A Christian is one who is born again. One who has made Jesus Christ the Lord of his life.
A Christian is not one who goes to church or one who attends Christian functions. Christian also is not one who is born of a Christian parent.
The word Christian connotes a follower of Christ; a follower of the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus Christ. The book of the Acts of the Apostle 1:1, “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,”clearing show that Jesus has a message which he practiced and also taught.
When Paul voiced out this teaching of Jesus before King Agrippa, the kings gave credit to the doctrine of Jesus as spoken by Paul.
King Agrippa, believest thou the prophets? I know that thou believest. 28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian. 29 And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
Acts 26:27-29 (KJV)
What king Agrippa meant is, “you have almost persuaded me to be a follower of the teachings of Jesus.” what was Paul’s reply? “I wish that not only you but all that heard me today, were both almost and altogether followers of Jesus teaching as I am except for these chains.”
Peter also threw more light to the meaning of Christianity in 1st Peter 4:16-17:
Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. 17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
Peter stated clearly that, If any man suffers as a follower of Christ, let him not be ashamed of his suffering; but let him glorify God on this. He went further to say, “what shall be the end of those that didn’t obey the teachings of God through Jesus Christ.”
What is the teaching of Jesus Christ?
Jesus came to teach man how he can be saved. The salvation of man was not only the primary message of Jesus Christ. It was also the purpose of his coming to earth.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21 (KJV)
From the account of Genesis 1:26-27: God created man in His own image and likeness. The whole of God’s personality was poured into man at creation. Whoever saw Adam at creation before the fall had seen God. This is the reason Jesus said in John14:9, “Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?”
But when man fell, the nature of God given to him at creation which is captured in the glory of God was lost. It is this nature of God that Jesus came to restore to man.
How one can be saved
Salvation is only accessible through Jesus Christ whom God the Father sent to save man. There is no other mean through which man can be saved. Jesus Christ is the only way through which man can be reconnected (reconciled) to God his Father.
…let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by this namethis man stands here before you in good health. 11 "He is the STONE WHICH WAS REJECTED by you, THE BUILDERS, but WHICH BECAME THE CHIEF CORNERstone. 12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved."
Acts 4:10-12 (NASB)
Man can only be saved or born again by making Jesus the Lord of his life.
Steps to becoming a Christian
1. Believe that Jesus Christ is the son of the living God – John 3:16-18.
2. Believe Jesus Christ can save you from sin – Matthew 1:21.
3. Believe Jesus Christ died in your place – Romans 5:6-8.
4. Believe that Jesus Christ is raised from the dead – Romans 10:9.
5. Confess Jesus Christ as your Lord and savior – Roman 10:9-10.
6. Share the new life you have in Jesus Christ with others – 2ndCorinthians 5:18-20.
Prayer of salvation
We believe you have been blessed by this message. We invite you to make Jesus Christ the Lord of your life by saying this prayer audibly:
Oh Lord God, I believe with my entire hearth in your son Jesus Christ. I believe He died for me and You raised Him from the dead. I believe He is alive today. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from today. Through Him and in His name I have eternal life.
I am born again. Thank you Lord. I am now a child of God. Praise God!
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