"I was a 'christian' for many years, but became a Christian when Jesus Christ was revealed to me" -Min Awe Hilary.
Christian is a word that was first mentioned in Antioch and is only mentioned in the book of Acts, in chapter 11:26. The word Christian, was used as a description to distinguish the disciples of Jesus Christ, because their ways examplified the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, while also carrying out their Father's assignment. At Antioch, there were several believers, and also people being taught the way of Christ, but the Holy Bible tells us that the disciples were first called Christians. This is a distinguishing remark which seperates discipleship from followership.
However, Jesus Christ was not born into the world to establish a religion, but to reveal to mankind the way of life that not only reconciles the world back to God, but also establishes a consistent relationship with the Father through Christ.
Over the years, Christianity has been watered down to a religion or a religious tool by many, hence its true essence has been mistaken, thus leading millions to ascribe the name Christian to themselves, with no proof to show for it.
Moreover, there are three types of Christianity being practiced in the world today and these include:
1. Christianity by birth:
There are many "christians" who have been indoctrinated into "christiandom" by virtue of their parents membership status or affiliation to a denomination. These set of "christians" grow into these denominations, thereby taking the shape and appearance of a denomination and not Christ. In their regular religious pattern, they adhere and subject themselves to man made laws and not Christ.
2. Christianity by benefit:
Quite a large number of "christians" are still hanging around the corridors of religion because of the benefit they derive by virtue of their positions in some religious organizations disguised as "churches", while others are hopeful that by lurking around these corridors they might find their heart desires, which is a primary concern to them, and not seeking Christ.
These set of " christians" are very unstable in nature and can switch to the devils side both consciously and unconciously when offered a better deal, because their consciousnes is not with Christ. They move from denomination to denomination not in pursuit to seek Christ, but with a false hope that one day they would hit their big win (miracle) which is of course their primary concern, and not Christ.
3. Christianity by Revelation:
The disciples of Jesus Christ gave their all in preaching the gospel of Christ, service to God and humanity, because Jesus Christ was real to them. They knew who He is and what He represented, which was their source of strenght. They were not presented with a false hope, because the revelation of Jesus Christ, and the glory to come through Him who walked amongst them while on the earth was explicitly made clear. In the book of Acts 7:55-56, when Stephen was about to be stoned, his eyes where opened and he saw the glory that awaited him.
Jesus Christ asked His disciples two fundamental questions when they came to the region of Caesarea Philippi. He asked, saying;
1. Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? (Mathew 16:13) NKJV.
2. But who do you say that I am? (Mathew 16:15) NKJV.
The answer that was provided by the disciples in the book of Mathew 16:14 when they answered the first question asked by Jesus Christ, was based majorly on general knowledge and not revelation, of what the world percieved as the personality of Jesus.
However, such knowledge can never guarantee us a genuine and sustainable relationship with Jesus Christ, which is the irony of many today.
The second question that was asked by Jesus Christ to the disciples, is what really matters and what God is interested in. God is not interested in how the world views Him, but who do you say He is, because walking with God is a personal relationship and not crowd based.
And Peter being the vocal one, answered the question saying:
"You are the Christ, the Son of the living God"
And Jesus Christ replied him saying:
"Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven."
However, an effective and consistent walk with Jesus Christ starts at the point of revelation, because having thesame revelation that Peter had about Jesus Christ, illuminates your understanding of Him, and a better understanding of Him, gives birth to a real and better Christian experience. When the personality of Jesus Christ is not revealed, your walk with God will be filled and based on assumptions, hence His undiluted knowledge which is made available to men through revelation becomes a subject of debate and contention.
Moreover, the book of Isaiah 55:6 admonishes us to seek the Lord while He may be found. The is a clarion call for all to seek the Lord, and to repent from following religion instead of Christ Jesus. However in conclusion, I would like to borrow the words of Job which says:
"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes" -Job 42:5-6 (NKJV)
God bless you.
#TheMessenger
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