Christianity for Beginners

Being a good Christian comes with practice. Do you consider that being a Christian is a vocation or profession? I’m here to tell you that it is, and we each have a responsibility to God. Ephesians 4:1 tells us that we are to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called.

In it’s simplest terms, a Christian is one who professes belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ. To describe Jesus Christ would be equivalent to describe a Christian, also known as disciples (followers of Christ).

Describing the role of a Christian is about as easy as it is to describe being a wife and mother and a husband and father. Because this subject is complex, I ask from the start that you think in terms of the general function. Do not think in terms of all the intricacies. Healing the sick and raising the dead, are extraordinary gifts.

The discussions of gifts that God gave men are another subject. So let’s get on with our topic for today. If you want to, you can go get your bible, I’ll be here when you get back.

Responsibility: Pray

I Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing.

Carry Out:

Join an intercessory prayer group, go to prayer meeting, and participate in a network that prays for people. Pray as often as you can. Some people have a pattern of prayer, which makes your prayer life easier. Whatever you do, never stop praying. At home, school, driving, in line, in the restroom, at your desk, and everywhere else. The bible speaks about private prayer and public rewards. Most importantly, pray not to be seen of men.

Responsibility: Love

St. John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Carry Out:

Being kind one to another. Preferring another over yourself. Not being judgmental or being bias. Showing compassion to people who are having a tough time. Demonstrating you care by listening and/or visiting someone in need. Involving yourself in an outreach ministry. Express kindness to the poor. There are more kinds of acts of love than I can mention on this page, but I know you get it.

Responsibility: Forgive

St. Matthew 6:14 -- For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly father will also forgive you.

Carry Out:

When someone wrongs you, the world or a family member (commits sin), forgive him or her. First, forgive people in your heart. If you are so inclined, tell them to their face, write a letter, or send a card.

Responsibility: Work

II Thessalonians 3:10 – For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

You have skills, talents and abilities that are untapped. Find suitable employment to earn money so that you can support yourself for everyday needs. Find a legal means of income opportunity to survive. Find work you can enjoy, because it will be easier to do.

Responsibility: Give

Malachi 3:10 -- Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Host, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Monetary giving is but one aspect of giving, and it is a very critical one.

Carry Out:

Give of your tithe and offering to God’s Kingdom (notice I did not say church) - Take a check, money order, and/or cash to a ministry who supports the work of the Lord. Many pastors teach that one should give to their local fellowship first, and then give to other ministries. Be prayerful about where you plant your seed (money), because you want to plant on good ground. When you give, you have to give in faith and not worry. God will hold his representatives accountable.

Responsibility: Walk Worthy of Your Vocation

Ephesians 4:1 - 2 -- I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Carry Out:

Look where God leads your eyes. Act with respect for yourself and God. Let the words that come out your mouth be pleasing to God. Listen to things that will edify you as a believer. Hear the woman or man of God deliver a word of instruction to help you grow.

Responsibility: Study the Scripture

II Timothy 2:15 -- Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Carry Out:

Get you a good bible, a study bible so that you can read and study the scripture. Bibles are plentiful, and you can choose what version that is easiest for you to understand. There is the King James Version, The New International Version, The Amplified Bible (one of my favorites). And get a commentary – a book that explains what you are reading. The bible is easier to understand with aides. You may want to start in Psalms or Proverbs where you will find good strong practical reading. Psalms is highly participatory – you can sing, clap, shout and dance while reading.

Responsibility: Keep Your Temple Clean

I Corinthians 3:16 – Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

Carry Out:

Proper nutrition, exercise and activity that help your body to be strong are necessary for a clean temple. When our bodies are broken down, there is a greater chance of sickness and disease. So be careful what you allow to enter in your temple.

Responsibility: Believe

Hebrews: 11:6 – But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Carry Out:

Live your life based on the promises of God. God will take care of you if you believe and act according to what the scriptures say. Belief means doing the right thing when the wrong thing seems right.

Last Responsibility: Preach the Gospel

Isaiah 61:1 – 3 -- The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

Cary Out:

Tell people with about Jesus Christ and his great love for them. Tell men, women, boys and girls that, God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth on him shall not perish but have everlasting life!

If you are thinking about becoming a Christian or improving your walk with God, you can make a commitment today! Tell God you want to, and he will help you along the way, and you can ask me to pray for you, and I’ll do it! Thanks for hanging on‘til the end of this hub!

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