What does it mean when a person says, “I am a Christian”?

In today’s culture, it can mean a wide variety of things. First of all, many people simply mean “I am a good person.” They believe that if they try their best to follow the ten commandments, show kindness to others, and occasionally help the needy, they are Christians.

When others use the term “Christian”, they mean they are not Jewish, Islamic, or Hindu, therefore, by default, they are Christians.

And then there are those who are at church for every meeting and event, performing their duties faithfully, never missing a Sunday. These folks believe that God is keeping score and the one with the most consistent church attendance wins entrance into heaven.

                          

Did you know that in many other parts of the world people think that all Americans are Christians? It’s true. So basically, they understand the term to mean, Americans.

The word “Christian” comes from the Greek word, “Christianos”, meaning “follower of Christ” which comes from “Christos”, meaning “anointed one. The first recorded use of the term is in Acts in the New Testament where Paul (Saul) is teaching the disciples and they begin to be referred to as “Christians”. (Acts 11:26)

In reality, we only become Christians when we come to know Jesus Christ as our Savior and accept his free gift of salvation. It is then that we become Christ-followers, like the first disciples in the book of Acts ( they were literally Christ-followers, following in His footsteps all over the area!). But are we Christ followers in name only? What does it mean to really follow Christ in today’s culture?

Click here to read my next blog post and find out.

https://heartmatterssite.wordpress.com/2015/10/23/so-what-does-a-christ-follower-actually-look-like/