Who Is a Christian?

By Obed Danquah

To sum up, a Christian is someone who has been born again into the family of faith with Jesus. As Paul succinctly pointed out to the Romans, saying, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose,” (Romans 8:28). It is important to note that God’s work is geared towards fulfilling His purpose, and not necessarily what makes us happy. Therefore, calling yourself a Christian or becoming a Christian is a choice meant for those who love Jesus and desire to honestly do His good will. Are you, therefore, convinced that you have received Christ as your personal Saviour, without any material reasons? If so, you must have a new mind set about who you are as a Christian. It also means your faith in God must not waver in times of pain; you must be prepared to suffer for Jesus because you know that no matter the circumstance, He is with you.
A true Christian must seek the grace of God in order to ultimately desist from evil and worship God, wholeheartedly.
This book, WHO IS A CHRISTIAN, seeks to answer questions regarding the Christian walk and many more. It is aimed at drawing everyone; Christians, Theologians, and most importantly non-christians to the larger focus of Who Christ is and who a Christian is with the sole aim of enlightening and demystifying Christianity and theology. It is about how to live life as a Christian.
To the Christian, it will be a handy manual that demystifies theology as well as a map that explain how to live life as a Christian.
And to non-Christians, it will appeal to conscience and hearts to fall on this PATH OF GRACE, and how to do so.
This book is simply a must read for all

• Language: English
• Publisher: Obed Danquah
• Release date: Sep 24, 2020
• ISBN: 9789988302016

Obed Danquah

Obed Danquah is a Ghanaian Theologian, an ordained Clergy and an entrepreneur. He is very passionate about the Teaching of the Word and ministry. He also believes that pious church men and women in active ministry can still remain relevant in the world of business and entrepreneurship without losing their focus in each area or calling.He is the founder of the Enriching Lives Ministries, Morgan International Community School, The entrepreneurship Training Institute, in Ghana, just to mention a few.Obed Danquah has spoken in various conferences and Tertiary Institutions in the world. In 2012, he coined the novel word Kristopreneurship, as he gave a lecture to a group of accounting students in Howard University in Washington DC. He is alsothe author of Who is a Christian?

Book preview

Who is a Christian?

Obed Danquah

Unless otherwise stated, all scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version of the Bible.

Copyright © 2020 Obed Danquah

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Published by

Obed Danquah

P.O.Box SW 63

Agona Swedru

Ghana, West Africa

Cover Design: Emmanuel Asamoah

Distributed by:

Obed Danquah

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Tel: + 233 244 34 23 61.

DEDICATION

In memory of my beloved mother, Maame Yaa Korkor,

who saw me grow in the knowledge of entrepreneurship

and frequently advised me to go to church.

To my beautiful children who are always on my mind.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement

Author’s Statement

Who Is A Christian

True Christian Virtues

Repentance Is By Confession

Prayer And Fasting: A Divine Calling

Speaking In Tongues

Divine Restoration

Obedience By The Word Of God

The Obedience Of Faith

The Christian Life Burden

Sermon Connect

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

My appreciation goes to Rev. Geo-Stevens Aidoo, Bishop Abeka Wilson, Very Reverend (retired) Sussie Kurankyie and Very Reverend Simon Adjei who are always encouraging me to do greater things in the ministry. To my longtime friend Fawzia Abdul Mumin, who from the very beginning saw me work on this book.

My wife, Sabina Quainoo, and the entire Mbroba family, thank you. Also, to members of Enriching Lives Ministry, staff and students of Morgan International Community School, you are indeed part, and an inspiration to this success.

It is said, better late than never, God-sent Jeffery Opoku who came in last minute to make this dream a reality, thank you. Above all, I am humbled and most grateful to God for seeing me through it all.

AUTHOR'S STATEMENT

Ask me why I wrote this book and I will tell you it is because of matters that concern you and many other Christians. They are matters that are evident but has now been streamlined to aid boost your Christian values and enrich your walk with Jesus. You will also read about my personal experiences, which I believe will serve as a guide as you walk in the path Christ has created for you.

