WHAT IS A CHRISTIAN?

AN 8-PART STUDY

A Christian is not merely a churchgoer or someone who believes in good morals. A Christian is one who has been called out, transformed by the power of Jesus Christ, redeemed by His blood, and filled with His Spirit. It is a life surrendered to His will, marked by faith, love, and obedience. A Christian walks in the light of truth, empowered to speak boldly, live righteously, and reflect the character of Christ in every step.

It is not just a title, it is a testimony. “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26.

BELOW YOU WILL FIND A FEW ILLUSTRATIONS OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRUE CHRISTIAN:

A BELIEVER IN JESUS CHRIST

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life…” — John 3:36

• Practical Point: Trust Jesus not only for salvation, but for daily decisions, healing, and provision.

A FOLLOWER OF CHRIST’S TEACHINGS

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” — John 8:31

• Practical Point: Read the Word daily and apply it—let scripture shape your attitude, speech, and choices.

ONE WHO IS BORN AGAIN

“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” — John 3:3

• Practical Point: Leave behind old habits and embrace a new mindset—walk in spiritual renewal.

A NEW CREATURE IN CHRIST

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature…” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

• Practical Point: Let go of guilt and shame—your past is forgiven, your future is transformed.

A TEMPLE OF THE HOLY GHOST

“Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost…” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

• Practical Point: Honor your body—practice self-care, purity, and reverence for God’s presence within.

A MEMBER OF THE BODY OF CHRIST

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27

• Practical Point: Serve others in your church or community—your gifts matter and strengthen the whole.

A LIGHT IN THE WORLD

“Ye are the light of the world…” — Matthew 5:14

• Practical Point: Be kind, honest, and bold—your life should reflect Christ in dark places.

A DOER OF THE WORD

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22

• Practical Point: Don’t just quote scripture—live it. Forgive, give, and act on what you preach.

A LOVER OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God… and thy neighbour as thyself.” — Luke 10:27

• Practical Point: Show love through listening, helping, and praying for others—even when it’s inconvenient.

A WITNESS TO THE TRUTH

“Ye shall be witnesses unto me…” — Acts 1:8

• Practical Point: Share your testimony—tell someone what God has done for you this week.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

HOW TO GROW IN CHRIST

ABIDE IN CHRIST DAILY

“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit…” — John 15:5

🔹 Practical Point: Spend time with Jesus through prayer, worship, and quiet reflection. Stay connected to Him like a branch to the vine.

STUDY AND APPLY THE WORD

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” — Psalm 119:11

🔹 Practical Point: Read scripture daily and meditate on it. Let it guide your decisions and correct your path.

GROW IN GRACE AND KNOWLEDGE

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ…” — 2 Peter 3:18

🔹 Practical Point: Learn more about Jesus, His character, His teachings, and His love. Attend Bible studies and ask questions.

BE ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN HIM

“Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith…” — Colossians 2:7

🔹 Practical Point: Build your life on Christ’s foundation. Let your faith grow strong through consistent spiritual discipline.

DESIRE SPIRITUAL NOURISHMENT

“As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” — 1 Peter 2:2

🔹 Practical Point: Stay hungry for God’s truth. Don’t settle for surface-level faith, seek deeper understanding.

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22

🔹 Practical Point: Put faith into action. Forgive, serve, give, and love—don’t just talk about it.

FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” — Hebrews 10:25

🔹 Practical Point: Join a church or small group. Spiritual growth thrives in community.

BEAR THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…” — Galatians 5:22

🔹 Practical Point: Let your character reflect Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to cultivate these traits in you.

BUILD ON A STRONG FOUNDATION “He that heareth my sayings and doeth them… is like a man which built an house, and digged deep…” — Luke 6:47-48

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t just skim the surface, dig deep into God’s truth and let it shape your life.

CONTINUE IN HIM UNTIL HE RETURNS

“And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence…” — 1 John 2:28

🔹 Practical Point: Stay faithful. Keep growing, keep trusting, and keep looking for His return.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WHY HE IS IMPORTANT IN THE LIFE OF A BELIEVER?

He is a Divine Person

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name…” — John 14:26

🔹 Practical Point: Speak to Him as a person, not a force, He listens, teaches, and comforts.

He is the Spirit of Truth

“Even the Spirit of truth… he shall teach you all things…” — John 14:17, 26

🔹 Practical Point: Ask Him to guide you when reading scripture or making decisions.

He is the Breath of Life

“And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” — Genesis 1:2

🔹 Practical Point: Recognize His creative power in your life, He brings order to chaos.

