Submitted by fwbkotowske on February 20, 2009 - 12:37pm.
The Greek word for "Christian," is Christianos. This means "follower of Christ; Christian." According to Hayford’s Bible Handbook (page 570):
The word occurs three times in the New Testament.
The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch (Acts 11:26), and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision – "little Christs." Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor, not of shame (Acts 26:28; I Peter 4:16). Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used…."
T/S says, Just because some one calls themself something doesnt make it so. To be a follower depends on what you do, To be a Christian is to depend on what Christ has done for you.
FWB says read the definition of the word Christian as outlined above. Being a Christ follower is what a Christian DOES. Having our hearts refined through the blood of Christ, well that's what God does for us if we commit to follow Christf - through His grace.
People have perverted the word Christian and have used it in its original context more and more in the past few years (not what it grew to mean after refinement) - the orginal use was a mockery of followers of Christ. We need to REFINE and PURIFY and REINVENT the word in TODAY's society to mean exactly what YOU and I are saying. To mean what the early Christians turned the word into - an honorable title. But not to just hide behind the word in religious style.
Unfortunately, the word is being used incorrectly all over the world in every community. People are calling themselves something they are not - WE AGREE! This is the whole point of the movement, not some twisted anti-Christ movement. It is to get Christians together, unified for the cause of Christ. Weeds will grow with the wheat and will either choke the wheat or the wheat will be sifted if it is strong enough. It is Biblical to expect refining if you ask for it - this is what is being called for with this movement.
Be strong and continue to stand for the kingdom. Just don't allow yourself to be grouped in with a bunch of people that, as you put it, need to be born again. Don't be caught without oil in your lamp amongst the people who are complacent and accepting of the being put into a pen with people who use your King's name without reverence, respect, or right to do so.
God Bless and thank you for all of your repsonses.
The Greek word for "Christian," is Christianos. This means "follower of Christ; Christian." According to Hayford’s Bible Handbook (page 570):
The word occurs three times in the New Testament.
The designation of the early followers of Christ as Christians was initiated by the non-Christian population of Antioch (Acts 11:26), and originally it was probably a term of mocking or derision – "little Christs." Eventually, however, Christians used it of themselves as a name of honor, not of shame (Acts 26:28; I Peter 4:16). Prior to their adoption of the name, the Christians called themselves believers (Acts 5:14), brothers (Acts 6:3), or saints (Acts 9:13), names which also continued to be used…."
T/S says, Just because some one calls themself something doesnt make it so. To be a follower depends on what you do, To be a Christian is to depend on what Christ has done for you.
FWB says read the definition of the word Christian as outlined above. Being a Christ follower is what a Christian DOES. Having our hearts refined through the blood of Christ, well that's what God does for us if we commit to follow Christf - through His grace.
People have perverted the word Christian and have used it in its original context more and more in the past few years (not what it grew to mean after refinement) - the orginal use was a mockery of followers of Christ. We need to REFINE and PURIFY and REINVENT the word in TODAY's society to mean exactly what YOU and I are saying. To mean what the early Christians turned the word into - an honorable title. But not to just hide behind the word in religious style.
Unfortunately, the word is being used incorrectly all over the world in every community. People are calling themselves something they are not - WE AGREE! This is the whole point of the movement, not some twisted anti-Christ movement. It is to get Christians together, unified for the cause of Christ. Weeds will grow with the wheat and will either choke the wheat or the wheat will be sifted if it is strong enough. It is Biblical to expect refining if you ask for it - this is what is being called for with this movement.
Be strong and continue to stand for the kingdom. Just don't allow yourself to be grouped in with a bunch of people that, as you put it, need to be born again. Don't be caught without oil in your lamp amongst the people who are complacent and accepting of the being put into a pen with people who use your King's name without reverence, respect, or right to do so.
God Bless and thank you for all of your repsonses.