WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

Text:  Luke 15:11-32; Acts 11:26

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