Paul, in the book of Ephesians, calls on the children of God to …be imitators of God… (Ephesians 5:1). I am sure Paul is also talking about the way and manner parents live with their children. Indeed, we want our children to follow our footsteps. Therefore, to be a Christian, we are to follow and emulate Christ. How challenging! But to be an imitator does not necessarily mean live as Jesus did; it is about learning His footsteps day by day. One principal factor of imitating Christ is what John records Christ saying, That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another, (John 13:34).

For many years, I have tried to exhibit love as much as I could; my friends, family and colleagues have attested to that on numerous occasions. But I, somehow, feel it is not enough. To me, giving is not an expression of love, it is something my spirit tells me to do.

One negative effect living in the United Kingdom for many years had on me was that it severed my relationship with God. I attended church once in a year and it’s usually as though I was being forced. My ex-wife and I would drive late in the night looking for the best restaurant to dine and when the midnight bell rings from any nearby church, I would stop the vehicle and pray. Reading the Bible or praying at night was not part of my routine. Having said this, I usually meditated, particularly when I am confronted with problems, and felt the presence of God. So, was my attitude then a form of Christianity or theology?

Since Christianity is walking in a way of Christ, what is theology then? Well, after eight years, I was stunned to hear a Bishop of some repute say, Theologians are not for God, they learn things that are not biblical. I was not surprised he said that. Although this Bishop had spent many years preaching the Word of God, he knew little about the work of God. It was also clear that this person had a low level formal education therefore, his mind could not grasp the concept of theology and who a theologian really is.

A theological study is a complex training which focuses on various disciplines. It means without formal education; one can hardly study theology. However, a study of Bible means the study of faith. In other words, studying the Bible increasingly enhances your faith in Jesus. But theology goes beyond that. The study of theology comprehensively looks at the meaning of human existence, history, traditions, Gospel and culture, biblical texts, missions, environment and so forth.

In view of the apparent disconnection between who a theologian is and who a Christian is, this book is aimed at drawing Christians, theologians and even non-Christians to the larger focus on who Christ is and who a Christian is. Simply, it is aimed at enlightening Christianity and demystifying theology.

Christianity during my days in the UK was not so appealing. When I drove around some orthodox churches like Methodist, Baptist, Anglican, Presbyterian and Roman Catholic, all I could see was a few elderly people exiting or entering the church. But when some independent churches were established by Africans, they were always filled with believers. This was a concern, although I did not spend much time to ponder on the reasons. However, the takeaway was that, the congregants of the mainline churches were dwindling sharply.

A few years down the line, during my study of Theology at Akrofi-Christaller Mission and Culture in Akropong, I came across a writing by a distinguished English theologian which read, One of the most important, perhaps one of the two or three most important events in the whole church history, has occurred within the lifetime of people not yet old. It has not reached the textbooks, and most Christians, including many of the best informed, do not know it has happened. It is nothing less than a complete change in the centre of gravity of Christianity, so that the heartlands of the church are no longer in Europe, decreasingly in North America, but in Latin America, in certain parts of Asian, and most importantly for our present purpose, in Africa. --Andrew F. Walls, Towards Understanding Africa’s place in Christian History, in Religion and in a Pluralistic Society, Essays presented to Professor C.G Baȅta in Celebration of his retirement from the service of the University of Ghana, September 1971 by Friends and Colleagues scattered over the Globe, Pobee, S.J. (Netherland: E.J Brills, 1976, p.180.)

Wells’ observation clearly answered the reason why orthodox churches in the UK were on a sharp decline.

The book of Isaiah 58:1-3 says, Cry aloud, spare not; lift up your voice like trumpet; tell My people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. Yet they seek Me daily, and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness. And did not forsake the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinance of justice; they take delight in approaching God. Why have we fasted; ‘they say, ‘and You have not seen? Why have we afflicted our souls, and You take no notice?

There is a clear dichotomy between the way and manner the Orthodox churches and the Africans churches in the UK worshipped God. But it must be noted that, true worship should not be more than a religious ritual. In Africa, some people go to churches seven days a week and fast even when they are unwell.

