon talked about the harmony between faith and reason. Are there areas where you feel tension between your faith and what you learn or experience in the world? How can you bring those questions honestly to God? [[26:25]]
4. The pastor encouraged us to see God in all things, even in simple moments like watching butterflies or smelling flowers. What is one ordinary part of your daily routine where you could intentionally look for God’s presence this week? [[24:15]]
5. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25) is evidence of a life led by the Holy Spirit. Which “fruit” do you most want to grow in right now? What is a specific way you can practice it in your relationships this week?
6. The sermon said that when our hearts and minds are surrendered to God, our actions become a testimony to our faith. Is there an area of your life where your actions don’t match what you believe? What would it look like to surrender that area to God? [[36:17]]
7. The pastor mentioned that happiness and peace come from being authentic Christians, not from circumstances. When you feel anxious or divided, what is one practice you can use to realign your heart and mind with God? [[36:17]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for the Holy Spirit to fill them, for wisdom, and for the courage to live out authentic Christianity in their daily lives.

Devotional

Day 1: Authentic Christianity Requires an Encounter with Jesus

True Christianity is not just about intellectual arguments or religious labels, but about a real, transformative encounter with Jesus Christ. When we experience Christ personally, our priorities, perspectives, and even our theology are reshaped by His presence. This encounter moves us beyond debates and divisions, grounding our faith in a living relationship with the Savior. It is this experience that empowers us to live out authentic Christianity, where our actions and attitudes reflect the love and truth of Christ in a divided world. [31:57]

Acts 9:3-6 (ESV)
Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”

Reflection: When was the last time you truly encountered Jesus in a way that changed your perspective or actions? How can you open yourself to such an encounter today?


Day 2: Being Filled with the Holy Spirit and Wisdom

To be an authentic Christian, it is essential to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to operate in God’s wisdom. The early church chose leaders not based on arguments or status, but on their fullness of the Spirit and wisdom. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, our decisions and actions are marked by divine insight and power, enabling us to serve others and stand firm in faith even when faced with opposition or misunderstanding. [33:02]

Acts 6:3 (ESV)
Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and guidance today? What would it look like to let Him lead you in that area?


Day 3: Harmony Between Reason and Faith

God invites us to use both our hearts and our minds in our walk with Him, bringing reason and faith into harmony. Rather than seeing science, reason, or intellect as opposed to faith, we are called to subject our reasoning to God’s truth, allowing His Spirit to shape our understanding. When our minds and hearts are surrendered to God, our actions become a true reflection of our faith, and we find unity and peace in Him. [36:17]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: Are there areas where you have separated your reasoning from your faith? How can you invite God to bring your mind and heart into unity under His guidance today?


Day 4: Seeing God in Creation

God’s creation is a window into His heart and character, inviting us to draw closer to Him through the beauty and wonder of the world around us. When we pause to notice the butterflies, smell the flowers, and marvel at the intricacies of nature, we are reminded of the Creator’s presence and love. This childlike awe can rekindle our passion for God and help us see His hand at work in every aspect of our lives, leading us on a path closer to Him. [24:15]

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV)
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

Reflection: Take a moment today to intentionally notice something beautiful in God’s creation. How does it speak to you about who God is and His love for you?


Day 5: Authentic Christianity Brings True Happiness and Unity

The pursuit of authentic Christianity leads to genuine happiness, peace, and unity—not just for ourselves, but for our communities and the world. When we live according to God’s principles, filled with His Spirit and guided by His wisdom, we transcend divisions and experience the harmony and joy that come from being on God’s side. This is the happiness that Thomas Aquinas described, a happiness rooted not in circumstances, but in a life aligned with God’s will and presence. [38:01]

Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to promote unity and joy in your family, church, or community as an authentic follower of Christ?

Quotes

There is not a political party, there isn't a race, there isn't an age, there isn't a demographic that is any more or less Christian than the other. It is how we live. They are Christian principles of how we live. [00:22:19] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

If you wanted to understand the mind of a designer, of an architect, let's say, then you're going to study their constructions and their buildings. If you wanted to get a glimpse into the heart of a composer, then you would get into their music. If you wanted to be able to experience maybe a person's entire personality and being, then you might begin to interpret their artwork. And if God is a creator, then it seemed to me that the studying of nature should not in any way be separated from God, but to the contrary ought to be some peek in the door, some step toward heaven, some potential conduit to get closer to God. [00:25:25] (00:01:00 seconds) Edit Clip

He had an encounter with Christ. You see, studying about God and having an experience with God are two things different altogether, coming up with intellectual arguments about God and then all of a sudden finding yourself in the presence of God rewrites your theology. [00:30:40] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

Studying about God and having an experience with God are two things different altogether, coming up with intellectual arguments about God and then all of a sudden finding yourself in the presence of God rewrites your theology. [00:30:46] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

And so I think the problem with many Christians today is that we're too caught up in the theological arguments and not caught up enough in the experience. That one person has an argument and another person has an argument, but if we all have an experience, those arguments fade into the background. [00:31:13] (00:00:29 seconds) Edit Clip

It's about an encounter with Jesus Christ that puts all of our human reason and intellect into its proper place and it's valuable. It's useful. It just has to be subordinate to the experience with Christ. [00:31:42] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

And we should look at what God says and we should agree with it in our hearts because the Spirit is in our hearts and in our minds because our minds have been subjected to the will of God and His Word. And when our hearts and our minds come under the influence of God and are subject to Him, then our actions are evidence of our faith in God. [00:36:31] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

So, my prayer is that as we go through this series, you'll see the butterflies, you'll smell the flowers, you'll see God in everything, and you'll see a crack of light in your life that will lead you on a path that takes you closer to God. [00:38:05] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip