"What Do You Mean Christian?"

Just what is meant when it is said of someone, “He/she is a Christian”?  What does 
the term “Christian” really mean?  The word Christian is first used in Acts 11:26 
of the Bible. It says: "And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch."

In defining what Christian means, notice that it was the "disciples" of Christ who were first called  “Christians.”  The word “disciple” means “learner,” “pupil,” or “student ” and is closely related to the word "discipline."  It is the task of the disciple to learn, study, obey, and pass along the teachings of the teacher.  Those called  Christians were FIRST "disciples"  -- students, learners -- of Christ. 

They were NOT just "believers" but FOLLOWERS of Christ! 
The disciples understood that in order for Jesus to be their SAVIOR, He must 
ALSO be LORD of their lives! 

What does the word “LORD” mean?  It means master or ruler. The term Lord 
has two parts:  1) His authority and 2) one’s obedience to His authority.  Jesus once asked, “But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do NOT do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).

How do we OBEY Christ the Lord? We OBEY Him when we DO what He commands. Listen to His words: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES the will of My Father in heaven. 
(Matthew 7:21)

What is the will of the Father?  His will is communicated to us through His inspired Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16)

How do we come to KNOW His will?  By reading His Word!  We CANNOT obey or follow what we do NOT know…."For ‘whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.’  How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed?  And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’  (Romans 10:13-15).

Pay careful attention to what Paul goes on to say in the NEXT verse:

"But they have NOT all OBEYED THE GOSPEL.  For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed our report?’  So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:16-17).

What is the GOSPEL which is to believed AND OBEYED?

THE GOSPEL IS:  the DEATH, BURIAL and RESURRECTION of Jesus Christ. (1Corinthians 15:1-4)

AND-- There is a "real life application” of THIS gospel message for the believer. 
Believers are to “reenact” these events (death, burial, resurrection) by their repentance (a death to sin), baptism (a burial), and being raised to walk in 
"newness of life" (a resurrection) by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 6:3-4)

BELIEVERS become FOLLOWERS – who are called  CHRISTIANS!

A Christian then continues to follow Christ as Lord - living a life where His Word is honored! (1 John 1:6-7)

Have YOU obeyed the Gospel? (click here)

God bless you!

Church of Christ at Creekwood 
1901 Schillinger Rd. S.
Mobile, Alabama  36695

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