So, if fasting, daily church attendance and over-exuberant praises in the church does not make one a true Christian then, who is a Christian? My humble response is this; God wants us to be as honest and clear as a glass. He does not want us to act pious when we know we have unforgiven sin or fail to imitate the basic tenets of Christ, like genuine compassion for the oppressed, the poor and needy as well as the old and the helpless.

My experience with some Christians and preachers, no matter how prominent they are, is that most focus on making money from ignorant people and pretend they are spending money to help poor institutions but in reality, the money goes into their personal coffers. They enjoy being identified as rich and successful preachers. I have attempted to share my thoughts on this further in the book.

To sum up, a Christian is someone who has been born again into the family of faith with Jesus. As Paul succinctly pointed out to the Romans, saying, And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose, (Romans 8:28). It is important to note that God’s work is geared towards fulfilling His purpose, and not necessarily what makes us happy. Therefore, calling yourself a Christian or becoming a Christian is a choice meant for those who love Jesus and desire to honestly do His good will. Are you, therefore, convinced that you have received Christ as your personal Saviour, without any material reasons? If so, you must have a new mind set about who you are as a Christian. It also means your faith in God must not waver in times of pain; you must be prepared to suffer for Jesus because you know that no matter the circumstance, He is with you.

A true Christian must seek the grace of God in order to ultimately desist from evil and worship God, wholeheartedly.

Chapter 1

WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?

A Christian is anyone who walks in the likeness of Jesus Christ. Simply put, a Christian is Christ-like. A Christian is a vessel of God, (Romans 9:21-24) made up of three key components; body, soul and spirit (1 Thessalonians 5:23). The body receives from the physical realm. The soul, on the other hand, pertains to the psychological realm, that is, the human mind. Lastly, the human spirits, which dwells within the innermost part of the human being, was made to interact with God (John 4:24). So, man was not only created to thrive physically and or psychologically; we were, more importantly, made to contain God in our spirit (Ephesians 5:18).

Barnabas took Paul from Tarsus to Antioch, Turkish Antakya, for evangelism. This was a popular city in ancient Syria, now part of South Turkey. During the Roman Empire, Alexandria was the second largest city, after Rome. And Antioch, which possessed large temples, theatres and other social amenities, was named the first Christian city, possibly by the Romans.

And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch, (Act 11:26). The disciples always gathered to listen to Barnabas and Saul (Paul). King Agrippa was the last to hear Paul preach the gospel. After that, he said to Paul, …you almost persuade me to become a Christian (Acts 26:28). Agrippa was challenged by Paul’s conviction of the word of God to the extent that, Festus, who prevented Paul from being killed by the Jews, said loudly to Paul, …so much learning of the word of God was driving you mad! Paul rebutted by saying, I am not mad but I rather speak the words of truth, (Acts 26: 24-27). Paul was referring to the resurrected Christ.

Peter wrote, Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter, (1 Peter 4:19).

John says that, As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name. Who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Born in the image of God, (John 1: 12-13).

Christ-like Traits

Faith

Jesus believed in His Father and in doing so, He was able to perform many miracles. God Himself is the epitome of faith, just like His son, Jesus. He believed in His Own Spirit to create Heaven and earth and all the things therein. In John 20:24-29, Thomas’ disbelief was proved wrong by Jesus. In Matthew 17:20-21, Jesus said, Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, Move from here to there and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. This kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting. We gain our faith by communicating with God in Holiness. It enables us concentrate and show our commitment to honour God’s faithfulness. Luke says, Lord, increase our faith,’’ (Luke 17:5). Also, faith is given to us through God’s word; So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God, (Romans 10:17).

The more we hear God’s word, the more we must believe, speak and act in accordance to it. This enables the Word manifest in our lives and through the Power of the Holy Spirit. Faith is like a dosage of medicine we must take consistently, because the power of leading is in faith; the power of greatness and understanding the word God is in faith; and the power of prosperity is also in faith. But mind you, James says that, Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead, (James 2:17). This in secular sense means to, walk the walk. In other words, we can’t bless someone in need without a tangible assistance. Therefore, I dare say that, faith and deeds are bedfellows; they work simultaneously. Faith and love are also complementary. One can’t claim to have faith in God and lack love --a foundation to faith. Therefore, faith and love must connect with each other to fulfil God’s will for His word and humanity.

