Rev. Dr. A. A. Obe (JP)
October 13, 2024
WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
Text: Luke 15:11-32; Acts 11:26
Luke 15:11-32 – 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons:
12 And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living.
13 And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living.
14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want.
15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine.
16 And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
17 And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father’s have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger!
18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
20 And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
21 And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son.
22 But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
23 And bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry:
24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25 Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard musick and dancing.
26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.
27 And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the fatted calf, because he hath received him safe and sound.
28 And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and intreated him.
29 And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends:
30 But as soon as this thy son was come, which hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the fatted calf.
31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.
Acts 11:26 – 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Definitions of Christian:
1. A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ, who has accepted Him as Lord and Saviour, and seeks to live according to His teachings and example.
2. A Christian is a person who has experienced spiritual rebirth through faith in Jesus Christ, and demonstrates characteristics of Christ-likeness in their thoughts, words and actions.
Introduction:
Today, many claim to be Christians, but do they truly understand what it means to bear the name of Christ? Let us explore the Biblical definition of a Christian and the transformative power of faith in Jesus Christ.
Stages of becoming a Christian
1. Conviction of Sin: Recognizing one’s separation from God (Romans 3:23) – “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
2. Repentance: Turning away from sin and towards God (Acts 20:21) – “Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. Faith: Trusting in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior (Ephesians 2:8-9) – “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
4. Confession: Publicly declaring faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:9-10) – “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
5. Baptism: Symbolizing spiritual rebirth (Matthew 28:19) – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
The qualities of a Christian
1. Love: Demonstrating selfless love towards others (John 13:35) – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
2. Humility: Embracing humility and lowliness (Philippians 2:3-4) – “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
3. Forgiveness: Extending forgiveness to others (Matthew 6:14-15) – “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
4. Compassion: Showing mercy and kindness to those in need (Matthew 25:31-46) – “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
5. Holiness: Pursuing a life of moral purity (1 Peter 1:15-16) – “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.”
6. Obedience: Submitting to God’s will and commandments (John 14:15) – “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”
7. Evangelism: Sharing the Gospel with others (Matthew 28:19-20) – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Conclusion:
The story of the Prodigal Son reminds us that we were once lost, but through faith and repentance, we can return to our Heavenly Father. In Antioch, the disciples were first called Christians, signifying their identity as followers of Christ.
As Christians, we must embody these seven qualities, demonstrating love, humility, forgiveness, compassion, holiness, obedience, and evangelism.
Prayer points:
1. Lord, reveal Yourself to me, and convict me of my sin, leading me to repentance.
2. Father, help me to love others as You have loved me.
3. Holy Spirit, empower me to live a life of humility and forgiveness.
4. God, use me as a vessel of compassion and mercy to those around me.
5. Lord, strengthen my faith and obedience, that I may be a shining example of Your glory.
Rev. Dr. A.A Obe