|
|
|
What
Is A Christian? By
Bob Myhan Many
people consider themselves to be Christians. As of 2006, the percentage
worldwide was 33%. In the The
name, Christian, is only mentioned three times in the NKJV of the New Testament.
Each of these verses sets forth one basic idea about those who were called by
that name in the first century. The
first passage
wherein the name is mentioned is in Acts 11:19-26. Now
those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled
as far as Then
Barnabas departed for Those
who “were first called Christians in A
Christian is a disciple. But
what is a disciple? A disciple is a learner and a follower. More
correctly, it is one who learns in order to follow. Jesus
taught that none could come to Him unless they are “taught by God.” “No
one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him
up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught
by God.' Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to
Me.” (John
6:44-45) Thus,
one does not become a Christian by a better-felt-than-told direct operation of
the Holy Spirit. The seed of the kingdom—the word of God—must be sown in
one’s heart (Matt. 13:3-9; 18-23; Luke 8:4-15). Jesus
also taught that one must follow Him—even to death—to be His disciple. "And
whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
(Luke 14:27) The
second passage
wherein the name, Christian, is mentioned is Acts 26:24-28. Now
as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are
beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!" But he said, "I am
not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the
king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced
that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done
in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do
believe." Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become
a Christian." A
Christian is one who is persuaded: (1)
That the gospel is based on facts. "Therefore
let all the house of (2)
That God will not permit him to be tempted beyond what he can bear. No
temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is
faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but
with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to
bear it. (1
Cor. 10:13) (3)
That being a Christian is worth forsaking all. Now
great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "If anyone
comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers
and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever
does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of
you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost,
whether he has enough to finish it-- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and
is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began
to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against
another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten
thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while
the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of
peace. “So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be
My disciple.” (Luke
14:25-33) (4)
That being a Christian will offer security. Let
your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.
For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." So
we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do
to me?" (Heb.
13:5-6) (5)
That being a Christian will offer purpose. The
end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for
this is the whole duty of man. (Eccl.
12:13, ESV) (6)
That being a Christian will offer both happiness and peace. Therefore,
having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we
stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ( Rejoice
in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to
all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to
God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Phil.
4:4-7) The
third passage
wherein the name, Christian, is mentioned is 1 Peter 4:14-16. If
you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of
glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a
thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let
him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. A
Christian is one who is not ashamed: (1)
To suffer. Suffering has been an unavoidable fact of life almost from the
beginning; it is all about us. Some suffering is the result of our foolish,
sinful living. But some suffering is the indirect result of desiring to live
godly in Christ Jesus. (2 Tim. 3:12). (2)
Of the Lord or of the Lord’s words. (Mark 8:38) (3)
Of the gospel. ( (4)
To be in the minority. (John 6:66-69) (5)
To give a defense of his hope when asked. (1 Peter 3:13-16) (6)
To glorify God in body and spirit (1 Cor. 6:20) in bearing fruit (John 15:8), in
ministering (1 Peter 4:11) and in all that he does. (1 Cor. 10:31) Dear
reader, do you fit God’s definition of a Christian? & “Daddy,
What Is a Christian?” Author
Unknown A
little boy once asked his father, “Daddy, what is a Christian?” The
father thought for a minute, and then replied, “Son, a Christian believes in
God and in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He has heard the gospel of Christ and
in faith obeyed it. This means that he repented of his sins and confessed Jesus
to be God’s Son. He was then baptized for the remission of sins. When he did
this, the Lord added him to His church.” “He
loves God very much. He loves his family, his brethren, his neighbors, and even
his enemies. He is one who takes his religion seriously. He lives it seven days
a week. He worships God with other disciples at every available opportunity. He
really enjoys his service to God. He is not covetous or stingy, but from a
generous and cheerful heart gives his money to help others and further the
Lord’s work.” “He
prays frequently and fervently. He chooses his words carefully at all times. He
does not choose good words when he assembles with the saints, then uses bad
words on the job or elsewhere. He is kind, considerate, gentle, patient, caring
and in general is a good neighbor and citizen. He reads the Bible regularly and
shares it with anyone who is willing to study. He leads his family in praying
with them and for them. He is dependable in the work of promoting God’s truth.
He is hospitable, visits the sick, is honest in his dealings, and is a good
example to others. He loves and is loved. These are just a few of the things
that constitute a Christian.” The
boy thought for a moment and then asked, “Have I ever seen one?” &
|