What's a Christian?

Why are we Christian? Why did we choose to follow Christ? Or what do we think makes us Christians??

If I ask any of you why you say you are a Christian, would you be able to readily and quickly give an answer? It is more evident to explain why we came to Christ, meaning why we turned to him. Many of you turned to Christ to solve your issues, problems or other ailments. It might have been sickness, emotional pains, existential concerns, and so many more. Someone told you that Jesus can fix your problem, and then you moved to meet this Christ, just like so many have been doing since He started his ministry.

Like these people, many came to meet Jesus, followed him for some time, but finally returned to their old ways. There is a distinct difference between those who genuinely follow christ - which means living as Christ requires us to live, and those who simply like to be in his presence or listen to his excellent talks but never do as he says. Which one are you? It is straightforward to know; just look at the way you live. If you still live the same way as you did before you came to Jesus, it means that your life has not changed, and you are not following (doing as he says) Jesus. Everyone who follows (do as he says) Jesus has their lives changed. Their beliefs, standards of living, behaviours, and faith all change turning them into new people.?

We can read in?John 6:68,?"Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life."

When others left Jesus and turned back, Jesus asked the twelve if they would also turn back (from following him). Peter's answer was straightforward: "we have nowhere else to go as you are the only one with the truth that will give us that eternal life! "

Peter and the others chose to follow christ because they had found in Him someone who had the truth of life and was leading them to live a way that would ensure their eternity.?What are you following Jesus for??Following Christ (by living the way Jesus taught) changed Peter and the other apostles and disciples. The Jews and Pharisees could see a difference in their lives, and others who followed their path were called "Christians." Do people see a change in your life, or do they see that you are still the same old you?

What are we to do as Christians? What does God expect of us as Christians? What is our duty to God??

Many of us do not know what we should do as Christians.?What drives your Christian life??What activities or actions should you be doing as a Christian? Did you know that following Jesus meant we have specific things to do as a follower of Christ? Something distinct that others don't do? It is something that we see in the lives of everyone who has been truly and genuinely changed by God.?Have you observed this?

Many believers are passive Christians and will only go to church and live as good believers. There is nothing wrong with this, but Jesus requires more of us. We do have some duties to fulfil once we become Christians. In any case, the fact that we are following Christ should make us perform these duties. We can read?Matthew 28:19-20?the following, known as?"the great commission":?"Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age."

We are to make disciples! Who are you sharing the good news with? How many people have you shared the gospel with and taught them to obey everything that Jesus has commanded??Can you answer with all honesty??Many are not doing any disciple simply because they are not even aware it is part of their duty. They think it is the church's role to do this, or the pastors' or ministers' roles.

Do we need to do works as Christians??We?can read in Ephesians 2:10 that Paul says,?"For we are his creation,?created in Christ Jesus for good works,?which God prepared beforehand, so that we may walk in them."

We are to do these good works to continue the works that Christ started. However, if we are not even aware of the work of Christ, how can we do our part?

But how can we know more if we don't read our Bible? Many believers don't read their bibles; they feed only on Sunday meetings or what they hear from the internet or other sources. No direct continuous, direct contact with God's word. The word of God contains the many teachings of God we are to encourage others to obey. The Bible also includes many encouragements, teachings and instructions for Christian living. Without daily reading and meditation on the scriptures, we are very much in danger of returning to our old ways.

To resume, as Christians, we have to do good works and produce the fruits of faith, which is to make disciples by sharing the gospel with many and teaching them the many things that Jesus has taught us. Showing them how we live our lives based on our faith in Christ.

How are we to live as Christians? What are our behaviours in our everyday lives? How should we respond to life??

Now let us talk about your behaviour. How do you think God expects you to behave in your daily lives? How are we to live our lives as we follow Christ? I explained that following christ meant living as he instructs us and doing what he says. But what are these actually? Where can we learn to live as believers??What does that mean to behave as a Christian?

Behaving like Christians has to do with how we respond to everyday life. How we respond to the many difficulties of life, how we react to tragedies, how we respond to temptations, how we respond to the culture or social pressure, how we respond to aggression because of our faith, and how we respond to God. We know the world is unsafe and has no ethics, morality or good standards. However, we live in that society and community. God expects us to be examples. How are you an example so far? Did you know that we are to be the light and salt of the world? What does that even mean?

Being the light means bringing the solution to problems. To be the salt does not mean to give a good taste but to preserve the light, the good news of Christ, in this world. Salt was used as a preservative in ancient civilisations, which is what the text refers to. We are to preserve and maintain the Good news that brings light to darkness! I think this is impossible if we are not even aware of what we are to do and how we should do it. Here again, the lack of scripture study and meditation is the main reason we lack knowledge. If we want to get a crash course on how to behave and please God, reading Psalm 119 daily is necessary. Verses 1 and 2 say,?"Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of Yahweh. Blessed are those who keep his testimonies; they seek him with a whole heart."?The psalm then continues to explain how to keep the commandments and ensure we do not sin or displease God. It is literally a daily walk manual.

