What is a Christian

A very misunderstood term-Acts 11:25-26. A Christian is a follower or a disciple of Jesus Christ,he is  a person 

who follows His teaching.

A disciple is a person who leads and is instructed by another person, his teacher. He evaluates his words, learns his secrets and copies his lifestyle.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ you have to be called by Him-John 15:16. A true disciple is recognised by certain marks:-

1. He abides in the words of the master fully-John 15:7.

2. He has a loving relationship with the Master and treasures  His words, John 14:15.

3. He obeys the Master's commission to go and make disciples,not of himself -Matt. 28:19-20.

4. Has a living relationship with the Master, like the branch and vine-John 15:4.

5. Fruit bearing is a true mark of a disciple-John 15:1-5.

6. Unconditional  love is a true mark of a disciple-John 13:34-35.

7. He serves others, like the Master's example- John 13:14.

8. He is willing to lay down his life for the Master-2 Tim.4:6-8.

9. A disciple is expected to instruct others in the Master's teaching 2Tim.2:1-2..

10. A disciple desires to be with the Master in Heaven. Death does not break the relationship, because the Master lives forever. Different from other religions. John 14:2-3.

Spiritual Warfare

While we are on this earth we are involved in a constant battle, caught between Satanic forces and the Host of Heaven, but his is nor usually evident to us. Satan hates us and wants to destroy us and the Church-1 Pet.5:8.

Whilst we are under God's protection, we need to serve Him and resist the enemy-2 Tim.2:3-4.

For our own benefit God has provided protection to face the attacks of the enemy, but we must ensure that we are fully covered with this protection to resist the enemy's attacks. We also need to know the enemy's method of attack if we are to face him effectively-2 Cor.2:10-11.

Face him the way Jesus did in the wilderness, 'It is written....it is written'. Do not get into arguments  with Satan or into a conversation. He knows his business well, but we should know ours better.

Our fight against Satan and his forces is on two fronts,    1.Defence, 2. Attack.

1. Defence means protection. God has provided total protection for us.

Paul in Eph.6:10-20 instructs  us to 'Put on the armour of God'. It is our responsibility to do it. In vs.14-17 we have the protective armour in detail, but remember- we do not fight against flesh and blood, and make sure you do not give up the fight.

2. Attack. The sword is not only our weapon for defence but also for attacking- 'The sword of the Spirit....' The re is no other weapon against Satan and his demons.

How do we gain victory?   Rev.12:11. Know your enemy. 'We are not ignorant of his device...'

Gen.5:21-23.

Enoch walked with God-Heb.11:5, Jud.11-15.

Enoch was quite an ordinary person. No healings,  no miracles, nothing spectacular. Enoch walked with God. God's desire was that man would walk with God. Adam walked with God in the cool of the day. Jesus delights to walk in the churches and with His people. Jesus died so that we can have fellowship with Him. We are saved to have fellowship with Him.

The first Enoch who has prestige, died-Gen.4:17. The second one did not die. Only what I do for Christ will stand forever. Whatever I do and do not have fellowship with God is in vain.

God had His messengers right from the start- Enoch the prophet. God never left His people without a witness all through the ages.

Enoch's translation was a sign for the people, but not many believed. When God would not do anything for them, He cast the people aside-Flood.

Similarly today If I do not take heed to the Word, God will have to cast me aside. Enoch- Discipline, regulated. If we are to live with God we must be disciplined ,to live regulated lives. Jesus face was fixed on God. Nothing distracted Him  from God and the Cross.

Unless we  discipline our lives we shall never find the time to serve God. Our circumstances are no excuse. Enoch kept walking with God despite his surrounding circumstances-unbelief, etc. 'Lo I am with you alway'.

Enoch was a family man,he had responsibilities as well. The more responsibilities I have the more in need I am of God's fellowship. If you live as Baalam lived you will die as Baalam died.

Enoch had a revelation when Methusalal died-the judgement  came. Enoch realized the flood was coming,so he decided to walk with God. We must lay up our treasures in Heaven,not on the earth. We may be lonely sometimes in our   walk with God but we should look ahead for Jesus coming when we shall come back with thousands of other saints, We are not the only ones, we are not alone, we are in a tremendous family.

Enoch kept walking with God till the end, not up and down.

Walk before me (secure) Gen 17:1, Walk after (Obedience),Deut.13:4, So walk (live) in Him (Union)

Col.2:6.

Three points implied:

1. There must have been a reconciliation.One mind- Redeemed.

2. There has to be a similarity of nature, Night cannot walk with darkness.

3. A surrendered will. 'Can two walk together except they be agreed? Amos3;3.

Enoch pleased God. Jesus said, 'I always do the things that please the Father' 

Haggai 1:1-15.

The return from captivity to rebuild the Temple, Ezra 1:1-4.

Haggai, The Lord's messenger, a type of the Holy Spirit that brings the Word of God.

'Is it time for you to dwell.....?' They came back from captivity to rebuild God's House, the centre of worship, but the inhabitants of the land opposed the rebuilding and stopped it for 14 years. The enemy often diverts our efforts to earthly things and God's House is neglected. There are many excuses for this neglect- too busy, family, work,etc. It is easy to get in a rut and expect nothing from God. They were saying the time was not suitable, but God told them to get on with the work.

'Consider your ways'. Busy looking after their needs, hence no blessing. Jesus said 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God.....'. They were urged to ' go to the mountain' i.e get out of your complacency. We can expect much but receive nothing. When we move in Faith we find out what God can do for us. Do not look for signs and  wonders.

'then Zerubbabel obeyed.....' A happy time when God's people obey His commands, the result, 'I am with you.....' We can have Revival if we are willing to move on with God. Not only did God come to work with them but He also stirred their spirit to revive them. 'Lo I am with you....'. On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit came to live with us.