''And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch'' Acts 11:26.
Many people are ignorant of the fact that being born into a home that goes to church or that bears Christian name does not automatically make one a Christian. They are also ignorant of the fact that Christianity is not a religion; and a Christian is not a religionist. Who then is a Christian? A Christian is a disciple of Christ who put all the beatitudes (first and foremost teaching of Christ about the kingdom of God) into practice. In other words, a Christian is a little Christ who live a life of beatitude.
There were multitudes who followed Jesus during his lifetime but only few were disciples (dedicated followers of Christ). Non of the disciples of Christ was ever called Christian; because non lived up to the beatitude life. The number of disciples of Jesus increased and scattered abroad after his ascension into Heaven and descent of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. The Church elders from Jerusalem sent Barnabas, a man filled with Holy Spirit to teach the church in Antioch. He and his assistant (Paul) assembled with the disciples for a whole year and taught the teachings of Christ. It was during that period that disciples in Antioch were first called Christians; because they exemplified the beatitudes in everyday life - Matthew 5:1-12.
What were the beatitude lifestyles which they exemplified?
1. They were poor in Spirit: They were eager to be in fellowship with God and brethren; to know more about the word if God, and to pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit power.
2. They mourned: They felt remorse over their wrongful past when convicted in the light of God's word.
3. They were meek: They accorded respect to one and another in fellowship; showed humble disposition in their way of dressing, mode of worship, in speech and relationship with every mankind.
4. They hungered and thirst after righteousness: They spent their time, energy and resources on spiritual things which edify soul and enhance righteous living.
5. They were merciful: They had forgiving hearts and compassion for the needy.
6. They were pure in heart: The word of God was continually hidden in their hearts as they gave no room for evil thought/imaginations.
7. They were peacemakers: They lived peacefully with all men and continually preached the gospel of peace to all.
8. They rejoiced always: They did not allow persecutions and trials of live take the joy of salvation from their faces/countenances.
All these virtues exemplified by the disciples in Antioch earned them the appellation ''Christians'' The Holy Spirit was working in their church because they had Spirit filled teachers who stood for holiness and taught them in the way of the Lord. Their church members graduated from been called disciples to Christians.
Dear reader, are you a Christian that live the beatitude life daily?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and call to be a Christian. I repent of my sins and unbelief; and choose to be your true disciple. Forgive me all my sins and cleanse me in the precious blood of Jesus. Save me, sanctify me, baptize me in the Holy Spirit and grant me the grace to live the beatitude life daily, in Jesus Name. Amen
MORE GRACE TO CONTINUE IN NEW LIFE
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