What is a Christian

Webster defines a Christian as, “one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ.”  Becoming a Christian is easy. Being a Christian is hard.  

Many people believe that simply going to church or believing in God makes them a Christian. It is not as simple as that, however. One must accept Christ as their personal Savior and follow the teachings of Jesus to be a true Christian. 

Followers of Jesus were first called “Christians” at Antioch because their speech and behavior were like that of Christ. “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.” (Acts 11:26 KJV) 

As Christians, we are to put our faith and trust in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. We are commanded to: forgive others, love our enemies, pray for our enemies, love one another, care for the poor, be slow to anger, quick to forgive, live peaceably among all people, and obey the laws of man that are not in conflict with the Word of God. Above all, Jesus said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” (Matthew 22:37 KJV) 

We as Christians struggle every day in our attempts to follow Jesus and to be like him. The purpose of the New Testament Church is for Christians to help and teach one another to be more like Christ in our day-to-day lives.