Compassionate

Jesus Christ was a compassionate person who knew the reality of human needs. There are times when human needs are not necessarily basic social needs; but also, spiritual needs such as, the burden of lost souls, or the distresses of God’s people. The church today requires leadership that promises to fulfil human needs in its entirety. Christians of nobler times seem lost hence, they need a shepherd they can depend on. People are sexually, morally and spiritually misdirected hence a good shepherd becomes a necessity. Jesus, for example, was moved with compassion when He saw the multitudes because, they were fainted and scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd (Matthew 9:36). True Christians must be the Shepherd of God’s people and true servants of God. They are to intercede on behalf of their fellow Christians and the totality of human needs. In Ezekiel 34:16 God says, I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick. This was God’s concern for social justice and the total fulfilment of the needs of His people. These include but not limited to, equity and fairness, non-discrimination of human rights, environmental protection, good health and material prosperity.

Servant

Jesus tells us in Mark 10:45 that, For even the son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve. Jesus Christ, with all His powers, lowered Himself to serve. Jesus Christ said in John 13:14 that, If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. Servant leadership brings productivity in the corporate world and it, indeed, enriches spreading the Gospel. It seeks to project everyone as God’s servant and not a master. Washing the feet of others, in Christian circles, signifies cleaning them from impurity to meet Christ in holiness. Christians need their minds, souls and bodies washed from impurity. This is to enable a daily communion with Jesus and a daily walk in holiness with the Holy Spirit. So how can spiritual leaders conform to such biblical principles? Well, Jesus says, For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Church and spiritual leaders should not be boastful over their followers. They must conform to the same doctrines of God --servant leadership. After Jesus Christ rose on the third day, He appeared in Galilee where Simon-Peter was present and invited the men for a breakfast (fish and bread) He had prepared (John 21:9-14). This is a classified principle of servant leadership.

Loving

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life, (John 3:16).

God gave Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our transgressions; this, obviously, shows a higher and a greater love than any other. His love and His death empowered us. Paul says, Yet in all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us, (Romans 8:37). Love is supreme over everything because that is how God primarily relates to us. Again, Paul makes us aware in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that, ...and now abide faith, hope and love, these three: but the greatest of these is love! Because should, I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have no love, it profits me nothing, (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). These scriptures are testaments that, God is love and love is God.

Forgiving

Love tend to bring forgiveness in its wake. God gave his only begotten son to die for us out of love. So even in pain, frustration and at the point of death, Christians must forgive one another through love. Jesus at the point of death said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do, (Luke 23:34). Jesus set the example for us to forgive one another.

Jesus knew that His murderers, the Jewish leadership and the Roman soldiers, did not understand what they were doing because they were deceived by the Devil. He prayed for forgiveness for them. Beloved, forgiving someone who has hurt you is a blessing; this is because you automatically leave the punishment to God. Forgiveness is a wonderful addition to your Christian values. God always exalts the forgiver. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins, (Acts 5:31).

Commitment

A Christian’s commitment is a response to God’s faithfulness, as such it should be done without reserve. Jesus said, I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot, (Revelations 3:15). Jesus through this scripture is telling Christian’s not to be lukewarm. The church’s spiritual uprightness should not be nauseating to Christ; it must be spiritually inclined towards Jesus Christ, who was fully committed to His Father’s calling and works. Beloved, when we wholly subject our bodies, souls and spirit to God’s work as a true Christian, we are saved from depression, anxiety, setbacks, attacks, sicknesses, poverty, untimely death and other atrocities. We also gain a better understanding of God’s directions as we are able to hear him clearly. Christ committed His Spirit to His Father’s work (Luke 23:46); He suffered, died and rose on the third day. The way of a Christian is to commit everything to God daily. David says, Commit your way to the Lord, (Psalm 36:5). God always knows best; He faithfully leads our souls and direct our ways. He can direct your failures into blessings and turn your death into resurrection. So, Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you, (Psalm 55:22).

Christians should use their spiritual gifts to glorify God just as He wants it to be. Peter says, "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do