Are you a Christian?

A surprising 70 out of 100 adults say that they are 'Christians'

but only 5 out of 100 go to Church,

so that begs the question:

"What is a Christian?"

Firstly, did you know that the word 'Christian' was a nickname!

It could have been a mocking name, to make fun of them.

The reason for the nickname was because these people based their whole lives on the teaching of Jesus Christ.

If we call ourselves a Christian, we are saying that CHRIST is the most important thing in my life.

Perhaps you can't say that.

Perhaps we replace the Christ bit with 'ME.'

'I am my own boss'

'I am the most important thing in my life!'

But a Christian is someone who: follows Jesus Christ.

Some followed Him for the rest of their lives.

It took DISCIPLINE to follow Jesus day after day.

Jesus' followers were called 'disciples'

because they were disciplined.

Jesus laid out the rule for being one of His followers:

"Then Jesus said to the disciples,

"If anyone wants to be a follower of Mine,

let him deny himself

and take up his cross and follow me.

For anyone who keeps his life for himself shall lose it;

and anyone who loses his life for me shall find it again.

What profit is there if you gain the whole world --

and lose eternal life?

What can be compared with the value of eternal life?"

(The Living Bible)

This speaks of the cost of being a follower, a disciple, of Jesus.

It doesn't mean that we must die to follow Him.

Jesus is talking about living our lives for Jesus and not selfishly for ourselves.

Are you willing to follow Him?

Is Jesus Christ the most important person in your life?

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