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Thursday, May 1, 2014

Christian or Christ-like?


“Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.”

                                                                                                Acts 11:26

Are you a Christian or are you Christ-like? Many of you may be reading this and asking yourself, “What’s the difference?” Aren’t all Christians Christ-like? The answer, unfortunately, is no.

It truly grieves me to see the number of people who call themselves Christian, yet make no real effort to be Christ-like. Initially those words were synonymous, but sadly today many want the title and benefits of Christianity without the sacrifice, suffering, and discipline it takes to be like Him.

When the disciples were first called Christians it was a designation that distinguished them as those who believed and lived out the teachings of Jesus Christ.  However, it was not a title they gave themselves. A careful reading of the Book of Acts teaches us that the early church referred to themselves as believers (Acts 2:44), disciples (Acts 6:1-2), saints (Acts 9:13), and the church or ekklesia (Acts 5:11); but never did they refer to themselves as Christians.

The term Christian was bestowed upon them by the Romans as a mean of identifying them among the various sects and ethnic groups. Some believe that it may have even carried a negative connotation, but irregardless of its intent, those who followed Christ had distinguished themselves in such a way as to create a distinction among the people.

Those earning the distinction of being a Christian were not authenticated by other believers, but it was the Gentiles who recognized by speech and behavior those who held to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

What a radical thought. Do unbelievers know you are a Christian? Is it because you tell them you are or are they convinced by your Christ-likeness? Do you follow the teachings of Christ so closely that you distinguish yourself as being a disciple of Jesus Christ?

Confessing to be a Christian without being Christ-like only generates confusion and projects a distorted image of Jesus Christ.

 

Pastor Scott Burr                                                                    

http://faithandworshipseries.blogspot.com/

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