Week Eight

     Almost as a footnote in Acts 11:26, Luke adds this simple statement, "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch." Have you ever wondered what Christians would be called today if not for the disciples of Christ in Antioch?
    Before Antioch, the followers of Jesus were referred to as people of 'The Way' (Acts 9:2). Yet the disciples in Antioch lived lives that reflected the life of Christ so much that they were called 'little Christs' or 'Christians'. Notice, they weren't calling themselves Christians, but the unsaved, lost people of Antioch began to call them Christians.
    What a strong, unwavering witness the disciples of Antioch lived! I ask myself if no one had ever been called Christian before me, would my life reflect Jesus enough that someone would call me Christian, or can they anyway? I notice that too often Christians must identify themselves as Christians before lost people will even think of us as Christians. What am I doing wrong?
    I think the answer is found in Jesus' words, "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself." (John 12:32)
The Apostle Paul said it like this, "For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21).
   So, What do I need to do? "Let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the Gospel." (Philippians 1 :27) and "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5).
                      Remember, the term 'Christian' shouldn't be a title, it should be a description.

                                      Blessings Prayers and Love,
                                             Bro Tom and Sister Sue