What is the relevance in the name Christians to ourselves and anyone?
To be sure we are all on the same line of understanding about the word Christian, I will explain the origin of the name.
After the disciples of Jesus received the Holy Ghost on the day of Pentecost, they moved from city to city, preached the gospel, baptized converts, and taught them the teachings of Christ. Paul and Barnabas moved to Antioch and remained there for one year; It was here the people in Antioch named the disciples Christians.
Let us examine the qualities of the disciples at the time they received the name Christians, meaning Christ-followers.
The disciples lived for Christ through their devotion to the cause of the gospel, speaking about Him, living like Him. The scripture further tells us they prayed in the Holy Ghost, they broke the bread-like Jesus in communion, and the Holy Spirit was active in their lives, manifesting the works Jesus did through signs and wonders. They lived their lives sold out to Christ. They were neither in shame nor afraid of persecution for preaching the new way of service to God. Their living for Christ was very obvious to attract the name Christians. The disciples dwelt in the secret place of the Lord, lived there, and declared Him to humanity.
We may start to live for Christ after accepting Him into our lives through the believers’ prayers discussed earlier in the blog series. We are to imitate Christ from then on as He did to His Father; He said words like:
” For I have not spoken on My authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should tell” (John 12:49). Also, He said,” Peace to you! As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” (John 20:21).
Dwelling in Christ is following the Leader’s steps, which is equivalent to living in His presence. We take instructions from Him and obey all His teachings. The Bible has all the education we need to dwell in Him. 1 Peter 2:21 states, ” For to this, you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps”
When we dwell in Him:
- We become God’s favorites and enjoy lots of benefits.
- Our abode will be in His secret place (Psalm. 91)
- We enjoy recognition by God and the blessings from above (John 15).
- God meets our desires (Matthew 6:25-34),
- He reveals secret things to us (Psalm 25:14).
Plus, many more of God’s promises we can explore from the scriptures, as we ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate our hearts with His truth.
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