So then,
those who had received his word were baptized; and that day there were added
about three thousand souls.
Acts 2:41 (NASB)
Are there recognizable marks of someone who is a Christ follower? I think that Acts 2 begins to show us some of those marks. We will discuss several of them in coming blogs. I continue to meet people who suggest they are a believer, Christian, or some other descriptive word to describe being a follower. But some do not have fruit or proof that this is accurate. So what are the marks of a true Christ follower. The first that I would describe from the New Testament is commitment. Now people can be committed to many things but that does not mean that they are a Christ follower. Let me suggest 3 places in which we need to commit that would give evidence of following Christ.
- Commitment to the Word of God. I do not have the space on this blog to argue all the reasons that the Word of God is trustworthy. Let me just suggest that you go to 2 Timothy 3.16 and meditate on what is written there. We really can not claim to be a follower of Jesus Christ without a commitment to the Word of God. We might have a different view or interpretation of Scripture but we will be committed to reading and following it and it will be a primary authority and guide for life.
- Commitment to identifying with and obedience to Christ. That's what baptism is all about. Baptism is an outward expression of our faith and allegiance to Jesus Christ. It symbolizes His work of salvation on our behalf and our new life in Him. It is also the first step in our obedience to our new Master. Why should we be baptized? Because Jesus said too!
- Commitment to the Body of Christ, the Church. There has been a real push back against organized religion lately. But the Church, as God intends it is not organized religion. It is an organism for the completion of Christ task, will and purpose. Don't despise what Jesus paid dearly for. Find a Body that is seeking to fulfill God's purpose and commit to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment