← What It Means to Be a Christian

ETS ACADEMY · LESSON 1

What Is a Christian?

Teaching points

  • A Christian is not someone who was born into a Christian family, attends church, or lives in a Christian country. A Christian is someone who has personally put their faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Christianity is not a philosophy, a religion, or a moral system — it is a relationship with a living Person.
  • The word 'Christian' means 'little Christ' — one who follows Jesus, represents Him, and is being transformed into His image.
  • Being a Christian involves three realities: belief (trusting Jesus), belonging (joining His body, the church), and becoming (growing in holiness and love).
  • The Christian life is not about trying harder — it is about trusting deeper.

Read in Scripture

  • John 1:12
  • Acts 11:26
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17
  • Romans 10:9-10
  • Galatians 2:20

Reflect

  • When did you personally choose to follow Jesus? What happened?
  • How would you explain what a Christian is to someone who has never heard?
  • Is there a gap between calling yourself a Christian and living like one?
  • What does 'trusting deeper' look like in your daily life?

Put it into practice

  • Write out your personal testimony: before Christ, how you came to faith, and what's changed.
  • Share your testimony with one person this week.
  • Read the Gospel of John this week — one chapter a day.

Jesus Generation Movement Academy teaching. Sources and credits →