Christian Basics: Who are we?

Written by on January 23, 2014

This post was started because I was reflecting on the serman from my Pastor at River of Life Family Church.  In his sermon he asked a question that I have dwelled upon, “Do you know what it means to be a Christian?”.

I thought of all the usual answers…. Being a Christian means to be “Christ”-like and to be a disciple and follower of Christ.   I decided, then I needed to know what the Bible says, so I went to www.biblegateway.com and typed in “Christian” in search using the New King James Version Bible.  In the old days I would have went to my Strong’s Concordance, I like technology. Three verses appear when I do the search on biblegateway.com: Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28, and 1 Peter 4:16.

Let’s talk about each of the three verses.

1. Acts 11:26 – 
   And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

When reading the verse in context, Acts 11:29-27, I found that those believers who left Jerusalem after Stephen’s death.  These believers only preached to other Jews in the synagogue, while others spoke to the Jews who adopted Greek culture (Hellenists) in Antioch.  The net result is the number of believers increased.  Barnabas was sent to “check out” the group, and when he arrived he “seen the grace of God” and was glad.  As Barnabas encouraged them, the group grew in numbers.  Barnabas left to bring Saul (became Paul) to Antioch in verse 26, and the believers (disciples) were called Christians then.

The folks in the scripture were believers and considered disciples (a student, learner), the were witnesses, and they didn’t name themselves.  They were called Christians by others, so others noted who they followed and what they believed.

2. Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”

We have Paul (used to be named Saul) talkinto to King Agrippa about his early life, his conversion, and his life after his conversion (Acts (26:1-23).    Paul then asks Agrippa to respond.  Agrippa responded to Paul, “you almost persuade me to become a Christian”.  Paul just simply states that he wants them to become as he is now, a believer, without the physical chains.

Again we see that Paul did not refer to himself as a Christian.  But just shared his testamony.  Simply put, he witnessed.

3. 1 Peter 4:16
Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.

Let’s look at this verse with the surrounding verses around it, 1 Peter 4:15-17.  This letter in this section talks that believers shouldn’t experience pain/suffering as a “murder, thief, evildoer, or busybody”.  Those who endure suffering as a Christian, as a believer and follower of Christ, then for them there is nothing to be ashamed.  God will get the glory through that suffering.  A true follower of God will stand for their faith when threatened or questioned. If we are ashamed that we believe in the Lord then we are not true followers. This means that we should be willing to die for our faith.

Here again, those who are believers are called Christians by the author of the epistle.

So what did I learn?  I do not have to let people know I’m a Christian.  This supposition is also supported by scripture (Matthew 7:15-20), my life and fruits will bear it. They will know and call me a Christian because:

• I witness
• I proclaim the gospel
• People have come to Christ because of my obedience to “share the good news”
• I am a pupil a disciple of Christ.  So I study the Word.
• I am willing to die for my faith

Can I call you a Christian, because I see your fruit?  Are you a participant in God’s Kingdom and His plan, and not just a spectator?

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