The Gospel Truth – Becoming a Christian?
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Rev. Michael Strong
The Gospel Truth
Becoming a Christian?
First, we need to understand what a Christian is:
A Christian is a follower of Jesus Christ. In Acts 11:26, followers of Jesus Christ were first called “Christians” in Antioch because their behavior, activity and speech were like Christ. So, if your behavior, activity and speech are of those in Antioch, you are a Christian.
Sometimes people use the word “Christian” to describe someone who goes to church. However, I can assure you that everyone who goes to church, gives in the offering, visits the sick, and does what is good to others are not all Christians.
Society thinks that people must behave a certain way to be called a Christian. The Bible explains that becoming a Christian is not about behavior, but about responding to Jesus’ offer of forgiveness. Your behavior does not change until you become a Christian.
The message from Jesus was simple: he urged people to “repent” – to turn around from the way they were living and go in a new direction. Repentance is a key step in becoming a Christian.
John says people who have believed in Jesus and follow him have been given “the right to become children of God.” In other words, Christians are like adopted children of God.
The life of a Christian will be much different from the life of an unbeliever. A Christian has a desire to live in a way that pleases God. The life of a Christian is one that has the mind of Christ.
In the book of Philippians 2:5, it reads, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Do you desire to live a life that pleases God? If so, you are on the right road to becoming a Christian.