Notes I took from a sermon preached by Wayde Miller.
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch. Not as a way to differentiate from the Jews, not as a negative term by their enemies, but as a name of love from God. God gave the disciples this name.
The church at Antioch was a church filled with grace, there was no prejudice -- Jewish descent, Greeks, all types worshiped together in Antioch. Today we are to beware of prejudices among Christians - we are all one -- no difference in color, economics, family ties, friendship, etc. All should be ONE in Christ.
Acts 11:19-30
19&20 - the church was established at Antioch both Jewish Christians and Gentiles. The message preached to them was the Lord Jesus - a message on ONE saving.
v 21 - told to believe and turn to the Lord.
Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire, a paganistic, materialistic, sinful city. The church thrived in this city, it was a church of grace, always helping other churches, the brethren, and teaching the Lord Jesus. We too should teach their same message --
Whose Message? What Question? Do you believe in Jesus Christ?
"The worst the sinner, the more in tune he is to hear the Word." Christ taught to the sinners. We should all remember that we are sinners and be willing to hear the Word and to study God's Word.
More than belief is needed. "Faith Only" is not what Jesus wants. Salvation is simple: the Christians at Antioch believe AND turned to the Lord. New Testament belief IS doing something.
John 12:42&43 -- believe AND confess (confession is doing something)
Romans 10:13-14 -- believe AND call on the name of the Lord (calling is doing something)
Hebrews 11:6 -- believe AND Come to God (to come to God is doing something)
Mark 16:16 -- believe AND be baptized (to be baptized is doing something)
The message was always the same -- believe and do something. Even the devil believes -- we are to do something.
Always remember -- Christian is a name that God has given YOU. Do NOT take it for granted, it is an honor, not a classification of religion as it is seen in today's society. But our family name, our name in Christ Jesus.
5 comments:
just stopping by to check on you. I'm ok, learning how a live a happy sober life. I'm learning how to love and laugh and how to love myself again.
peace hugs and kisses
are you still trudging along,,,
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
I always motivated by you, your thoughts and attitude, again, thanks for this nice post.
- Thomas
Post a Comment