Sunday, May 4, 2025
What is a Christian?
by: pastor joel philbrook
What is a Christian? In the first century, followers of Jesus lived a life so radically different that it disrupted local systems, cultural norms, and societal expectations. They needed a name. Rooted in their devotion to Jesus, the one they followed and rooted their lives after, they became known as Christians. This label arose not from self-proclamation, but from the unmistakable way they lived – a life so distinct and recognizable that it defined them to the world.
Today, in the Western world, the term "Christian" has become blurred. It's often entangled with social stances, political affiliations, and diverse belief systems, leaving many wondering: what does it truly mean to be a Christian today?
At its core, to be a Christian is to embrace a transformed life, belonging to something greater than oneself. It's believing in the full divinity of Jesus, God incarnate, who came to restore the world. And it's living out that belief by emulating Jesus's character and actions, in obedience to His teachings. To live a transformed life.
Over the next six weeks, we will journey back to the essential tenets of faith, seeking to embody the authentic life of a follower of Christ. To ultimately answer the question, “What is a Christian?”
WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN: DEVOTIONAL