WHY IS JESUS IMPORTANT TO SALVATION?

He Convicts of Sin

“And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment.” — John 16:8

🔹 Practical Point: Let conviction lead to repentance, not shame, He exposes sin to heal, not condemn.

He Regenerates the Heart

“Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” — John 3:5

🔹 Practical Point: Salvation is not behavior modification, it’s a spiritual rebirth by the Spirit.

He Applies Christ’s Work to Us

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.” — Romans 8:16

🔹 Practical Point: When you doubt your salvation, ask the Holy Spirit to reassure you.

He Dwells Within Believers

“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” — 1 Corinthians 3:16

🔹 Practical Point: Treat your body and choices with reverence, He lives in you.

He Empowers for Holy Living

“Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t rely on willpower, ask the Spirit to help you overcome temptation.

He Seals Us for Eternity

“Ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” — Ephesians 1:13

🔹 Practical Point: Rest in the assurance that your salvation is secure in Him.

The Holy Spirit is not optional, He is the very breath of the Christian life. As Crossway affirms, He convicts, converts, applies Christ’s benefits, and glorifies the Son. Logos also reminds us that He is our Helper, present from creation and active in every believer’s journey.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

WHAT IS PRAYER AND HOW DO I PUT IT TO USE?

Prayer Is Conversation with God

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things…” — Jeremiah 33:3

🔹 Practical Point: Speak to God as you would a trusted friend—honestly, reverently, and expectantly.

Prayer Is a Command and Privilege

“Pray without ceasing.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17

🔹 Practical Point: Make prayer a lifestyle, not just an emergency tool. Whisper prayers throughout your day.

Prayer Invites God’s Power

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” — James 5:16

🔹 Practical Point: Pray with sincerity and faith, your words activate divine intervention.

Prayer Includes Praise, Petition, and Repentance

“In every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” — Philippians 4:6

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t just ask, thank Him, worship Him, and confess your faults.

Prayer Builds Relationship and Trust

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet… and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” — Matthew 6:6

🔹 Practical Point: Set aside quiet time daily to deepen your intimacy with God.

Prayer Aligns You with God’s Will

“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

🔹 Practical Point: Ask not just for what you want, but for what God knows is best.

Prayer Releases Peace

“And the peace of God… shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7

🔹 Practical Point: When anxious, pray until peace replaces worry.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

HOW TO SHARE WHAT CHRIST HAS DONE FOR YOU

REMEMBER YOUR REDEMPTION

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so…” — Psalm 107:2

🔹 Practical Point: Reflect on what He saved you from, be specific. Your deliverance is someone else’s hope.

BE A WITNESS, NOT A PERFORMER

“Ye shall be witnesses unto me…” — Acts 1:8

🔹 Practical Point: Share from the heart, not for applause. Your authenticity carries power.

TELL YOUR STORY IN THREE PARTS

“But this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind…” — Philippians 3:13

🔹 Practical Point: Structure your testimony: (1) Life before Christ, (2) How you met Him, (3) Life after Christ.

POINT TO JESUS, NOT JUST YOURSELF

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30

🔹 Practical Point: Make Christ the hero of your story. Highlight His mercy, not your merit.

USE SCRIPTURE TO CONFIRM YOUR EXPERIENCE

“Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.” — Psalm 119:24

🔹 Practical Point: Anchor your testimony in the Word. Let scripture validate your transformation.

SHARE WITH LOVE AND HUMILITY

“Speaking the truth in love…” — Ephesians 4:15

🔹 Practical Point: Avoid judgment or superiority. Speak with compassion and grace.

BE READY IN EVERY SEASON

“Be ready always to give an answer… with meekness and fear.” — 1 Peter 3:15

🔹 Practical Point: Prepare a short version and a full version of your testimony, use whichever fits the moment.

LET YOUR LIFE SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS

“Ye are our epistle… known and read of all men.” — 2 Corinthians 3:2

🔹 Practical Point: Live what you preach. Your conduct confirms your confession.

TESTIFY TO BUILD FAITH IN OTHERS

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” — Revelation 12:11

🔹 Practical Point: Share boldly, your testimony is a weapon against the enemy and a lifeline to the broken.

KEEP TESTIFYING AS YOU GROW

“My mouth shall shew forth thy righteousness and thy salvation all the day…” — Psalm 71:15

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t wait for perfection. Share what He’s doing now, even in progress.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SIN?

ACKNOWLEDGE THE SIN

“He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” — Proverbs 28:13

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t hide it. Be honest with God, He already knows and is waiting to forgive.