Paul warns us about how we should live in Ephesians 5:15-17?"Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil."?We are to ensure that if we follow Christ, we live wisely and do not succumb to evil. Wisdom comes from the knowledge of God, and the knowledge of God comes from reading, studying and meditating on the scriptures.?

It is undeniable that life is complicated and that we will face many problems, tragedies, and great moments and also face temptations, influences, social pressure, professional pressure and many other things that can directly impact our living. What is essential for Christians is how we respond to these situations and what our characters and behaviours display. We will either glorify God or shame his name.?What does your response to life suggest?

What is the mark of the Christian? (How can people see and understand that we are Christians)?

When I speak about the mark of the Christian, I am referring to something unique only to Christians. Are you aware that we have distinctive signs that should accompany us, confirming that w are indeed followers of the Son of God? There is little explanation except to share the verses that speak of these characteristics.?

"And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name, they will expel demons, they will speak in new tongues, they will pick up snakes. And if they drink any deadly poison, it will never hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will get well."?Mark 16:17-18.

These signs will accompany those who believe. Do you believe it? It does not say that these signs will only be for some time or that they are reserved for a specific group of believers but for anyone who will believe. These particular signs point to the presence of the Kingdom of God. No evil spirit can remain in the presence of God, just like there will be no sickness in the Kingdom of God; hence the sick can also be healed. We should not understand by this that we become supernatural people but that by believing in Christ, our prayers are indeed heard and honoured by God. We are given some authority to cast our demons so people can be freed of demonic possessions and oppression.?Have these signs manifested in your life? Why not??Can it be possible that you don'tdon't believe that healing is possible or that chasing evil spirits is something Christians can do??Do you think these signs were for a time and are not in effect anymore??The Bible is clear that these are signs that will always be visible in the life of believers, those who really believe in the power and works of God.

Love is another sign that we are from Christ. Jesus says,?"By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples—if you have love for one another."?John 13:35.?When people see how much we love one another, they will then know and understand that we share the same Love that Jesus has shown us. This kind of Love has nothing to do with the way mankind loves. Those who have not been touched and changed by God cannot love this way. For this, Love is more than just emotions and feelings. It goes beyond human understanding, logic and reasoning. Paul explains the characteristics of this Love in?1 Cor 13:4-8, for we can read,?"Love is patient, Love is kind, Love is not jealous, it does not boast, it does not become conceited, it does not behave dishonourably, it is not selfish, it does not become angry, it does not keep a record of wrongs, it does not rejoice at unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth, bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Can we possibly, humanly love like this??The normal tainted human heart is unable to love like this. Only God can change us and make us become such lovers. We are limited in our feelings and emotions. We need a change of heart, a godly upgrade to love like Him. In fact, we need to be filled with his Love, so much that it is overflowing in our hearts and reaching others. That is also a true sign or mark of the Christian.?Can you love me like this? Why not??Then it is high time you turn to God and get your heart upgraded.?

I also encourage you to read the book of 1 John and discover more about how the Christian is very distinctively different from the rest of the unbelievers. And use these texts as mirrors to correct or readjust your lives.

There is also another sign that is given to believers. The scriptures teach that those who believe are to receive?spiritual gifts?that we are to use for the benefit of everyone. Paul talks about it in?1 Cor 12:7-11:?"But to each one is given the?manifestation of the Spirit?for what is beneficial to all.?For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another, a word of knowledge by the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to other gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another ?miraculous powers?, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing of spirits, to other kinds of tongues, to another interpretation of tongues. But in all these things, one and the same Spirit is at work, distributing to each one individually just as he wishes."

It is clear that as long as the church exists, these spiritual signs will also exist, for its the mark of the power and presence of God and his Spirit amongst us. Paul calls this the manifestation of the Spirit. These are what make us different from any other philosophy. We are backed by evidence and proof of the existence of God among us. As Paul mentions, each of us will receive a gift. We do not choose, but we are given or assigned this gift so we can be of service to the church.?Which gift have you received? How are you using and ensuring this gift benefits all others??Maybe you were unaware that you should have a spiritual gift, or you may not know that it's a gift, but you are already operating in it. Take time to pray and discern what is unique and new since you started to follow Christ. Identify your spiritual gift (not talent). Once you identify it, make sure it is known in the community and used for the benefit of all.

What is the goal of the Christian? (What is the reason he is living this life? What does he want to achieve at the end?)?

What will you answer if I ask why you are living this life? Think about it a little; why are you continuing to follow Christ? You must understand what our faith entitles us to. It is essential to know that we are not living in vain. Those who follow Christ have understood that there is a reward at the end of their lives! They are living for this reward! Do you know what this reward is? Paul mentions this in?Philippians 3:13-14?"Brothers, I do not consider myself to have laid hold of it. But I do one thing, forgetting the things behind and straining toward the things ahead; I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."?Paul is speaking of a prize.?What is this prize?

