The Name Christian is Neither God Sent Nor God Given
There are millions of individuals that claim to know the Lord, while embracing the name "Christian" as their title or banner of honor. I just want to state for the record, that God nor Christ had anything to do with naming those who has accepted Jesus as their Savior. You will find no record of God or Jesus addressing the believers as "Christians". However, you will read in God's Constitution where the disciples were called "Christians", but if you read carefully, they didn't call themselves that name. Later, they allowed others to call them "Christians". The place where they were first called "Christians" was in the city of Antioch.
Constitutional Scripture: Acts 11:22-26 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23) When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25) Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26) And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Focus Point: So from there, the individuals who were known to follow and believe in Jesus the Christ were called "Christians". God nor Jesus had anything to do with labeling the name "Christians". The people gave them that name. From there that name was embraced by other individuals. It had spread so far and fast that even King Agrippa identified Paul as a "Christian". You see, at the beginning, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they were truly living God's principles and obeying God's laws and precepts. But now, anyone who may be attending a church or believe that Jesus lived, died and rose again here on this planet earth claim to be a "Christian". There is no conversion in the lifestyle. King Agrippa was following the apostle's whereabouts, and his servants would report back to the king. The king respected the apostle highly. Why? Because Paul lived the life that he spoke about. Can you say that about yourself? Paul was consistent in his life with Christ. Can you say this about yourself? Back then, to carry the name "Christian" identified with the character of Christ, but now many of those who parade with the banner "Christian" live very shabby lifestyles and reflect nothing like the character of Christ. They are malfunctioning citizens of the Kingdom. Listen to conversation with Paul, Festus and King Agrippa:
Constitutional Scripture: Acts 26:24-32 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” 25) But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26) For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27) King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28) Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29) And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” 30) When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31) and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32) Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Focus Point: Remember, Paul's life was consistent with the king's principles and laws. The Word of God should always be a priority in your life. To be called a "Christian" back then meant something. It was a badge of honor, but now it is considered a religion, where everyone who lives any kind of life claims to be a "Christian".
Constitutional Scripture: Acts 11:22-26 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23) When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24) For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25) Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26) And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
Focus Point: So from there, the individuals who were known to follow and believe in Jesus the Christ were called "Christians". God nor Jesus had anything to do with labeling the name "Christians". The people gave them that name. From there that name was embraced by other individuals. It had spread so far and fast that even King Agrippa identified Paul as a "Christian". You see, at the beginning, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and they were truly living God's principles and obeying God's laws and precepts. But now, anyone who may be attending a church or believe that Jesus lived, died and rose again here on this planet earth claim to be a "Christian". There is no conversion in the lifestyle. King Agrippa was following the apostle's whereabouts, and his servants would report back to the king. The king respected the apostle highly. Why? Because Paul lived the life that he spoke about. Can you say that about yourself? Paul was consistent in his life with Christ. Can you say this about yourself? Back then, to carry the name "Christian" identified with the character of Christ, but now many of those who parade with the banner "Christian" live very shabby lifestyles and reflect nothing like the character of Christ. They are malfunctioning citizens of the Kingdom. Listen to conversation with Paul, Festus and King Agrippa:
Constitutional Scripture: Acts 26:24-32 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!” 25) But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. 26) For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. 27) King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe.”
28) Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29) And Paul said, “I would to God that not only you, but also all who hear me today, might become both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” 30) When he had said these things, the king stood up, as well as the governor and Bernice and those who sat with them; 31) and when they had gone aside, they talked among themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing deserving of death or chains.”
32) Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
Focus Point: Remember, Paul's life was consistent with the king's principles and laws. The Word of God should always be a priority in your life. To be called a "Christian" back then meant something. It was a badge of honor, but now it is considered a religion, where everyone who lives any kind of life claims to be a "Christian".
