“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter. 2:21.
Being a christian may seem quite trendy these days. From the book of Acts through the book of Revelation, the New Testament examples of those called Christians show people who were completely dedicated to living by the teachings of Jesus Christ. These were not people who gave lip service to some new, fad religion. They not only believed Jesus was the Messiah, but also made it their life’s mission to adhere to Christ’s commands and to accept and assist in spreading the true, authentic doctrine they had been taught by Him.
Being a “believer” was not just professing a word, but living a way of life. A Christian—a follower of Christ—is someone who follows every example, every instruction, every command given by Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, Christians do more than just profess their belief in Christ; they tailor all they do after Him, regardless of whether or not it’s acceptable in society or the easy choice. The Christians we read of in the Bible—like Paul, Peter, Stephen, Timothy, Barnabas, Dorcas, Priscilla, Aquila and countless others—lived and died, some even painfully, yet following Christ’s instructions and example.
Who then is a Christian? In other words a disciple? A disciple is The Greek word mathetes means “a learner, pupil, adherent,” “one who follows one’s teaching”. Jesus explained the conditions for being a disciple. He said, “Whoever does not bear his cross [isn’t willing to suffer for his faith] and come after Me cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:27). And one must be willing to forsake all worldly focused desires to be a disciple of Christ (verse 33). We also see in John 8:31 that Christ expects adherence to His teachings: “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” And Jesus didn’t stop with just our relationship with Him. He also expects His disciples to treat their fellow disciples according to the highest possible standard. He said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). In a nutshell, being a disciple is a higher level of surrender in Christianity.
FURTHER READING:
“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Jn. 13:15.
“He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.” 1 Jn. 2:6.
DECLARATION:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for another day. I anticipate the good things You have prepared for me today. Bring complete order to my day as I seek You first and make Your will my priority. I rejoice in the new day You have given me. I praise You for making it fruitful and productive. Thank You for teaching me ways to increase my effectiveness— to work smarter. I nullify diabolical decisions and rulings concerning my life, destiny and my family In Jesus’s name, amen.
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN:
Jer. 31:1-40.
Jer. 32:1-44.
Jer. 33:1-26.
Jer. 34:1-22.
QUOTE FOR THE DAY:
“Your Memory Replays Your Past, Your Imagination Pre-plays Your Future.”
The Fortress Int’l Church, 2 Floor 10 Coker Road, Opposite Chicken Republic Ilupeju Lagos, Nigeria.
http://www.thefortresschurch.com.
email: info@thefortresschurch.com.
