What is a Christian? An example to follow!

I am a Christian was the title of a recent sermon I heard that got my attention. What exactly is a Christian? A Christian is a person who believes with their heart that Jesus Christ died on the cross for their sins. It is a person who confesses their sin to God in prayer and asks for His forgiveness (Romans 10:9-10). It is a person who desires to live a life pleasing to God. It is a person who denies himself to become a follower of Christ (Luke 9:23). What does it mean to become a follower of Christ? It is a choice to commit yourself to God moment by moment, making your relationship with Him important, putting Him first. It’s about making choices that will please our Lord, striving to become more and more like Him. The bible says, “This is how we know we are in Him: whoever claims to be in Him must walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6). Let’s look at Jesus, who He is and what He has done. The bible tells us that God the Father sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for us, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have ever lasting life (John 3:16). He came to serve, and to become a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). It doesn’t take long after watching or reading the news to see that we live in a world that is far from perfect. It is a world full of sin and evil. Jesus came and laid down His life for us, He was nailed to the cross to take our sin for us. Those who call to Him for forgiveness will be saved from the consequence of their sin, eternal separation from Him (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 6:23). Jesus Christ carried the burden of all our sins out of His love for us. He was beaten, spit upon, mocked, and whipped to the point of near death. He had a crown of thorns placed upon His head, stripped of His clothes, and then nailed to a cross (Mark 15:16-32; Matthew 27:26-31). He did this for you and for me. He endured the suffering for us and took our place. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). While Jesus was on earth, He humbly served others, putting them before himself. He was a teacher of God’s Word and told others how to receive eternal life through Him (John 3:1-21; John 4:1-26). He would withdraw to desolate places often to seek His Father in heaven (Luke 5:16). He was a man of prayer! The bible tells us that Jesus was raised from the dead after three days and now sits on the right hand of God the Father where He intercedes for us. Jesus Christ is still praying, praying for you and for me (Romans 8:34). Do you say, “I am a Christian?” Are there some things we as Christians need to change? Look again at our example in Jesus Christ. He was forgiving…are we? He was willing to be mocked for the sake of doing His Fathers will…are we? He served others and put them before himself…do we? He told others about the way to eternal life…do we? He was a praying man…are we? May we as Christians do what we need to do to become followers of Jesus Christ. He is our example! One way to become more like Him is to learn how to pray. The bible teaches us about prayer. Batavia Assembly of God, located at 24 North Spruce Street, is hosting its 3rd annual prayer conference September 13th from 6pm to 9pm (registration from 6pm-7pm), and September 14th from 8am to 4pm. Dick LaFountain will be the keynote speaker. Dick's passion is to motivate a renewed love for prayer and the presence of God in our churches. The title for the conference is “Presence, Prayer and the Power of God”. Elmwood Drive will lead worship. The registration fee is $15 per person, $20 per couple. Breakfast and lunch are included. You may register by calling the church at 585-343-8521. Please register by Sept 6th. Payment is at the door. Hope to see you there.