What is a Christian?

 

 

In order to answer this question, I want to look at a number of points:

 

  1. Where did the term Christian come from?

  2. What is a disciple?

  3. What does all this mean to me?

 

1.  To find the answer to this, turn with me to Acts 11v26: "...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch."  There is some debate over where this term came from.  Some think it was the enemies of the disciples who called them Christians out of spite, others think that the disciples took the name to themselves, while the third party think that it may have been given to them by divine intimation.  What is known, however, is that from this point all disciples have been known as Christians.

 

2.  The word disciple means "a learner...it denotes one who follows one's teaching."  This means that the disciples would take on the lifestyle of the master and seek to learn all they could from him.  The disciples of Jesus gave up everything they had to follow Him.  Today, as Christians, we seek to be disciples of Jesus.  What this means is that we give our lives to serving Him.  We study the Bible regularly in order to understand what it is that we should be doing.  We acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every aspect of our lives, from what job shall I do to whom shall I marry.

3.  So, what does this mean to you as you read this?  If you are a Christian then these words should be a real challenge to you as you live for Him.  Do you really let Him guide and help?  Or do you do things because you know best?  If you are not a Christian, then let me gently warn that those who do not recognise Jesus Christ as Lord in this life will do so when He comes in Judgement (Philippians 2v9-11, Revelation 20v11-15).  If you want further information, please email me and I will be pleased to help you in any way I can.