SyndicationWhat does it mean to be a Chirstian?
Ma (Marlyn), I thought I should give a little insight to your thought-provoking question. I know this has been on your heart after one of our youth discussion nights. However, in my attempt to give a more elaborate explanation pardon me to use a few theological terminologies, and if anyone needs a definition can refer to WIKIPEDIA. I also want to apologize to our European audience for our “American way” of spelling or writing. One more thing! This blog is necessarily long to provide a somewhat in depth explanation to this wonderful question. Pardon me for that too.
A Christian is a person who adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in the New Testament and prophesied in the Hebrew Bible/Old Testament as the Messiah or Savior of the entire universe.
The first known usage of the term can be found in the New Testament in Acts 11:26: "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." The term was thus first used to denote those known or perceived to be disciples of Jesus. Similarly, in the two other New Testament uses of the word (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16), it refers to the public identity of those who follow Jesus. Please read the text for more explanation.
The definition "What does it mean to be a Christian" varies among different Christian groups. Some churches believe to be a Christian an individual must join a church and participate in specific sacraments. Other churches believe all that is necessary is a belief and acceptance in Jesus Christ and others believe a Christian is simply one who tries to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.
But what WE as members of ZOE PENTECOSTAL MISSION INTERNATIONAL believe was once summarize by Pastor NAK (Associate Pastor, Seattle-Assembly) as-ABC: ACCEPT, BELIEVE, and CONFESS the Lord Jesus as your Lord and personal savior, then you plant yourself in a BIBLE-BELIEVING Church, where you will be taught the word of God, which is necessary for your growth and victory in Christ Jesus. The book of 1 Peter 2:2 KJV says, “As new born Babes, desire the sincere milk of the word that ye may grow thereby.” Therefore, we reject the LUKEWARM mentality of “trying” to follow the teachings of Christ. We preach total surrender to Christ but know that we are not perfected yet. However, we are not ignorant of the GRACE. To my local youth members, please, don’t try, just be IT, “A CHRISTIAN”
Think about it brethren,if you were told about an easy Christianity,be careful,it is following the Holy Spirit that makes it easy and nothing else.If you said a prayer and you are living for yourself,i am afraid for you,because you are not a Christian,if you do not repent today ,you might be disappointed on the last day.God help us