Christian
“Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11.25, 26
“Christian” – “Christianó” – A masculine noun from “Christós” (Christ). It was a name given to the disciples or followers of Christ and first adopted at Antioch. It does not occur in the New Testament as a name commonly used by Christians themselves. (Acts 11.26; 26.28; I Peter 4.16). The believers first became known as Christians as an appellation of ridicule and was first given to followers of Christ by pagan Gentiles.
The term occurs only three times in the New Testament and each time there is something of a sideways air of derision. “Christiano” indicates someone who is a follower of Christ. This would indicate belief in the saving power of Jesus’ finished work on Calvary – believing into Him for salvation. (Romans 10.9, 10, 13) While belief in the name (reputation and character) of Jesus for salvation, that faith is expressed in our lifestyle – in the things we love and follow. Being a Christian suggests thinking as our Savior would think (Philippians 2.5) and acting in ways that our Savior would act. (Matthew 16.24; Mark 8.34; 10.21; Luke 9.23)
In modern times, the word Christian has fallen into a world of blurred and dim gray. There are many who claim the moniker “Christian” and call upon others to ask themselves “What would Jesus do?” although their calls and pleas have little or no resemblance to the reputation and character of Jesus.
The question “What would Jesus do?” came to prominence from a book, “In His Steps,” written by Charles M. Sheldon. Charles M. Sheldon, a Congregational minister and author of the classic novel “In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?” challenged his congregation with this very question in 1896. The intertwining stories of his congregants prompted readers everywhere to explore and reflect upon how to apply Christian ethics toward solving social issues such as injustice, crime, and poverty. I would highly recommend this book as it suggests much more than I can suggest here.
The Christ follower must first become well-acquainted with the One that he or she is following. We must know Him intimately and understand, from God’s written Word, who He is and what He would do. Jesus came to save sinners from their sins so that the believer may enjoy freedom from the penalty of sin and walk in a newness of life. (Romans 6.4) Jesus never condoned or left a sinning sinner in his sins. And, He never refused to offer a new life to someone who was repentant.
Jesus was concerned with making and building relationships – those relationships were based upon bringing an errant soul into a personal relationship with God through Christ.
A Christian, a Follower of Christ, is one who primarily knows his Savior, accepts Him as his only hope of salvation and follows Him step-by-step. Being a Christ-follower involves study in God’s Word and submission to His will.
The lost world will not understand, and may become hostile. But, the Follower of Christ will be found in a close relationship with the One who loves unconditionally.
The term occurs only three times in the New Testament and each time there is something of a sideways air of derision. “Christiano” indicates someone who is a follower of Christ. This would indicate belief in the saving power of Jesus’ finished work on Calvary – believing into Him for salvation. (Romans 10.9, 10, 13) While belief in the name (reputation and character) of Jesus for salvation, that faith is expressed in our lifestyle – in the things we love and follow. Being a Christian suggests thinking as our Savior would think (Philippians 2.5) and acting in ways that our Savior would act. (Matthew 16.24; Mark 8.34; 10.21; Luke 9.23)
In modern times, the word Christian has fallen into a world of blurred and dim gray. There are many who claim the moniker “Christian” and call upon others to ask themselves “What would Jesus do?” although their calls and pleas have little or no resemblance to the reputation and character of Jesus.
The question “What would Jesus do?” came to prominence from a book, “In His Steps,” written by Charles M. Sheldon. Charles M. Sheldon, a Congregational minister and author of the classic novel “In His Steps: What Would Jesus Do?” challenged his congregation with this very question in 1896. The intertwining stories of his congregants prompted readers everywhere to explore and reflect upon how to apply Christian ethics toward solving social issues such as injustice, crime, and poverty. I would highly recommend this book as it suggests much more than I can suggest here.
The Christ follower must first become well-acquainted with the One that he or she is following. We must know Him intimately and understand, from God’s written Word, who He is and what He would do. Jesus came to save sinners from their sins so that the believer may enjoy freedom from the penalty of sin and walk in a newness of life. (Romans 6.4) Jesus never condoned or left a sinning sinner in his sins. And, He never refused to offer a new life to someone who was repentant.
Jesus was concerned with making and building relationships – those relationships were based upon bringing an errant soul into a personal relationship with God through Christ.
A Christian, a Follower of Christ, is one who primarily knows his Savior, accepts Him as his only hope of salvation and follows Him step-by-step. Being a Christ-follower involves study in God’s Word and submission to His will.
The lost world will not understand, and may become hostile. But, the Follower of Christ will be found in a close relationship with the One who loves unconditionally.
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