The questions are often asked, “Who is a Christian? How
do I know a Christian if I meet one? Does Matthew, Luke,
or John pass for a Christian? Is everyone who raises up his
hand in response to a preacher’s call to repentance a
Christian? Does everyone who passes through the church
isle to the altar pass for a Christian? Are all those in
church pews during church services Christians? Who is a
Christian? Finally you may ask, “Am I a Christian?”
A soul winner on evangelism met a drunk drifting down a
lane. In his attempt to help him discover 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 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 in 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” (Acts11: 26). From the
first use of a 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
Jewish religion (Galatians 1:13) before he became a
Christian. Living by the Mosiac code of “ordinance, touch
not, taste not, handle not,” the ceremonial washing in holy
water is ignorance of true discipleship and Christianity.
Christianity centres 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 (Matthew 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 in your natural human nature.
Christ died to suffer for you-through 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 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 new heart and life like His. You can only enjoy a new
heart at the expense of another.
The Christian life radiates the beauty of Christ’s lifestyle –
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 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 a wholehearted change of life. Ask for
pardon from God in the Name of Jesus, the only one
Mediator between God and man (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 EVERY
TIME; therefore, do not do whatever will displease
Him. - Send for more tracts to give to your friends as you
share your testimonies with them.
Your spiritual welfare is our concern. For more help write
or contact:
DEEPER CHRISTIAN LIFE MINISTRY
Visit: www.deeperlifecleveland.org
Email: [email protected]