THE CHRISTIAN

 

A Christian is a noun describing a follower of Christ. It was coined after the name of Jesus Christ – the Messiah. Group of disciples of Christ were first called Christians in Antioch according to the book of The Acts of the Apostles chapter 11 verse 26. The grace of God was so evident among these group of disciples; hence the birth of the name CHRISTIANS to describe these body of believers in Christ.

 

The act or process of naming (Nomenclature) is an instinct endowed upon man right from creation. Genesis 2 verse 19 and 20a. Hence man is able to name every work of creation, be it in the animal or plant kingdom and even inanimate objects. This instinct came into play when the characteristics and behaviours of group of people found assembling together matched that of our Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ; hence the acronym THE CHRISTIANS.

 

Though the name, THE CHRISTIANS, came after the crucifixion, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, he himself has signify in many ways during His earthly ministry what manner and characteristics of people that will be his follower. In the gospel according to Saint Matthew chapter 5, 6 and 7 he identified that his followers are members of a kingdom different from that of the world and thus enumerate the type of spirit and rules operating in the new kingdom.

 

In Matthew 5 verse 14-16 he said: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

 

Jesus said in Matthew 16 verse 24, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow me.” In John 17, he prayed for his followers unto God the Father and specifically in verse 16 he said: “They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.”

 

The manner of life and ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ was completely different from that of the religious sects (Pharisees and Sadducees) he met on the earth: no wonder the sect (his followers) after him were called CHRISTIANS in Antioch. It is pertinent to note that believers are called CHRISTIANS not as a result of any religious or ceremonial influence but as a result of people observed to be following ways and patterns of life of Jesus Christ – So, Christians are not just religious people but people with the life of Christ.

 

The Christians are people that lives a life of total separation from the world in accordance with the teachings and life of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christians are called to make a difference in the midst of corruption and decadence in the world.

 

The Christian is an individual living in a new kingdom suspended in an old kingdom: “... Ye are in the world, but not of the world ...” He is the light of the world expected to shine. He is expected to make a difference in all sceptre of life. The Christian is not afraid of desertion and persecution of the world just like Christ. He is to proclaim the gospel to all nations of the world. He is the one occupying in the world until the second coming of Christ.

 

Jesus says in John chapter 14 verse 1-3: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself: that where I am, there ye may be also.” The Christian is the one being prepared for this mansion above. HOW PREPARED ARE YOU?

 

Let’s keep shining the light so that we can reign with him.

 

SHALOM!!!