Tag: Christian

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Bible Terms

Bible Term: Christian

christian

Christian means different things to different people. Because of this divergence in understanding, there is much confusion, and even animosity, about what it means to be a Christian. As such, some true Christians even try to avoid this confusing label.

In its original sense and usage, a Christian is one who follows Jesus and seeks to live according to his teachings and ways. Becoming a Christian is an easy step to take, but it also entails a lifetime of pursuit.

The purpose of Jesus’ coming to earth was to die in our place for the wrongs we have done. In essence, he paid our fine and did our time, so that we don’t have to.

If we accept this gift, or act, of Jesus, it makes us right with God the Father, who is perfect, thereby allowing us a new life now and to be with him for all eternity.

It’s easy to accept this gift (it’s free) and start on a journey with Jesus. Jesus simply said, “Come, follow me,” (Mark 1:17).

If you have taken that step, congratulations, your journey has begun, an exciting trip that will last the rest of your life.

Key verse about Christian: and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26, NIV).

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.

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Bible

Three Goals for All Christians

Paul tells the church in Thessalonica to do three things. I think we should all follow his instructions. Paul teaches them, and us, that:

  1. We should strive to lead a quiet life.
  2. We should mind our own business.
  3. We should work to meet our own needs.

Then Paul shares two reasons for doing these things, the two expected results. When we do as he instructed:

  1. We earn the respect of others.
  2. We won’t need to depend on other people for our needs.

This seems so straightforward, elegant in its simplicity. Yet, this is sometimes difficult to remember and hard to do. But through God, we can accomplish exactly what Paul said. And when we do, our actions may become our strongest witness.

[1 Thessalonians 4:11-12]

A lifelong student of the Bible, Peter DeHaan, PhD, wrote the 1,000-page website ABibleADay.com to encourage people to explore the Bible. His main blog and many books urge Christians to push past the status quo and reconsider how they practice their faith in every area of their lives.