The Name You Bear

Chuckle: "Birthdays are good for you -- the more you have, the longer you live!"

Quote: “Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than going to a garage makes you an automobile.” --William Ashley (Billy) Sunday

"The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" (Acts 11:26 NIV).

The story is told about Alexander The Great, the great military leader of the fourth century B.C. He once confronted a cowardly soldier and asked him his name. The soldier replied, "Alexander." Then Alexander the Great said to him: "Change your ways or change your name."

Names are important even today and were especially so in Biblical times. We bear the name "Christian" because of our relationship to Christ. But we must remember that being called "Christian" does not make us Christians. The story about Alexander the Great, caused me to wonder if my actions as a Christian would cause Jesus to say: "Change your ways or change your name." Various names have been given to Christians that define them.

Believers: This term is often used to describe the belief system of Christians. We believe: in God the Creator; the Bible -- God's Holy Word; that we are sinners and that we desperately need a savior; Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is our Savior because of his atoning sacrifice on Calvary's Cross; Jesus arose from the dead on the third day; we have been saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ; God's Holy Spirit lives within us; in the bodily return of Jesus Christ one day and that eternity in heaven awaits all true Christians.

Disciples: This term means students, apprentices, and followers of Christ. A disciple is submissive to God as Jesus was submissive to the will of his Father when he died for the sins of the world. A disciple's actions are patterned after the life modeled by Jesus when he was here on earth. This includes living a life of love, humility, and service. Disciples strive to conform their lives to the will of Christ.

Saints: A Biblical term describing all genuine Christians. Paul often began his writings with the words like: "To the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi," etc. It means we have been sanctified (set apart) and made holy for God's service. It means we should live pure and holy lives, and live up to the name of Christ we bear.

Witnesses: Jesus said to his followers, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:8 NIV). In New Testament times, faithful witnesses for Christ often laid down their lives as martyrs. When Peter and John were threatened for preaching in the name of Jesus, they said, "Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God's sight to obey you rather than God. For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard" (Acts 4:19-20 NIV). As Christ's witnesses we are charged with the mission of telling others what we have experienced in Christ. Are you and I living up to the name Christian?

Love, Jerry & Dotse