I am a Christian! – Am I a Christian?
Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Text: “So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul; and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church, and taught a large company of people; and in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.” Acts of Ap. 11:25-26. This is the issue now for us: “in Antioch the disciples were for the first time called Christians.”
Many like to call themselves Christians and most probably they have justified reasons to do so. There are three questions we should ask: What does it mean to be a Christian? Who is a Christian? And who determines that one is a Christian?
According to the general view, a Christian is he/she who believes in God, accepts Christ’s salvation and follows Him, lives according to the teachings of the Bible, and displays high moral standards. Here are some main points of the Bible that challenge us to live a Christian life:
– in The Old Testament: the Ten Commandments, see Exodus 20:1-17,
– in the Gospel: Jesus’ sermon on the Mountain, Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7,
– in Luke: the story of the Good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37,
– in Apostle Paul’s letters: the famous love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, and
– what Apostle James is asking from the brethren: James 2:8-25.
There are several passages in the Bible that refer to our spiritual and practical life, among them please see John 3:1-15, Romans 12:18-21, Philippians 4:8, and 2 Peter 1:5-8.
SOME PROBLEMS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE WORLD, IN THE CHURCH, AND AMONG CHRISTIANS.
No doubt the general direction in our country, or even in the world, is becoming more “modern” or to use a similar expression, more “liberal.” We should be careful because not all of us will think of the same concepts when “modern” or “liberal” are mentioned. One of the characteristics of the liberal view is that we are becoming more permissive and less restrictive. As the moral standards in the world are lowered should the expectations of being a Christian also be less demanding?
There is an assumption that I (as a Christian) can “help,” or in other words criticize others. In reality, I do not wish to harm or insult anyone; rather I hope to call the attention of others to their mistakes so that they can correct them.
Are there various grades in being a Christian? Can we say he/she is a Christian; on a higher level, is he/she a “good” Christian; and on the top level, is he/she one of the “best” Christians? If there are such qualifications, what are the criteria of each grade and would we agree on the differences among the grades?
Is it always the case that a “better” or more experienced Christian wishes to improve the level of Christianity of a beginner or someone who is back-sliding? How much better should a Christian believer be so he/she is in the position to assume the role of a patron or be a guide over a weaker one?
I am sure we all will agree that there is no “PERFECT” Christian. One can be a good Christian because he/she prays and reads the Bible a lot, the other one is generous with his/her financial resources, the next one is a good and active church member, the next one is deeply involved in charitable activities, and also we can find those who wish to become leaders so they can help the whole community. There are missionaries, theological professors, bishops, pastors, elders, and faithfuls. Are the members of one grouping better Christians than others? Please see 1 Corinth. 12:4-11.
Today often it is not the elected clergy who tell which church members are Christians or good Christians but instead it is a group in the congregation who evaluates the pastor and according to their findings, the pastor is found to be acceptable or not. We have to admit some (not too many) professional clergy’s service and behavior are not up to par. However, in our prevailing situation who wants to be a pastor? Some lay persons assume that ministry involves just one hour a week in the pulpit, so why not “try” it for an occupation? Ministry also includes an exemplary professional, private, and family life. Apostle Paul sets the benchmark high: “Brethren, I beseech you, become as I am . . .” Galatians 4:12/a. To learn what Apostle Paul had to go through to be as a Christian, please read 2 Corinthians 11:21/b-33.
We wish to become better Christians as much as it is possible, not to earn a good reputation, not to please others, not to secure a comfortable (blessed?) life, but to be found by God a faithful servant. Please read Matthew 25:20-23.