What is a Christian?

 

29:11 Ministries

“Equipping and Enabling God’s Own to Better Serve and Proclaim”

What does Christian mean?

Recent research has shown that nearly 80% of Americans believe themselves to be a “Christian”. This gives so many people a confidence that they are in a good standing with their Creator and have nothing to fear when facing eternity. To some these statistics may be comforting, to others alarming as we see growing crime, divorce, murder, violence, and theft rates in our country. If so many are right with God, why is there so little evidence of it? 2 Peter 1:10-11 tells us, “Wherefore the rather brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” God instructs us to give ourselves a “salvation check-up”; to make sure that we are all right with Him.

Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines Christian as: “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.” Being a Christian goes beyond an intellectual acknowledgment of the person of Jesus and His teachings. To be a Christian one must have salvation, and being saved is a spiritual act of faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus described this process in John 3:3-6, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. . . Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” Just as one is born to live physically, one must be born again to truly live spiritually.

A Christian is a follower of Christ and His teachings, putting into practice daily what He taught. What are the teachings of Christ? As you read the words of Jesus you will find four things a person must do to be a true Christian:

1. Repent of sin (Mark 1:15a)

What is sin? 1 John 3:4 tells us, “for sin is the transgression of the law.” What law? The law by which all of mankind will be judged, the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17). Scripture tells us that we all have sinned (Romans 3:23), and that the price for that sin is eternal death in Hell (Romans 6:23). One lie, stealing one paper clip, one time of disrespect to a parent, or one lustful or hate-filled thought sends us to Hell (James 2:10). To repent we must acknowledge that we have done wrong against God (Psalm 51), and ask for forgiveness, striving from that time on not to do it again, trusting in His power to cleanse us.

2. Believe in Jesus (Mark 1:15b)

Believe that He was God in the flesh (John 1:1 and 14), born of a virgin (Matthew 1:23), lived a sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21), died in your and my place (Romans 5:8), rose again on the third day (John 20), ascended back to Heaven (Acts 1:9), and is coming again to claim His own (Acts 1:11). We then must humble ourselves before Him, accepting Him as our Lord, and turning over control of our lives to Him.

3. Endure (Matthew 10:22)

We must remain faithful and obedient regardless of the persecution and opposition (Luke 12:42-46).

4. Obey (John 8:51)

God has given us many truths, principles, and commands to live our lives by. We must do it. A person must do each of these four things to be saved. How can we know that we have? Obedience brings fruit in our lives. What fruit? Again we look to the Scriptures. 

- Repentance (Luke 3:8)

- Humility (James 4:6)

- Brokenness and contrition (Psalm 51:17)

- Faithfulness in: (1 Corinthians 4:2)

1. Witnessing (Mark 16:15)

2. Giving ( 2 Corinthians 9:7)

3. Attendance (Hebrews 10:25)

4. Marriage and family (Genesis 2:24, Proverbs 22:6)

- A sincere desire for:

1. Prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17)

2. The Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 4:4)

3. The Fellowship of the believers (Psalm 133:1)

- A growth in the fruit of God (Galatians 5:22-23) (2 Peter 1:5-9)

1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Longsuffering

5. Gentleness

6. Goodness

7. Faith

8. Meekness

9. Temperance

10. Virtue

11. Knowledge

12. Patience

13. Godliness

14. Brotherly Kindness

15. Charity

As you examine your life compared to what the Bible says is the measure of a Christian, you may find yourself wanting. Please heed 2 Peter 1:10 and “make your calling and election sure . . .” Get on your knees, repent of your sins, ask God to forgive you, and give Him complete control of your life. Know for sure that you are a true Christian. Eternity hangs in the balance.

Articles: Learning and Practicing a Presentation Outline

Articles written by Dr Aaron Dawson

All Articles are written in PDF Format.

Download a free pdf reader here.

• What the Bible says about Salvation.pdf
• What is a Christian.pdf
• Revival Page.pdf
• Presenting the Gospel.pdf
• Learning and Practising a Presentation Outline.pdf
• Essentials of Personal Evangelism.pdf

Articles: What the Bible says about Salvation

Articles: Revival, Do we really want it?

Articles: Presenting the Gospel

  

Presenting the Gospel

It is imperative that as we prepare to present the Gospel to lost friends, family, acquaintances and co-workers, that we understand what we are presenting and the Scriptural means in which to present it. According to Scripture, there are three essential elements of salvation:

1. Repentance of sin.(Luke 13:3)

2. Belief in the person and sacrifice of Christ.(Mark 1:15)

3. Obedience to God and His commands.(1 John 5:3)

Therefore:

• • To adequately repent a person must understand what they are repenting from and why it is necessary to repent.

  • To believe in the person and sacrifice of Jesus Christ one must have a correct understanding of who Jesus is and what was accomplished by His sacrifice.

  • One must obey in continual and faithful reading and application of Scripture, prayer, attendance and involvement in a church, and genuine consistent service.

When we present the Gospel, whatever outline we may use, it must contain the following elements:

1. A personal realization of one’s true sinful state and the result of an unrepentant attitude.

2. A description of what Christ accomplished in His life, death and resurrection.

3. An individual’s responsibility to receive salvation.

4. An opportunity for the individual to pray and receive Christ.

No matter what outline or method you follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in using, it must be Scriptural. We cannot allow our preferences to interfere, for this is a spiritual work. We are simply preparing the way for Christ. It’s His work, and therefore we must do it His way. Pray, study, practice and prepare to get involved in the work of the Gospel. Here are a few more tips to help you in implementing what you have prepared to use.

• • Don’t skip or gloss over any element of the outline. Sin is an abomination. Christ’s salvation is complete. Surrender must be total.

  • Don’t attempt to force, persuade, or convince a person to receive Christ. Simply present them with the information and the choice.

  • Don’t pray for them, have them pray. If they aren’t sure what to say give them an illustration or an example. Have them pray it!

  • Don’t tell them they are saved, let the Holy Spirit do it. Let their assurance come from God.

  • If they don’t want to make a commitment at the time, thank them for talking to you and encourage them to think about what you have discussed.

  • If they do pray to receive Christ, convey the necessity for them to get involved in a Bible-preaching church. Make some suggestions of some in the area. Don’t get involved in “denomination bashing.”

authored by: Dr. Aaron Dawson