Grace, Hope & Peace, Friend;
What is a Christian?
As the number of believers continued to grow in Antioch, we learn, “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” (Acts 11:19-26)
“Christians” – the Orthodox Jewish Bible says, “Ma’aminim HaMeshichiyim (Messianic Believers)” – Those who believe that Jesus is the Messiah promised through prophecy.
A ‘disciple‘ is defined as “A person who is a pupil or an adherent of the doctrines of another; a follower.” And some translations say the disciples were called “Christ-followers.“
A Christian is not defined by what he/she SAYS they are but by what he/she DOES.
Jesus began His earthly ministry inviting the twelve to ‘Follow‘ Him.
He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
Matthew 4:19
From then on, He began to teach them what it means to be His ‘Follower‘ – to be a “Christian“.
Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me.
Matthew 16:24
Following Jesus is not just ‘lip-service‘; (Luke 9:57-62) it is a way of life.
Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; the one who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.”
John 8:12
That ‘Light‘ makes a follower of Jesus the ‘light of the world‘; (Matthew 5:14) which means people will SEE if we are His followers – if they don’t, are we truly following Him?
Yehoshua, Melech HaMoshiach – Jesus, the Messiah – Help me follow You in everything I say and do.
If You, Lord, were to keep account of guilty deeds, Lord, who could stand? But there is forgiveness with You, so that You may be revered.
Psalm 130:3-4
A follower of Jesus,
Words of Encouragement 