The Christian Life
"...And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26
What does it mean to be a Christian? What does it mean to be a true follower of CHRIST?
The LORD JESUS is stilling calling out for believers to follow HIM. As you seek the LORD in your life, allow your heart to be yielded to HIS leading.
All begins with faith in CHRIST as your personal Saviour- If you have never placed your faith in CHRIST as your personal LORD and Saviour, will you do so right now? Salvation is where the Christian life begins. A brand new life in CHRIST. It is not based on our works, but on the work the CHRIST did in your place on the cross of Calvary. HE died for our penalty, took our payment of sin, and glorious rose again on the third day. Do you remember the place where the LORD convicted you of your need to be saved? Do you remember where you were when you saw that without CHRIST you were heading for a place of separation in the lake of fire? Do you remember where you were when you realized CHRIST died for your sins to save you? Do you remember where you were when after being convicted of sin and fearful of dying without forgiveness you called upon the LORD to save you? If you cannot remember where you were then why not make that moment happen right now. Please, go to this link on eternity and get your salvation settled before you go any farther in your life.
https://www.pbcflagstaff.com/eternity-where-will-i-go/
I'm saved! Now, what is next in being a follower of CHRIST?
Public profession of our faith and following in Believer's Baptism- Act 2:41 "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized..." Rom 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom 10:11 "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Our LORD shows us that after our salvation we should immediately follow HIM in Believer's Baptism. It is called Believer's Baptism because baptism is to only be done by those that have been saved. Baptism is not something we do in order to be saved, but because we are saved. Baptism has no special power, but it is a special public proclamation, of our faith. It is the outward expression of our inward decision. Every where Baptism is shown in the Bible was done in a body of water the enabled the believer to go into it. Why? Baptism gives a picture of the Gospel that we have believed in. When one gets baptized they are saying, "I identify with CHRIST'S death," as the water crosses their midsection it shows the cross where CHRIST died. They are saying, "I identify with CHRIST'S burial," as they go under the water they are picturing when CHRIST was buried. They are saying, "I identify with CHRIST'S resurrection," as they come out of the water they are picturing when CHRIST rose from the dead. The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of CHRIST. This is vital for every believer to do. Not after they have proved theirsleves or completed a set of classes. It is to be done immediately. It is a church ordinance, given to the church to conduct. Baptism is to be done one time the Biblical way, after your salvation. If you haven't been Scripturally (the way done in the Bible) baptized, please contact us or your church and get it done right away. You can come to our service and let us know or email us and put "need to be baptized," and we will reach right out to you and help you Act 8:12; Act 8:13; Act 8:38; Act 9:18 ; Act 16:15 ; Rom 6:3 ;Rom 6:4 ;
I have been saved and have followed the LORD in Scriptural Believer's Baptism. Now what?
The word Christian is misunderstood and misused in today's world of Christianity. What does it mean can be answered by looking at its origin.
In Act 11:26 we see the first mention of the disciples of CHRIST being called Christian. The word simply means "little Christs." The world was seeing such a change of life, such power of the Gospel, such devoted followers they began to name these followers "Christians" or "little Christs." Here is what makes us "Christians."
They were a people of the Book- The Word of GOD was evident in their life. They met to study it, discuss it, and to proclaim it by their life and their voice. They spent time in it through the week in public and in private.
They were a people that attended church weekly- This is probably one of the main things that showed the world that they were committed Christians. In Christianity today, we have come to a place where people think that church attendance is not that important, but according to GOD’S Word, meeting together for public worship and growth was the strongest mark to the world that called them “Christians.” When life begins to be around what is happening at the church house, people pay attention. If one is not constantly attending the meeting place of the church, then they are not living a Christian life.
They were a people of love- The love of GOD is so amazing! It impacts our lives! We have never known love like HIS. The world teaches a different kind of love, but CHRIST has a love that supernatural. The world will know you are a Christian by how love one another, Jhn 13:35. The love of GOD is one of forgiveness, mercy, patience, and grace. The Christians cared for others. They took care of each other when problems arose. A selfish life is wrapped up in a small package. We are to live selfless for CHRIST'S sake who gave HIMSELF for us.
They were a people that the power of the Gospel had changed their life- Being saved is not just trying on something. It is a brand new you. CHRIST did not come to make better you, but to replace you through the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Our lives are to be different. Our home is to be different! The family members in our home, the friends in our lives, the people on your street, and the co-workers you work with ought to see that you have met CHRIST. We ought to be known as people that pray, witness, and live good wholesome godly lives. We ought to be ready to pray with others, encourage people, and live honest lives. JESUS in Jhn 3:3 says the phrase, “born again.” It is a spiritual birth. There are people who attend church or talk a talk of being a Christian, but there is no power of a changed life. The Scripture, 2Ti 3:5,calls this a “form of godliness.”
They were a people that shared the Gospel to others- The Christians shared their faith. They did it with boldness, Act 4:33. We have a story to tell. We have a message to share. A message of hope! Outside the Bible, the greatest Gospel witness to a lost person is your witness. Your personal testimony will change lives. The Christians were not afraid to share what the LORD had done in saving them and what HE was doing in their day to day life.
They were a people of continued growth- The Christian life is a walk. This means it does not stop but goes forward. We are to be growing in grace and truth. There is no stopping point of our growth. No matter where we are in our walk, we are to be going on, growing more like CHRIST. The church is not full of perfect people, but full of sinners saved by grace. We all are growing in grace and truth.
May the LORD bring us to HIMSELF, and we act as Christian’s ought to act.
