What Is A Christian

Many call themselves Christians. Jehovah witnesses call themselves Christians. Mormons call themselves Christians. Catholic’s call themselves Christians. Amish and Mennonites call themselves Christians. Seventh Day Adventist call themselves Christians. Black Hebrew Israelites call themselves Christians. Christian Science call themselves Christians. Gnostic Christians call themselves Christians. You have Jews for Christ that call themselves Christians. You have various denominational sects Evangelical, Lutherans, Baptist, Pentecostal, Holiness, Methodist that call themselves Christians and the list goes on. 1 Cor. 1:13 Paul asks a very poignant question to all of us who call ourselves Christians, “Is Christ divided?” So, for all of us calling ourselves Christian, the true question is, “what is a Christian?” Let’s begin here, where believers in Christ were first called Christians by others, not themselves. Acts 11:1-27 1 And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying, 5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me: 6 Upon the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying unto me, Arise, Peter; slay and eat. 8 But I said, Not so, Lord: for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered into my mouth. 9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. 10 And this was done three times: and all were drawn up again into heaven. 11 And, behold, immediately there were three men already come unto the house where I was, sent from Caesarea unto me. 12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover, these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house: 13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter; 14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved. 15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. 16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. 17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? 18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life. 19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the What Is A Christian - 2 By Bruce Hadley Lord. 22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. The word Christian is only used once, uno, one time in the Holy Scriptures - Acts 11:26, and it simply means “followers of Christ.” Now, here’s the thing, it says, “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” The word disciple is μαθητής mathētēs; meaning pupil, learner, to learn of. They were called Christians because they were disciples of Jesus. Jesus Himself gives us a working definition of being His disciple in Matt. 11:25-29 (29): 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. The very definition of a Christian is defined right there “learn of me”. Jesus told us, “if you abide in me, and my words abide in you.” (John 15:7). Jesus taught and lived the example of what a relationship with God is to be, and He invited us to learn to do the same. Jesus tells the woman at the well, “you worship what you know-[εἴδω eidō; perceive or understand] not-[οὐ ou; not]”; or put another way, “you don’t know or understand who or what you are worshipping or even who God really is” (John 4:22). Jesus then goes on and teaches the woman about true worship of God, John 4:23: 23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. There is it people – what being a Christian is; it’s true worship of God in Spirit and Truth, taught and lived by Jesus. We have four Gospel - [Jesus], all four corners, completeness of the life and testimonies of Jesus, who’s life was an example, a teaching. He taught by word, power and example of what it is to live a life of worship to God, as He says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me…”. To be a Christians means to be a disciple of Jesus. A disciple is a learner of Jesus, a believer in Jesus testimonies, works and Deity. A learner of the teachings and life of our Lord Jesus Christ. What Is A Christian - 3 By Bruce Hadley It’s not a title to wear, a denomination to believe, a Church to belong to, a sect to be part of or a following of certain theological or traditional beliefs. In its simplest and purist form, a Christian is one who takes Jesus yoke upon them and learns of Him [period]. It’s almost comical to me how man is ready and willing to believe the testimony of man but not the testimony of God. Four Gospels’ testifying to the life and history of Jesus’s teachings, life, ministry and works. Not one book but four testimonies of the life, teachings and works of Jesus. The Holy Bible is but a collection of testimonies of the history of God towards man and man towards God; and yet, man is quick to refute God’s testimonies. However, man can write hisstory, teach it, and we readily rely upon and believe it as true. Not that his-story has no truth, but it’s from man, his-story, but Jesus testimony is not of man, John 5:32: “There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true. 33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth. 34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.” The Holy Scriptures are inspired by God and interpreted by God. What does that mean? It means that the Holy Scriptures are written to “believers,” not non-believers or questioners; and only by the working of Holy Spirit does one receive the ability to perceive and believe God’s Word. It is not to be figured out. Listen to Paul’s testimony regarding this. Phil. 3 1 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Watch out for those dogs, those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. 3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reasons for such confidence. If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church [Acts 8:3- 3 But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison.]; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think What Is A Christian - 4 By Bruce Hadley differently, that too God will make clear to you. 16 Only let us live up to what we have already attained. 