Marked: The Mark of a True Christian

By Pastora Monique Looez Ong

There are a lot of Christians everywhere. But they use it very lightly. That is the reason why a lot of people stumble. So what is really the mark of a true Christian?

Mark 5 tells the story of a man possesed by a demon who nobody could get hold of. But when he saw Jesus, he ran and threw himself out of the way. But Jesus had already asked the demon to go away. So the thousands of demons threw themselves to the pigs nearby.

Not everybody has seen or has been possesed by a demon literally. But our life before Jesus is somewhat like that. Hurting people,

1. True salvation is in Christ Alone. Acts 16:30-31 says, “Then he led Paul and Silas outside and asked, “What must I do to be saved?” They answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved—you and all your family.”” A true mark of a Christian will begin with an encounter with the living Jesus. When Jesus comes in a room, thet eis going to be a life changing encounter. You will feel it and you will know. You might have unanswered questions and unmet needs that only Jesus can answer and fill. The evidence of a life changing encounter is repentance. Jesus will show you your sinfulness and you will want to change. Nowadays, many think they are saved. But you still have to test that because there are false assurances of salvation. You will want to change and give up your sins. What is the evidence that you are saved? It is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Spend time with Him so there will be transformation in your life. Luke 13:3 says, “I tell you, no; but unless you repent [change your old way of thinking, turn from your sinful ways and live changed lives], you will all likewise perish.”

2. Obey God’s call even when it’s not what you expected. Mark 5:18-19 says “As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.”Many have expectations. They think that when they accept the Lord, they will not have problems anymore. When God says no, will you still follow God? God’s love language is obedience. Even if you don’t understand. God has plans for you even when you do not understand. God will say “no” to you many times. John 14:15 says, “If you love me, obey my commandments.” Matthew 7:21 says, ““Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.”

3. Bloom where you are planted. Matk 5:19 says, “But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.””  Some look for greener pastures al the time. Water the grass where you are planted. Be faithful where you are. How will God bring you to other places when you have not shared Him with the people around you? jeremiah 17:7-8 says, ““But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit.” Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.

4. Faithfully and fearlessly share Jesus. Mark 5:20 says, “So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.” We need to keep sharing our testimony. That is not only for you. It is for the world to know, one person at a time. Tell them what the Lord has done for you. Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” There is power in the words of somebody who speaks about Jesus. Romans 10:14-15 says, “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!”” It is not enough that you know Jesus is coming back. You have to do your part. Share the good news everyday!

5. Be fruitful until the very end.  Abundant. Prosperous. Flourishing. Bountiful. Effective. Impactful. Generative. You cannot do this if you are not sticking to Christ closer than a brother. John 15:5 says, ““Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.”You can only only bear much fruit if you have a relationship with Jesus. Nothing else. Eternity should always be on your mind. Everything you do should have end time results.

Check your heart. John 15:16 says, “You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” The mark of a true Christian is in Christ alone. Those who have been given a trust must prove to be faithful. Show God. When He calls, obey. Bloom. Faithfully and fearlessly share Him. Be fruitful. It’s not about how you start but how you finish.