Maybe you are wondering what it really means to be a Christian. Let me explain:
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived on earth as a man 2000 years ago. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit and power, and went about doing good and healing all who were under the tyranny of the devil. He died and rose again, and still lives today. Christians believe in Jesus and follow Him as their Lord.
When the first believers were called Christians, it was because they were like Jesus Christ. They behaved, spoke and lived like Jesus. People around them started calling them Christians. It literally means to be a follower of Jesus Christ, not just in thoughts, but also in behaviour and words, and in such a way that other people can recognize that you have spent time with Jesus.
Unfortunately, not all of those who have called themselves Christians during the last 2000 years have been very Christ-like. Many people have used the term ‘Christian’ to justify a lot of evil, from murder and genocide, to beatings of wives and children, to get power, position and money and to abuse others. This is tragic, and the very opposite of what Jesus did. He was a defender of the weak, and a friend of those considered outsiders in society.
When trying to figure out what it means to be a Christian – look at the life of Jesus. Read the first 4 books of the New Testament, the 4 testimonies of what Jesus was like; what He said, what He did, and how He lived. Here are some examples of what He did:
Jesus was a defender of the weak, and a friend of those considered outsiders in society.
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He shared meals with outsiders.
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He touched the untouchables.
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He treated women with respect and as equals.
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He honored the government by paying taxes and following the laws.
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He spoke against systems that took advantage of the weak and poor.
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He healed many who were sick and in pain.
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He thought about and did what was best for others, not what was best for Himself.
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He loved everyone, no matter how different from Him they were.
Other followers of Jesus can be a help and an encouragement in our Christian lives, but all of us need to ultimately look to Jesus and to God, for answers of how we are to live. Other people are not perfect and will fall sometimes, make mistakes and mess up. Following other people will mostly lead to disappointment. Jesus on the other hand is perfect. By following Him, we will never be disappointed. And if you are the one who fall and make a mistake, Jesus will not condemn you, but rather lift you up, restore you and help you to continue your journey with Him.
In WonByOne we will take you step by step through the foundation of the Word of God and show you how you can become a Christian, a follower of Jesus Christ.