17 Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do. 18 For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. Paul gives his testimony of trying to believe from his own and man’s understanding of the things of God until he met Jesus-Lord and Savior; and then, his worldly wisdom and understanding counted for nothing. This is a historical testimony of the power of the Holy Spirit giving Paul the ability to “believe” God’s Word and truth, not his own. Now, Phil 3:18-19 says, “For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.” God knows man, and the working of the enemy, is only about bringing dissension amongst the Church of Christ. Man, still being man, the devil being the devil, employs divide and conquer strategies, weaved lies into Christ Church, even unto those who believe. God foresaw this, knew there would be a division amongst believers that would lead to various apostasies because of the devil and man’s corrupt influence. First off, Jesus forewarned us of this, Matt. 7:15 15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. And, it is also spoken of in the Epistles and letters. Phil 1:15-16 “Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 2 Cor. 11:13 “For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.” There are many schisms (divisions) amongst those who call themselves Christians. These schisms are of the devils and man’s teachings not the Holy Spirit. These schisms are the work of the enemy so as to cause questions; looking to man’s influence on the Gospel, and weaken our dependence on the work of the Holy Spirit. Satan has always endeavored to stir up strife among Christians, it is one of his chief devices against the Gospel. Paul in his letter to the Corinthians, through the revelation of the Holy Spirit, addresses this. He asks them a very poignant question, 1 Cor. 1:13 “Is Christ divided?” Yet, many of us still will identify ourselves by; I’m Baptist, I’m Pentecostal, I’m Holiness, I’m Lutheran, I’m Foursquare, I’m AME, etc. Is Christ divided? All of these are but philosophies, ideologies and interpretations of man which cause division amongst believers, placing denominational dogma before the true Gospel. Let’s look at the context of the letter to the Corinthians. 1 Cor 1:4-18 4 I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge — 6 God thus confirming our testimony about Christ among you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day What Is A Christian - 5 By Bruce Hadley of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. Paul tells them they have received grace given them in Christ Jesus, and in Him they have been enriched in “every way” – with all kinds of speech and with knowledge, and they do not lack in any spiritual gift. He then appeals to them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that they be of the same mind and speak the same thing about the Gospel. Why? Because there is schism (division) among them as they follow man’s teachings of Christ. One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” Paul then ask them the poignant question, “Is Christ divided?” Paul, the Apostle mighty used of God to establish the Church of Christ, doesn’t address anything of the other Apostles, but makes plain to them, “Was Paul crucified for you?” Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Nor, were any of the other Apostles crucified for them or were they baptized in their name. Paul then goes on to say, he thanks God that he didn’t baptize any except the one’s he names – why? Because he did not want to give any occasion for the suspicion that he had intended to set himself up as a leader of any sect, party or denominational belief. Paul knew this would cause strife and the formation of separate parties of believers, as those who had been baptized by him or one of the other apostles, leading some to believe they had some sort of special superiority over those who were not baptized by one of the apostles. [You see where this is going?]. Paul wanted to nip this in the bud, if you will. He did not want anyone claiming to have a special position as a believer because they followed such and such, or attended such and such service, or belonged to such and such Church. Paul tells them, that he did not come to baptize but to preach the gospel - It is not to build up a sect or party. He makes clear that his preaching the gospel did not come with wisdom of words or eloquent speaking but with power of the Holy Spirit (vs. 18b “it is the power of God.”). Paul then makes clear that this power of the Holy Spirit is given to all who believe, not any special sect, Church or followers of man but to “all” whom God has called. vs. 24 “but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God”. What Is A Christian - 6 By Bruce Hadley In summation of what Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church is, “Christ and Christ only is our savior, our redeemer, and that is not based upon the philosophies or teachings of man. It is the working power of the gospel through the Holy Spirit that gives us understanding and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ on which we are to follow.” Two chapters later Paul drives this point home. 1 Cor. 3:1-11: 1 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly —mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? 5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. Paul tells them that he’s addressing them not as those who live by the Spirit but worldly Christians – still babies in Christ. Not because they were new converts. No, they were an established “Church,” he already told them that they lacked in no spiritual gift in chapter 1. He tells them they are not ready for the meatier things of God’s word and still has to feed them milk of the word because there not ready for anything other than milk. Why? Because he tells them they are still worldly. Why? Because they are still seeing teachings of man and not the Spirit. Vs. 4 “For when one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not mere human beings?” – translation for today, “my pastor, my church, his teaching, their teaching, our church philosophy, our church believes, etc. Paul ask them a rhetorical question Are you not still worldly? “5 What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe—as the Lord has assigned to each his task. 