They Were Called Christians

I wish I could have witnessed the early church. Jesus' death and resurrection still fresh, a group of disciples dispersing throughout the regions, boldly claiming salvation through Christ. The Holy Spirit having only just made His appearance; baptizing believers with fire, and filling them with His presence. It was a new access to God that hadn't existed before. Those who came to hear weren't consumers looking to be entertained. They were the lost, coming to hear the amazing message of eternal life. There were beatings, imprisonment and even death for preaching Christ. Yet the gospel message spread like wildfire. It was the beginning of the Church. And the start of a new word: Christian.

In Acts 11:26 the disciple Barnabas went looking for Saul. When he found him, he brought him to Antioch. "For a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (26b)

If you were to ask a non-believer in America today to describe Christians in one word, a common responds would be 'hypocrite'. I have heard it all too often. We (as a whole) are often viewed as intolerant, insensitive and judgmental. But what does the word 'Christian' literally mean? The answer: 'Little Christ'. It is incredible to think that Jesus' followers were given a title like this. When people encountered the disciples; when they heard them speak, and when they saw first hand their authentic love, sacrifice and commitment even unto death, no one could deny they were glimpses of Jesus Himself. What a witness! 

We get to be part of something bigger than the buildings we walk into on Sundays. We are part of THE Church. We are Christ's hands and feet until He returns. May we resemble Him, and blamelessly bear the title 'Christian', so that one day we can proudly stand before the throne of God and hear Papa say, "Well done good and faithful servant."

Why do so many non believers perceive Christians in a negative light?
What privileges come with bearing the name 'Little Christ'?