Topical Encyclopedia Definition and IdentityBeing a Christian involves a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord and Savior, and living according to His teachings. The term "Christian" was first used in Antioch, as recorded in Acts 11:26 : "And when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught large numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch." Core Beliefs Central to being a Christian is the belief in the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. Christians believe in the divinity of Jesus Christ, His virgin birth, His atoning death on the cross, His resurrection, and His eventual return. As stated in John 3:16 , "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Salvation and Faith Salvation is a key aspect of Christian belief, emphasizing that it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that one is saved. Ephesians 2:8-9 articulates this: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Christians are called to repent of their sins and trust in Christ for forgiveness and eternal life. The Christian Life Living as a Christian involves a transformation of life and character, often referred to as sanctification. This process is guided by the Holy Spirit and involves growing in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23 . Christians are called to live out their faith through acts of love and service, as seen in James 2:17 : "So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Community and Worship Christians are encouraged to gather in community for worship, fellowship, and mutual edification. The early church set an example of communal life in Acts 2:42 : "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Worship is a central aspect of Christian life, involving prayer, singing, reading of Scripture, and the sacraments, particularly baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Mission and Evangelism The Great Commission, as recorded in Matthew 28:19-20 , underscores the mission of Christians to spread the Gospel: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Christians are called to be witnesses of Christ’s love and truth in the world. Ethical and Moral Living Christians are called to uphold a standard of ethical and moral living that reflects the teachings of Jesus. This includes loving God and neighbor, as summarized in Matthew 22:37-39 : "Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" Christians strive to live lives of integrity, honesty, and compassion, guided by the moral teachings of Scripture. Topical Bible Verses Ephesians 2:8-9For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Topicalbible.org Acts 2:38 Greek 4251. Priska -- Prisca, a Christian and the wife of Aquila ... former being the more correct and formal name, the latter a diminutive and more familiar; a Roman lady, probably of good birth, wife of the Jewish Christian ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4251.htm - 6k 1577. ekklesia -- an assembly, a (religious) congregation 4252. Priskilla -- Priscilla, the same person as Prisca. 2130. eumetadotos -- ready to impart 629. apolutrosis -- a release effected by payment of ransom Library For what Christian Men of Our Time Being Free from the Marriage ... Heretics not Being Christians, but Rather Perverters of Christ's ... A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God Argument: Then C??cilius Exclaims that He is Vanquished by ... It Remains for Us, Lest Ancient Times May Perhaps have had the ... Introduction The Communion of Saints. The Christian Man On Christian Doctrine, in Four Books The Upper Room: Being a Few Truths for the Times Resources In what ways is being a Christian difficult? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about being a good student? | GotQuestions.org Is being drunk in the Spirit a biblical experience? | GotQuestions.org Being: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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