Christian? What’s That?!?!

My Belief

While sharing my hope in Jesus Christ on the flight deck, I have come across and interesting dilemma. Many people claim to be Christian, but have no idea what it means. Recently I had a First Officer tell me, “ I am a Christian but I don’t believe that Jesus was God or The Bible is accurate”. I have also heard this same thought from Catholics and Southern Baptists who claim to be Catholic or Southern Baptist, but don’t necessarily think they believe Jesus or the Bible are accurate. How did people get here? How has “Christian” become a term for nothing more than a group of “churchy” people as oppose to what it REALLY MEANS. 1. Christian means you believe in Jesus Christ. 2 Believing in Jesus Christ means that you believe Him to be God, and that he died for your sins to bridge the gap between you and Almighty God.  If you are a Christian please know what it means and don’t thing that it just means you are part of the local church club.

Scripture

Acts 11:26 (NIV) - 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

John 1:12 (NIV)

12 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

1 John 2:4 (NIV)

4 The man who says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

Application for Life

If you claim to be Christian, then know what it means. If you look at these definitions and decide that you are NOT Christian – That is fine! I then urge you to do the research. If you have found that you are just part of a group or church but are not a believer in who Jesus said He was, then explore it. At least give yourself the opportunity to decide if you believe it or not. Look at all the information and decide if you want to be a follower of Jesus, also known as a CHRISTIAN.