Joining God (4)

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

As you join God in His redemptive activity, your sensitivity to His agenda will heighten. You will begin to see people the way God views them. Your heart for the lost will increase as you embrace the true meaning of being a Christian. In the language of the New Testament, the word Christian means to be of the party of Christ. It means to be identified as a little Christ. This word is used three times in the New Testament: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and I Peter 4:16.

• “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?'” Acts 26:28 (NIV)
• “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” 1 Peter 4:16 (NIV)

God was doing a redemptive work in the city of Antioch and the disciples joined God in His activity. Their irresistible influence in the pagan metropolis of Antioch caused the pagans to tag the disciples as Christians. It was considered a term of derision. The disciples in Antioch were deemed from the party of Christ.

If you were to ever be identified with anyone, there’s no greater person to be identified than Jesus Christ. In fact, the Bible says, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved”(Acts 4:12 NIV). As you join God in His redemptive activity, be willing to be identified by others as a Christian. Your life should draw people to Christ, not repel them from Christ. Let others see Christ in you!

Pursuing God,

Stephen Trammell
Executive Pastor