To Be a Christian
by Pastor Bill Pevlor

     In the classic Christian novel, In His Steps, Charles Sheldon explored, in depth, the question of “What is a Christian?” provoking many Christians to serious introspection. Christian. It is a term embraced by many, but what does it actually mean? Is a person a Christian just because he or she was born in America, a so-called Christian nation? Is one a Christian by virtue of church membership or baptism? Are personal values and good deeds the necessary criteria?

     By definition, the term Christian simply means like Christ. The label was first bestowed upon the followers of Christ in Acts 11:26, by the people of Antioch. The disciples of the early church were radical men and women. These people gave up jobs, homes, wealth, position and more to pursue treasure of far greater value, a relationship with their Creator through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. These early saints gave much more than mere lip service. Their faith was genuine and their commitment sincere. They were absolutely persuaded that the most important thing in life was the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ and an intimate, personal relationship with Him, and to that end they gave their all.

     The impact these devoted believers had on the world was unprecedented and unmatched throughout history. Their zeal spurred them to travel to the farthest corners of known civilization carrying the Gospel to the rich, the poor, the strong, the weak, the Jew, the Gentile, men, women, young and old. These people, through faith, devotion and sacrifice, changed the world.

     Let’s take a look at who some of these world changers were. The Apostle Peter was a prominent New Testament figure. He preached his first sermon on the Day of Pentecost, and three thousand people were saved. He later became a great missionary and writer of two books of the New Testament. For one with such great achievements, it may be surprising to consider his background. Peter was not a schooled theologian. Actually, he was a rough talking fisherman by trade. Jesus evidently saw something greater in this man and called him to be a disciple. In spite of his eagerness and good intentions, Peter had a few ups and downs. He was the only disciple to walk on water with Jesus in Matthew chapter fourteen, but he took his eyes off the Lord and began to sink. He received a divine revelation of the identity of Christ but totally missed the Lord’s purpose, prompting Jesus to rebuke him saying, “Get behind me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23). Peter vowed loyalty to Jesus unto death, then cursed and swore and denied he knew Him. But Jesus never gave up on Peter, and Peter never quit.

     The Apostle Paul is probably the most famous New Testament character aside from Jesus Himself. His extensive missionary journeys touched much of the known world with the gospel, and he wrote approximately two-thirds of the New Testament. Despite his illustrious career, Paul was one of the most unlikely candidates ever to be chosen to serve the Lord. Paul, originally named Saul, was not only not a Christian, but he was committed to stamping out this band of believers by any means necessary, including killing them. Paul was a consenting witness to the stoning of Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 22:20), and he was on his way to Damascus to deliver even more believers to their deaths when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul in Acts chapter nine.

     There’s good news for us in the shortcomings of Peter, Paul and other renowned believers in the Bible – Jesus is not looking for perfect followers. In fact, He often overlooks those who may appear to be highly qualified in favor of one with a true desire to serve. As He said to Samuel in selecting David as king of Israel, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart,” (I Samuel 16:7). Jesus takes the imperfect lives freely offered to Him and empowers them to change their world. 

     Are you a Christian? Have you called on Jesus to save you and forgive your sins? Have you surrendered your life to His service? A life of service to Jesus Christ is a journey from existence to exhilaration. It is much more than wearing a label; it is a life of purpose and power. He desires to use men and women, boys and girls, in every walk of life to change the world around them through faith and the power of the Gospel. 

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219 State Street, Algoma, WI 54201 
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