The author of the book of Hebrew also mentions this run for this prize in?Hebrew 12:1-2?"Therefore, since we also have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us, putting aside every weight and ?the sin that so easily ensnares us, let us run with patient endurance the race that has been set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus,"

Paul, writing to the Corinthians, mentions,?"Do you not know that those who run in the stadium all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win."

?Clearly, there is something to win, something to gain by living a Christian life.?What are we waiting for? What are we expecting to get out of it??

Matthew 25:23 gives us a hint?"His master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant!?You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge over many things.?Enter into the joy of your master!"

Did you catch this??Well done, good and faithful servant; after doing good work, you can rest with me from all troubles and toils! We are in wait to finally be in the presence of God. We are waiting to finally be free from this wretched and fallen world and enter the new world God has in store for those in Christ. This is what we are all waiting for. This tremendous promise is fully displayed in the book of revelation, which shows us what will happen when everything has been accomplished.

"And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea did not exist any longer. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Behold, the dwelling of God is with humanity, and he will take up residence with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them. And he will wipe away every tear from their eyes; death will no longer exist, mourning or wailing, or pain will no longer exist. The former things have passed away."?Revelation 21:1–4

What are the foundations of the Christians? What do we build our lives on, and what makes us have balance and move forward??

At the centre of our Christian faith is our firm foundation. Are you aware of what they are? I call these the building block or the foundation of our Christian walk ( following Jesus). This foundation is what makes everything we have seen so far possible.?Can you tell me??This fundamental foundation is unique to Christianity. It is what makes us different from everyone else. It is what gives us hope, purpose and willingness to continue to stand firm. It's the assurance of the confirmed Christian believer. It is also what we call the Good news! Everything else is built on this foundation. It is impossible to live a Christian life without understanding this foundation. It's impossible to live as Christ expects if we cannot believe and agree. The Christian life does not make any sense without it.?

Paul gives a vigorous defence of this foundation in?1 Corinthians chapter 5. He says:?

"Now I make known to you, brothers,?the gospel which I proclaimed to you, which you have also received,?in which you also stand,?by which you are also being saved?if you hold fast?to the message I proclaimed to you unless you believed to no purpose. For I passed on to you what I also received, that?Christ died for our sins?according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that?he was raised up?on the third day according to?the scriptures,"

Two foundations:?

1. Christ died for our sins. Hence, we are sinners and need his saving grace.?
2. Christ did not stay dead but was resurrected and was alive again, coming victorious over sin and death.?

You need to understand that the?wage of sin is death. So being sinners,?we will all die and be separated from God. You also need to realise that without sin, there is no death. And if there is no death, then there is eternal life. God's plan is for us to be with Him all the time. But to do that, HE needed to get rid of sin in our lives so death could not reign. Christ was the one who paid for all these sins. As unbelievable as it may seem, it is the truth and what happened.

Now because we believe that Christ died for our sins and accept his forgiveness through our repentance, we are?declared clean and righteous before God, bearing no sin and hence no sting of death. Without sin to accuse us,?we can also have victory over death. What does that mean? It means that we cannot stay dead! It means that even?though we may die, we will one day resurrect?and come back to life to be eternal with God.

So we are left with determining and understanding the Christians' beliefs? What do we believe in? What are the other columns of our faith?

Paul summarises this in?Romans 10:9-11?"if you confess with your mouth "Jesus is Lord" and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth, one confesses, resulting in salvation. The scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame."

However, when we believe in Jesus, we also believe he is the Son of God. We also believe that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God and is alive and active in Christians' lives. We believe that they are all three equal but, at the same time, unique individuals. We cannot fully explain this, but this is what the scriptures teach us or point to. We believe that Jesus Christ will soon return as per the various prophecies and that there will be a final judgement, some will inherit eternal life in the new world for their trust and belief in God, but others will be sent to the lake of fire for eternal punishment for rejecting and mocking God. This is clearly explained in the book of revelation, chapter 21 :

"And he said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty one, I will freely give water from the spring of the water of life. The one who conquers will inherit these things; I will be his God, and he will be my son. But as for the cowards and unbelievers and detestable persons and murderers and sexually immoral people and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their share is in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death."?Rev 21:6–8

I have collected some scriptures and suggested some questions so you can do a reality check on your Christian walk. There is no?"free choice of walk".?God is ordered, structured and planned. He wants us to live in a certain that that brings glory, honour and reverence to him. We cannot just live the Christian life we want. Many are?trying to redefine Christianity?to match their selfish needs and wants. We cannot do this. The?Christian faith cannot be compromised. You either live as the world guides or as God guides; you cannot choose to live both. This will not work. Still, you are free to choose!?

What do you choose?