Thursday, December 11, 2014

5 CHARACTERISTICS OF A CHRISTIAN



The Bible has made it clear for us as Christians the kind of transformation that needs to be exhibited after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal savior.
In this brief message for new Christians, we want to look at the five things that should characterize every Christian living in any part of the world.


1.       Studying the Word of God
The Bible is the sword of the spirit and also the ultimate Word of God to all mankind. As a new Christian just like any Christian, you should spend most of your time studying the Word of God. It is through the Word that the Will of God concerning our lives are revealed and manifested.
When the devil (our enemy) comes knocking at the door with temptations and challenges, it is the Word of God that we use to attack him.

Joshua 1:8
This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

2.       Prayer is the Key
No one is too busy to pray. Prayer is communicating with God. God is in control therefore it wise to always speak to him. He is the BOSS! Prayer is the secret weapon we use to fight the evil in the world. A prayerless Christian is a weak Christian.  We exercise faith in God when we pray.

1 Thessalonians 5:17
Pray without ceasing.

3.       Fellowship with brethren always
As a newly convert, there is a need to fellowship with your new family ALWAYS! It is by so doing that you learn more about Christ and also get answers to questions. You need to be at Sunday Service, Bible Studies and Prayer Meeting ALWAYS! Do not separate yourself from the gathering of the saints.
Hebrews 10: 25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

4.       Change of Character/ Hating Sin
There should be a different character personality as you have now become a Christian. All things and way of thinking are gone. The change of Character will make even unbelievers that note of you. There will always admire you secretly as you follow the Lord.  You have to hate the sin you were once use to. Hating them will directly prevent you from engaging in them.

Romans 12:2
Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

5.       Bearing FRUITS
Every tree is expected to bear fruits in season. Therefore as a new Christian just like any other Christian, you have to bear fruits for the glory of God. Teaching the Word to others (Evangelize), serving in the Church, playing instruments, Ushering, Cleaning the Church, helping the poor, orphan, aged, widows etc can be ways you can bear fruits for the Lord.
Galatians 5:22-23
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!