The questions are often asked "Who is a Christian? How do i know a Christian if i meet one? Does every Matthew,Mark,Luke 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 altar go for a Christian? Are all those in church pews during church services Christians? Are all those who call the name of Jesus Christians? Who is a Christian? Finally you may ask "Am i a Christian?"
A soul winner on evangelism met a drunk staggering down a lane. In his attempt to help him descover the true 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 a pitiful point.
A brilliant preacher full of energy and zeal got the pass mark of his congregation. But his life at home showed a pattern of pride and jealousy found in the fallen angel,Lucifer.
A gifted and talented-soloist sings like and angel and prays like a prophetess 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."The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch" -Acts 11:26. From this first use of the word,the true meaning and 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 the Jews"religion" Galatians 1:13 before he became a Christian. He had been living by the Mosiac code and ordinance,"touch not,taste not,handle not", the ceremonial washing in the holy water and ignorance of true discipleship and Christianity. Christianity centres on Jesus Christ,His love,His life and His light. A Christian, therefore,is the person who live the life of Christ as revealed in the New Testament.
The New Testament opens with Jesus Christ who saves from sin Matthew 1:21, and closes with Jesus Christ who will come quickly Revelation 22:20.
Christ died to make you a Christian: He did not die to make you a church-goer; you can do that own your own. But you can not overcome sin in your human nature.
Christ died to suffer for youThrough Christ's merit,if you confess your sins and ask for pardon and 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 Jesus precious blood,your heart and life are changed.
Christ died to reconcile you to God: Through His meritorious sacrifice,a love relationship is establish 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 and of His lifestyle-humility,obedience,love,integrity,and newness of life. Check up to see if you are a Christian. If not,why not? Don't be misled-you can not mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant" -Galatians 6:7.Not everyone who calls out to me,'Lord! Lord!' will enter the Kingdom of Heaven.Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter" -Matthew 7:21.
Ask for pardon in the name of Jesus."For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity-the man christ Jesus." - 1 Timothy 2:5. Believe God for His mercy, changed and transformed,you can now begin to live a Christian life .How?
1.Pray everyday,especially before you go out in the morning and before you sleep in the evening.
2.Read the Bible everyday especially in the morning before you begin the day and,before you sleep in the evening.
3.Fellowship with Bible-believing Christians.
4.Be conscious of the presence of Jesus everytime. Therefore do not do whatever will displease Him.