RPG Adults
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22
Acts 11:22-26
1 Thessalonians 1:6-8
“So that ye were ensamples
to all that believe…”
ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
“Christian” was a derogatory term used to malign those who were following the Lord Jesus Christ, taunting the believers whose allegiance was to Jesus Christ and to one another. It is interesting that they were first called that name not in the church at Jerusalem but in Antioch (of Syria), a Greek-speaking city. To the world, it was a belittling title but to the believers, it was an excellent title to be associated with the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Graced of the Lord: The news came from the believers in Antioch. Barnabas, who was sent from Jerusalem, came and saw the outpouring of blessings of God upon the disciples. Grace may have included how the Lord granted them wisdom to understand and learn His words; how they loved to commune with God in prayers and supplication; how they manifested the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, expressing them in loving one another in the Lord; and how they continued to witness for Christ, resulting in much people being added unto the Lord. Barnabas rejoiced and encouraged them to set forth and keep on remaining in the Lord.
Gathered with the church: Barnabas found Saul and brought him to Antioch where they continued for a year, regularly gathering together as a church. They also taught the people the doctrines of Christ. This caused their lives to be more and more like Jesus’ and, inevitably, they were called Christians.
Today, we have so much politics and businesses in churches. What is your purpose of coming to church? Are you truly graced of God and gathering together with the saints in the name of the Lord? If you are just a nominal Christian coming only on Sundays to spend an hour or two under the shadow of the sanctuary, you have missed the point! Repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will experience what is truly the excellence of being called a Christian.
THOUGHT: Am I living a Christ-like life?
PRAYER: Father, fill me with the Holy Spirit that I may live like Jesus.