01. What is a Christian

What is a Christian?

Key Verses / Passages

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.       John 14:6

So, Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.        Acts 11:25-27

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In the earliest days of the followers of Jesus after his resurrection, the growing community called themselves “brethren”, “saints” or collectively, “the Way”.

So, what is a Christian? This is a compound Greek word (Christ-ian) meaning a little- christ or Christ-like. The “ian” suffix primarily means “belonging to”. This can be seen in words like Novocastrian - someone from Newcastle.

A Christian is one who “belongs to” Jesus Christ. If you believe in Him and acknowledge Him as Lord over your life, then you belong to Him. It’s a fact, take it as such. It has nothing to do with how you act or how the rest of the world thinks you should act; you can’t earn it, work for it or buy the title!

In fact, the only way is to acknowledge Him (Jesus) as the ruler over your life, acknowledging that He paid the penalty for your sin (short comings). Are you a believer, a follower and want His love in your heart? Then it is done. The contract is signed!

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Reflection / Questions:

•     Now - being a Christian is a title about you, not what you do or how you behave; nor how others think you should behave... but if you do belong to Jesus, wouldn’t you like to please Him and relate to other people they way He wants you to?

•     Read Matthew 28:18-20 to have a look at what Jesus wants you to do.

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, my life is yours to command, teach me your way and help me bring glory and honour to your name, just as the early believers did. Amen.