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The Names Christians Wear The Many Names of Christianity •Bible uses many terms to describe Christians. •Each illustrates the character, outlook, behavior or identity of the Christian. •Do we fit the descriptions? •The first name is………….Christian! •Would it surprise you to know the word “Christian” only appears three times in the Bible? •The word finds its origin in Acts 11:26 •“…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.” •Who first called them Christians? •Two major parties of scholars on the question. •Theory 1 – The name was divinely delivered •Theory 2 -- The name was derisive and given by the enemies of the church to ridicule them. •Meaning of the verb CHREMATISAI •Can’t tell from the immediate context who was doing the calling. •Infinitive aorist active – “were called” •Yet other clues might help us Modern translations KJV – “…and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” ISV – “…It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.” NIV – “…The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.” Websters (Common) – “…And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Clarification? YLT – “…the disciples also were divinely called first in Antioch Christians.” Marshall’s interlinear: (English beneath Greek translation) – “…and it happened to them also year a whole to be assembled in the church and to teach a crowd considerable, (and) to call firstly in Antioch the disciples Christians.” My view: God called them Christians •The Meaning of the Name •To be like Christ •Of, or relating to Christ •The understanding is that a Christian follows the example of and strives to be like Christ Jesus. •The name applied to those who were formerly called “disciples” Modern Shades of Meaning: A well known Christian leadership magazine identified five different classes of Christians in our modern society. They are as follows: Type 1 – Active Christians – 19% Believe salvation comes through Jesus Are committed church goers Are Bible readers Accept leadership positions Invest in personal faith development Feel obligated to share their faith (75%) Type 2 – Professing Christians (20%) Believe salvation comes through Jesus Focus on personal relationship with God and Christ Different actions from Type 1 Less involved in church Less commitment to bible reading or evangelism Type 3 – Liturgical Christians (16 %) Predominantly Catholic and Lutheran Regular churchgoers High level of spiritual activity through service to church or community. Recognize the authority of the church. Type 4 – Private Christians (24%) Largest and youngest group Believe in God and in doing good things. Own a Bible but do not read it. Spiritually interested, but not in a church context. Few attend, almost none are leaders. Type 5 – Cultural Christians (21%) Little outward religious behavior. Aware of God, but little relationship or devotion. Do not view Jesus as essential to salvation. Favor universality in theology. Tightening The Definition: Matthew 7:21 -"Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Living The Name Christian 1 Peter 4:16 -- ”…but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.” We are to bear the name without shame. We are to bear the name as divinely assigned. We are to bear the name through which we glorify God. What kind of Christian are you? On fire? Devoted? Active? Maturing? So-so? Occasional? Peripheral? Name only? Unaware? Uninvolved? Outer fringe? Where should you be?