PRIVELGED TO BE CALLED A CHRISTIAN
We carry the name “Christian” today with humility and honor. However, many of those around us use it in a negative, derogatory way. In our past generation, “Christian” was a respected term, even if others didn’t agree. Now the name is again used in critical ways. We shouldn’t be surprised, for the Bible says this will happen in the last days (2 Peter 3:3).
The term was first used for believers in Antioch (Acts 11:26). Mockers labeled followers of Jesus to identify them. The term is only used two other times in the Bible (Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16).
“Christ” is the Greek word for the Hebrew “Messiah,” the Anointed One of God (Acts 10:38; Luke 4:18). “Christ/Messiah” was really the title of God Himself come to earth as a man to pay for the sins of the world. It became synonymous for Jesus.
The “ian” ending is a Latin adjectival ending. Greek, Hebrew, and Latin, were the languages that “The King of the Jews” sign was written on the cross (John 19:20).
To be identified with Christ and carry His name is a great honor and privilege. Never be ashamed of it (Romans 1:16). Never make excuses for it. Never hide your identity. Jesus identified Himself with us, went to the cross and suffered our eternal punishment in hell. Gratitude enables us to be identified with Him and bear the consequences that may result. Are you grateful to be a Christian? I am! I hope you are as well.
Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Are you thankful to be a Christian? Do you honor Jesus by your life, your choices and your responses to others? It is a joy to carry His name and be His representative on earth? Take the name of Christ with you wherever you go today.
TESTIMONIES FROM INDIA: Pastor Moses sent me this: “Pastor Pras was very happy with his family receiving food today (see picture below). He comes from the Dalit community (Untouchables) community and has one daughter studying 12th class. He had bad life in the past but God changed his life and called him to God’s ministry. He stayed with a church and learned ministry. One day God spoked to him to share the gospel to a village people. He obeyed and started God’s ministry and people started accepting Jesus. Soon he started fellowship and again went to another village sharing the gospel and again people started having fellowship. So now he has two churches. He is happy and thankful to the Lord for using him in God’s ministry. Appreciate your prayers for him.”