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Do You Want To Be Called Christian?

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **7/25/16 12:02 pm**

I heard a well spoken guy make the statement "I don't want to be called Christian".

I have done some thinking on his statement. I too don't want to be called Christian. Many people who call themselves Christian are not anything like me or Christ.

This guy wanted to be called a "Believer".

When you see so-called Christians behaving badly it makes me want to get far away from them.

Just call me a Believer.

Christians & Christianity

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1771 **7/26/16 6:42 am**

By far the most prominent and almost exclusive designation for Believers since the beginning of the Church is Christian. Yet, to be used exclusively as a designation it is only found three times in the New Testament - Acts 11:26 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

Acts 11:25 reveals it was at Antioch where "the disciples were first called Christians."

Obviously Christ is the English rendering for the Greek for Messiah, Christos. The verb "were called" is from the Greek chrematizo, meaning to "transact business." To transact business under a particular name resulted in being called by that name.

So, it was in Antioch the Disciples transacted business in the name of Christ and the general public had grown accustomed to hearing the name of Jesus Christ.

The Disciples distinguished themselves in their conduct in Jesus Christ's name drawing attention to the Gentiles who also wanted to be "Christ-like," or Christians (the suffix "ian" means relating to, relating to Christ".

So, whether out of admiration or ridicule, believers were first tagged as Christ-like, belonging to Christ, at Antioch, a name enduring both he best and worst of times. It is a name associated with themes devout and the most devious, men and women who were holy and some who were hateful, some serving as examples of life transformed by Jesus Christ, some who have used and abused the name of Jesus Christ.

Christians and Christianity is both revered and reviled.

Perhaps Disciple would be a good alternative but then we would really have to be Jesus' disciple and that is a different issue.
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Mi kamocah ba'elim Adonai
"Who is like you, Adonai, among the mighty?" (Exodus 15:11, CJB)

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **7/26/16 8:51 am**

Maggebet stated:

"By far the most prominent and almost exclusive designation for Believers since the beginning of the Church is Christian. Yet, to be used exclusively as a designation it is only found three times in the New Testament - Acts 11:26 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16.

Acts 11:25 reveals it was at Antioch where "the disciples were first called Christians."

Obviously Christ is the English rendering for the Greek for Messiah, Christos. The verb "were called" is from the Greek chrematizo, meaning to "transact business." To transact business under a particular name resulted in being called by that name.[/b]

So, it was in Antioch the Disciples transacted business in the name of Christ and the general public had grown accustomed to hearing the name of Jesus Christ.

The Disciples distinguished themselves in their conduct in Jesus Christ's name drawing attention to the Gentiles who also wanted to be "Christ-like," or Christians (the suffix "ian" means relating to, relating to Christ".

So, whether out of admiration or ridicule, believers were first tagged as Christ-like, belonging to Christ, at Antioch, a name enduring both he best and worst of times. It is a name associated with themes devout and the most devious, men and women who were holy and some who were hateful, some serving as examples of life transformed by Jesus Christ, some who have used and abused the name of Jesus Christ.

Christians and Christianity is both revered and reviled.

Perhaps Disciple would be a good alternative but then we would really have to be Jesus' disciple and that is a different issue."

I am seeing more of the devious and hateful people calling themselves Christians than I have ever seen in my lifetime. Are people losing the vision of what it means to be a Christian? Are Christians being overcome by the world? I see lots of Christians that say they love God, but they are quick to let you know they don't love people (especially people who don't think or look like them).

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **7/26/16 10:38 am**

I am a Christian!

[Insert Acts Pun Here] Posts: 14803 **7/26/16 12:07 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **7/26/16 8:56 pm**

bonnie knox stated:

Old Time Country Preacher wrote:
I am a Christian!

I can imagine you singing page 46 in the Red Back Hymnal, "I'd Rather Be an Old-Time Christian."

Back in the Red Book day no one had a problem being called a Christian. It showed you were set apart for Jesus and His work. It doesn't usually mean that now. Times have changed.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **7/26/16 9:25 pm**

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **7/26/16 10:36 pm**

OTCP stated:

"Have times changed since Antioch where the followers of The Way were called Christians? Just cause a feller uses the term "believer" don't mean he's even livin right, no moniker does that."

In years past we had no problem when people said we are "gay".
Do you want people to refer to you as "gay" today?

Today the term "Christian" and "gay" does not automatically bring about good thoughts as they did in times past.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **7/26/16 10:45 pm**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/27/16 12:08 am**

Of course I want to be called a Christian. I wouldn't mind being called a believer in Christ/Jesus. But there are many believers and only one Christian belief!
Me? Not just a believer. But a Believer in Christ. Isn't that a Christian, no matter what others might THINK! Confused

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Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16509 **7/27/16 2:09 am**

I like being called a believer. I also like to think of my self as a disciple of Christ. The term "Christian" is way too wide. Westboro Baptist is Christian, for example. The KKK are Christians. Hitler was Christian.

Eddie,

Golf Cart Mafia Associate Posts: 2109 **7/27/16 8:09 am**

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16646 **7/27/16 8:15 am**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/27/16 8:24 am**

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 15570 **7/27/16 9:08 am**

Nothin wrong with bein called a believer. The only thing is some folk treat it like skinny jeans, shirts hangin out, etc., like its some new, innovative, cool, cutting edge thing. IT AIN'T. Both believers and Christians can lapse into hypocrisy.

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/27/16 10:27 am**

01000001 01100011 01110100 01110011 Posts: 24285 **7/27/16 11:20 am**

Okay here it is, Now I am a believer!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EqneoPcjwU
_________________
Some facts but mostly just my opinion!
jacsher@aol.com
http://shipslog-jack.blogspot.com/

Acts Enthusiast Posts: 1449 **7/28/16 10:42 am**

At least if you call yourself a Believer you may get the chance to explain what kind of a Believer. If you say you are a Christian some people get the idea you are narrow minded, a bigot and not loving like Jesus.

All them things may not be true about you but you may not get the change to tell your story.

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16509 **7/28/16 11:38 am**

The term "believer" in this context, on this board, is short for "believer in Christ."

You can come up with negatives about most anything, so why even worry about labels and just live out your faith?

Acts-pert Poster Posts: 16646 **7/28/16 12:30 pm**

A quote with a disputed origin - but good nonetheless:

Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.
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Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because its the best thing going today!