Christian Part One: December 14, 2009

TODAYS WORD FOR MONDAY DECEMBER 14.

CHRISTIAN
PART ONE

During the month of December we are writing these daily devotionals on subjects and words that will prepare us for the “CELEBRATION OF THE BIRTH OF JESUS,” on Christmas day. This week our word is CHRISTIAN. For the next five days we will discuss why Christmas has a total different meaning for the Christian than for the non-Christian.

Defined by Webster:
One who professes the religious principles of Jesus.

GODS WORD

“And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Acts 11:26

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
Acts 26:28.

“If anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.” I Peter 4:16

WORDS BY KEN AND DOTTIE

The word “CHRISTIAN” is found only three times in the Bible. We have listed all three scripture references above under GODS WORD. The name “CHRISTIAN’ began to spread as the gospel was preached away from Antioch to the whole world.

Our word for today is in the form of a question: WHAT AND WHO IS A CHRISTIAN AND WHAT DOES CHRISTMAS REALLY MEAN TO A CHRISTIAN?

A Christian is a believer in Christ and one who really believes that Jesus is who He says He is --- THE ONLY BEGOTTON SON OF GOD. A Christian must believe that Jesus died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins and that He rose again from the dead and is alive today in heaven preparing for all those who believe in Him a place to live for eternity.

We have often said in these devotionals that being a Christian is not living by a ritual or a series of “do’s and don’ts.” Being a Christian is when one believes and receives Jesus as their Savior and then begins a relationship with Jesus. A Christian has accepted God’s gift of salvation through Jesus. By accepting this gift God thus cancels ones wages for sin which is death.

We are warned by Jesus that not everyone who calls himself Christian is a true Christian. Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 that “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of God, but only he that does the will of My father in heaven.”

Many people go to church regularly and know all the right words to talk a good talk about God. But what Jesus is saying is that it is not about our talk but about our walk that sets us apart from those who just say they are Christians. This is what some may call a “fake Christian.”

It is easier to say the right things then it is to walk the right walk. Christians are to be “doers of the Word and not hearers only.” James 1:22.

Becoming a Christian is a miraculous transformation. We cannot do it for ourselves. The following references describe the miracle changes that occur when one is a true Christian believer.

A Christian has been born into the family of God by a spiritual birth. We were born once into this world as a baby. But God requires us to be born-again. John 3: 1-8.

A Christian is a new creation in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:17

A Christian is made the righteousness of God in Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:21.

A Christian is declared just because of his or her faith in God. Romans 5:1

A Christian has accepted God’s gift of eternal life in Jesus Christ, and God has cancelled the penalty of his or her sin, which is death. Romans 6:23

A Christian is an adopted son of God, an ambassador for Christ and a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth, because heaven is his or her home.

Only those who have experienced the miracle of being a Christian can fully understand the miracle of Christmas. For the Christian, Christmas day is a day of great joy because it is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, the one who was born and then died on the cross for our sins. Today He is in heaven preparing a place for us to spend eternity with Him. It all began in a manger that first Christmas morning. We urge you to remember that: JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON.

OUR MEMORY VERSE FOR THIS WEEK IS:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

TODAYS FAMILY PRAYER

Help me to understand the miracle that has taken place in my life that has brought me into a relationship with Jesus so that I fully understand what it means to be a Christian. Thank You that through my relationship with Jesus I have been made righteous and just in God’s sight and have become one of Your children. Help me to do the will of God so that I am doing more than just “talking the talk.” Help my walk to reflect that I am an ambassador for Christ.