clcgh.org Building The Capacity Of Christian Leaders, Equipping The Saints For The Work Of Ministry, Redirecting Straying Christians To The Sound Knowledge Of Christ
The word “Christian” appears only three times in the King James Version (KJV) of the 66 books, 1,189 chapters and 31,173 verses of the Bible.
It is explained to mean “follower of Christ” or “belonging to the party of Christ”. A follower of Christ is a disciple of Christ.
The word was first used in Antioch, a city which is called Antakya in Turkey today. It was in this city that the early disciples were called Christians.
“Then 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 11:25-26 NIV).
Later, after the term had been used, Luke, the writer of the book of Acts of Apostles, recorded it again in Acts 26:28 when King Agrippa used it in his communication with Paul.
“And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to BE A CHRISTIAN?” (Acts 26:28).
The word “Christian” was finally used by Peter in his first letter to the Jewish believers to encourage them to stand strong in the face of the persecution they were suffering
“Yet if anyone SUFFERS AS A CHRISTIAN, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name (Jesus)” (1 Peter 4:16).
From Acts 11: 25-26, it appears clearly that the followers of Christ, also known as disciples were called Christians by the non-believers in Antioch. Perhaps, they saw the character of Christ Jesus – His humility, love, patience, meekness, gentleness, faithfulness, simplicity, boldness and wisdom in their conducts or speech.
It could also be that they saw them, preaching the gospel with miracles, signs and wonders accompanying them. Or they saw them, teaching the word of salvation with great power, praying in the Holy Ghost, healing the sick in Jesus’ mighty name.
I see the term “Christian” as a description of the relationship or fellowship a person has with Christ Jesus. So, to be a Christian is to have relationship or fellowship with Christ. It is to be connected with Christ. In fact, it is to be joined to Christ to become one spirit with Him.
To be a follower of Christ is to say what Christ said and do what He did. It is to love what the Lord loved and obey what He obeyed. A true follower of Christ or Christian will not sleep at a place where Jesus will not sleep; he will not watch what our Saviour will not watch.
In other words, genuine Christians speak what Christ spoke, sit where Christ sat, discuss what Christ discussed and teach what Jesus taught.
Now, no one can just get up and begin to do these things without first learning to deny himself. To deny yourself is to disown yourself or exchange your will for the will of God before you take up your cross.
To take up your cross to follow Jesus Christ is to be willing to suffer rejection, persecution, hunger or even death for the sake of Christ. Above all, you must also let the mind (attitude) which was in Christ Jesus be in you (Philippians 2:5).
I pray that you will be inspired to deepen your relationship with the Lord Jesus and become one spirit with Him permanently! May the totality of your being be influenced by His majestic presence now and forevermore! Amen!
James Quansah
