November 3, 2001
These questions are often asked; "who is a Christian? How do I know a Christian if I meet one? Does every Mathew, Luke, Mark and John go for a Christian? Is everyone who raises up his hand in response to a preacher's call to repentance a Christian? Does everybody who passes through the
church isle to the alter go for a Christian? Are all those in church pews during church services Christian? Who is a Christian? Finally you may ask "Am I a Christian?"
A soul winner on evangelism meets a drunk drifting down a lane. In his attempt to help him discover the time purpose of living he asked "Are you a Christian? The answer came quick and sharp' what do you think I am? A pagan? This is the pitiful point.
A brilliant preacher full of energy and zeal got the pass mark of his congregation. But his home showed a pattern of pride and jealousy found in the fallen angel-Lucifer.
A gifted and talented lady-soloist sings like an angel and prays like a prophet but she talks and acts with thunder and volcano in her voice. Her red-hot temper, contentiousness and confusion are marks of her presence at home or at work. Are these Christians? A Niagara of stormy words is an indication of the absence of Christ from the heart.
Being a Christian is not a new label it is a new life. The word 'Christian' first occurred in the New Testament. It was not in the Old Testament. "The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" Act 11:26. From this first use of the word, the true meaning and the significance of the word become clear. Disciples were called Christians.
Disciple is a prominent word in the New Testament. It did not have any place in the Jewish religion. One of the disciples in Antioch referred to as a Christian was "in Jesus religion (Galatians 1:13) before he became a Christian. Living by the mosaic colliery "ordinance, touch not, taste not, handle not", the ceremonial washing in holy water and ignorance of time discipleship and Christianity. Christianity centers on Jesus Christ - His love, life and light.
A Christian therefore is the person who lives the life of Christ as revealed in the New Testament.
The New Testament opens with Jesus Christ who saves from sin (Mathew 1:21) and closes with Jesus Christ, the king who will come quickly-Revelation 22:20 Christ died to make you a Christian. He did not have to die to make you a churchgoer, you can do that on your own. But you cannot overcome sin your natural human nature. Christ died to suffer for you through Christ's merit.
If you confess your sins and ask for pardon grace you will be forgiven. Peace and joy will come into your heart. You will never be the same again. Christ died to make you live through definite faith in His precious blood, your heart and life are changed. Christ died to reconcile
you to God. Through His meritorious sacrifice, a love relationship is established between you and God. Christ died to give you a heart, life and love like His. You can only enjoy a new heart at the expense of another.
The Christian's life radiates the beauty of Christ. Christ's life style - humility, obedience, love, integrity, and newness of life. Check up if you are a Christian. If not, why not? "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap" Galatians 6:7. Remember that "not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall enter into
the Kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my father which is in heaven".
You can decide to confess your sins to God today and repent - make an wholehearted change of life. Ask for pardon from God in the name of Jesus - only one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 2:5. Believe God for his mercy changed and transformed, begin to live a Christian life.
- Pray everyday especially before you go out in the morning and before you sleep in the evening.
- Read the Bible everyday especially in the morning before you begin the day and before you sleep in the evening.
- Fellowship with Bible - believing Christians
- Be conscious of the presence of Jesus EVERYTIME therefore do not do whatever will displease Him.
- Send for more tracts to give your friends as you share your testimonies with them.
For more help, write or contact any Deeper Life Bible Church near you or email me garbater@hotmail.com
Guides
Who is a Christian?