CONFESS TO GOD IMMEDIATELY

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” — 1 John 1:9

🔹 Practical Point: Speak it aloud in prayer. Name the sin and ask for cleansing.

REPENT AND TURN AWAY

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…” — Acts 3:19

🔹 Practical Point: Change direction. Don’t just feel sorry—make a decision to walk differently.

RECEIVE GOD’S FORGIVENESS

“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” — Psalm 103:12

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t rehearse the guilt. Accept His mercy and move forward.

ALLOW THE HOLY SPIRIT TO RESTORE YOU

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

🔹 Practical Point: Ask the Spirit to heal your heart and restore your joy.

LEARN FROM THE FALL

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word.” — Psalm 119:67 🔹 Practical Point: Let the mistake become a lesson. Grow stronger and wiser through it.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH ACCOUNTABILITY

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another…” — James 5:16

🔹 Practical Point: Share with a trusted spiritual mentor or friend. Healing often comes through community.

REMEMBER YOU ARE STILL LOVED

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” — Romans 8:35

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t let shame isolate you. God’s love is constant, even in correction.

WALK IN RENEWED OBEDIENCE

“Go, and sin no more.” — John 8:11

🔹 Practical Point: Move forward with purpose. Let grace empower your next steps.

USE YOUR STORY TO HELP OTHERS

“And when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” — Luke 22:32

🔹 Practical Point: Share your testimony. Your comeback can be someone else’s breakthrough.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

HOW TO STUDY THE BIBLE EFFECTIVELY

Start with Prayer

“Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” — Psalm 119:18

🔹 Practical Point: Before reading, ask the Holy Spirit to give you understanding, clarity, and a teachable heart.

Use a God-Centered Approach

“Search the scriptures… they are they which testify of me.” — John 5:39

🔹 Practical Point: Focus first on what the passage reveals about God, His character, promises, and plan.

Study in Context

“Rightly dividing the word of truth.” — 2 Timothy 2:15

🔹 Practical Point: Understand the historical and cultural background. Ask: Who wrote this? To whom? Why?.

Choose a Study Method That Fits You

“With all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

🔹 Practical Point: Try methods like:

The Sword Method (What does this teach about God? About people? What should I do?)

Topical Study (e.g., grace, prayer, justice)

Character Study (e.g., David, Esther, Paul)

Verse Mapping or Word Studies for deeper insight

Use a Reliable Study Bible

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet…” — Psalm 119:105

🔹 Practical Point: Tools like the ESV Study Bible or Life Application Study Bible offer notes, maps, and explanations to help you grasp meaning.

Meditate and Memorize

“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.” — Psalm 1:2

🔹 Practical Point: Reflect on a verse throughout the day. Write it down, speak it aloud, and let it shape your thoughts.

Apply What You Learn

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only…” — James 1:22

🔹 Practical Point: Ask, “How can I live this truth today?” Let the Word transform your actions and attitudes.

Study in Community

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” — Proverbs 27:17

🔹 Practical Point: Join a Bible study group or discuss scripture with trusted believers for deeper insight and accountability.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved

WHY CHURCH MATTERS

WE ARE COMMANDED TO GATHER

“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” — Hebrews 10:25

🔹 Practical Point: Make church a priority, not out of obligation, but to stay encouraged and connected.

CHURCH BUILDS FAITH THROUGH TEACHING

“And he gave some… pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints…” — Ephesians 4:11–12

🔹 Practical Point: Sit under sound teaching to grow in wisdom, doctrine, and spiritual maturity.

WE NEED SPIRITUAL COVERING

“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves…” — Hebrews 13:17 🔹 Practical Point: Honor your spiritual leaders, they watch over your soul and help guide your walk.

CHURCH IS A PLACE OF CORPORATE WORSHIP

“O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.” — Psalm 34:3

🔹 Practical Point: Worshiping with others strengthens your spirit and invites God’s presence in a unique way.

WE ARE THE BODY, NOT SOLO PARTS

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27

🔹 Practical Point: You have a role to play. Church is where your gifts are activated and needed.

CHURCH PROVIDES ACCOUNTABILITY

“Two are better than one… for if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.” — Ecclesiastes 4:9–10

🔹 Practical Point: Isolation breeds weakness. Fellowship keeps you sharp, supported, and spiritually safe.

CHURCH IS A PLACE OF SERVICE

“As every man hath received the gift… minister the same one to another…” — 1 Peter 4:10

🔹 Practical Point: Don’t just attend, serve. Your presence and participation bless others.

Bishop Charlene M. Jamison

All Rights Reserved