Really, Who is a Christian?

I have listened to a plethora of preachers, teachers, and commentators describe how one becomes a Christian.  It seems we have complicated the process.  Also, based on what “Christian group” one is affiliated with, arguments and debates have ensued over “the how” one becomes a Christian and “who is” a Christian.  The Christian community has created more division and caused more non-believers to be turned off by our bad behavior and our self-righteous attitudes that they want nothing to do with Christianity at all. 

Being a Christian simply means that one is a follower of Christ.   Being a Christian isn’t always easy.  It can be demanding.  And, it can cost a person his or her life.  However, the benefits of choosing to be a Christian far outweigh the negatives. 

Here are a couple of beneficial reasons to become a Christian:

Acts 2:38 says that we get the gift of the Spirit.  Imagine buying a brand new car.  You go to drive it off the lot, but it does not have a steering wheel.  Crazy, right?  You’ve got to have a steering wheel in order to maneuver the car where you need it to go.  The Spirit is much like the steering wheel.  John 16:13 says, “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.” (NLT)  The Spirit steered the Apostles to truth.  Without the Spirit, the Apostles would have had trouble getting to where they needed to go and teaching the people whom God would send them to teach.  For the Christian, the Spirit guides us out of trouble.  Galatians 5:16 says, “So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.” (NLT) The benefit of being a Christians is the steering of the Spirit. 

Another benefit of being a Christian is being added to Christ church.  Colossians 1:18 says, “Christ is also the head of the church….” (NLT)  Notice it says, Christ is the head.  All churches must ensure that Jesus is the head, not anyone else.  Acts 2:41 says that about 3,000 people were added.  The reason they were added was because they accepted a message to turn their lives around.  They were willing to surrender their lives to Jesus by being baptized.  The baptism demonstrated their full submission and it made way for them to be added to Christ church. 

Baptism is important, but it one of many things that marks a Christian.  Another defining mark of a Christian is when one totally acknowledges that Jesus is Lord and is willing to surrendering their life to Jesus, by denying oneself of things that are not Christ-like and by living out the truths of Jesus’ message found in Matthew 5 where he calls all of us to be poor in spirit, mourn over sinfulness, demonstrate a meek lifestyle by submitting to God, hunger and thirst for right living, show mercy to everyone, keep our hearts pure, and be a peacemaker, not a rebel.

Becoming a Christian isn’t hard to do, but it is a hard decision to make; especially when so many of us are teaching different ways on how one actually becomes one.  The most essential way to ensure one becomes a Christian the right way is to study what the bible teaches.  Compare what everyone else is saying with the Scripture, not with what every denomination teaches to be right or wrong.  In the end, it is each of our responsibility to come to our own conclusion. 

The bible does teach that baptism is essential.  The bible also teaches that living a godly lifestyle is important, too.  Just because someone is baptized doesn’t mean they are going to live the lifestyle of a Christian.  One becomes a Christian because they desire to go to heaven, serve God, be a witness for Jesus, and live a spiritual lifestyle.  Being baptized does not make one any one more of a Christian; rather it is an outward act that demonstrates our commitment to living the values of Scripture and allowing the Spirit to lead us. 

What makes a committed Christians isn’t what our church doctrines say, but what Scripture says. It is also living for Jesus and following him only.  Not what is on our church marquees, but Jesus.  Jesus only.  Jesus alone.   If you want to know more about being a Christian and the awesome benefits of being one, I would love to chat with you about it.  Please call me at 836-2874 or email me at thegreatestcommandislove@gmail.com

Remember, Be God Controlled!

Brian