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.” 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. A Christian is one who follows Jesus [period], and it is only through the working power of the Holy Spirit we have been given faith, and we are to continue in that faith. Gal 3:26-28: 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. What Is A Christian - 7 By Bruce Hadley Eph. 1:17 17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: Gal. 1:8-24 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. 11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. 18 Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. 21 Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they praised God because of me. So in answering the question, what is a Christian? It’s the believing and living the Gospel as a disciple of Jesus Christ – In the power of God by the Holy Spirit transforming our lives conforming to the image of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is why Paul told the Galatians, “if you began in the spirit, continue in the spirit.” It is not man’s philosophies, ideologies, theologies, interpretation, etc., that make the Gospel, it’s the power of God the Holy Spirit that gives you the power to believe, understand and grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. Grow in the grace and the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Pet. 3:18). Being a Christian can be found in Col. 2:6-11: 6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: 7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. 8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. 9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: 11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: What Is A Christian - 8 By Bruce Hadley So a Christian is one who follows the life and teachings of Jesus, not denominational teachings, Church dogmas or theology of men, but in the relationship with God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. If we look at Revelation Chapter 3 where Jesus is speaking to the universal Church (ekklesiacalled out one)– Seven Churches. As we know, God’s number for completion is seven. The representation of the Seven Spirits of God and The Seven Stars, and the Angels of the Seven Churches, represents the completion of Jesus being the head, the ruler, control over His Church (ekklesia). The Lord Jesus is He that has the Holy Spirit with all His powers, graces, and operations. The same Lord Jesus has the key of government and authority in and over the Church (ekklesia-called out one). He established His Church (ekklesia); He gives the Words for ministers to preach; He opens the doors of Church, draws and grants salvation, and opens the hearts of those of His Church. This is what’s represented by the Seven Churches – Jesus being the foundation, the beginning and the end, the one and only true Shepard. The Lord of Lord and King of Kings, who reigns over His Church (ekklesia-called out one). Now, at the beginning of His discourse Rev. 3, Jesus admonitions the Church (ekklesia-called out one), Rev. 3:1, “I know thy works”. Meaning, He knows what men are, and what they have been, and what they will be, as He knows all their thoughts, words, and works. He knows all their dispositions, their persons, their natures, their qualities, their affections, ends and aims and motives. He knows the wheat from the tare, though they profess to be believers. He knows the doubters who attend Church but do not esteem Him. He knows this throughout the generations of the Church-age, which is to Him, the Church of believers then and now, He is talking to the Church of believers throughout – us today – Christian life! Now, notice Jesus does not address or call us Christians, He calls us “the Church” (ekklesia-called out ones). He tells us called out ones, for each of us, He tells us, “I have against thee_________. Jesus speaks to the members of the Church, admonitions each of their character and circumstances, their strengths and weaknesses, the sin that ensnares them and the weight that besets them. He counsels us to hold fast, and to repent of our sins and overcome them by His Spirit. Jesus is talking to us, “the Church,” individually and collectively as He speaks to the Seven Churches. For each local Church there is a distinct organic life of its own, and each member of each local Church have their own distinct life, but in many cases, one of the most noticeable faults of the modern Christian Church is that they want individuals to lose their individuality in the mass of the local Church. To sink an individual distinct life of “a” Christian out of individuality of their responsibility to their relationship to the Universal Church with Christ by absorbing him/her into the local church, leaving them confused of their responsibility to the Universal Church of Christ. This is why we find ourselves divided upon theological and denominational lines. No! Christ is not divided. Although, some calling themselves Christians are not of God but the false prophet, but those of us who are of God can be found in one of those seven Churches, and if you look you will discover where you stand. We are “believers in Christ”. “Disciples of Christ”. “Learners of Christ”. Let us hear Jesus, “to him that overcometh” - Take my yoke and learn of me! This is What Is A Christian - 9 By Bruce Hadley what being a Christian is! By and through the Holy Spirit the only Interpretator of Scripture. Amen! What Is A Christian - 10 By Bruce Hadley