Text: Acts 11:26
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 many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
If you read and study the bible as a believer, rather than a scholar, you will find out; from the onset that God ordained man to have a living and fruitful relationship with Him. As you listen to God through His word, you will hear and understand a consistent theme of Divine agenda, throughout the Scriptures, before, during and after Christ. With this series: “Christianity is a matter of life”, I am going to be sharing inspiration from the Holy Spirit, to remind, encourage, and empower you with the living word of God.
We are going to be looking at “Christianity”, as presented by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ and represented by His disciples. In addition, the word “life”, What is the purpose of God for the gift of life to humanity? Many decades ago, I heard a story, how secular government, and institutions, would ask the Church for reliable individuals to hold sensitive positions. Why, because the exemplary life story of Christ and Christians has always been a great virtue.
In Antioch, the first generation of believers in Christ, demonstrated how Christianity is a matter of life in relation to Christ and His Gospel. For a period of one year, the people observed believers’ association with one another and with the unbelievers. They were called Christians because their activities and characteristics, bear resemblance to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. It was a period of revival in a sense. People were hearing the word of God, repenting, or turning to God. And there would have been, miracles, deliverance, peace, and joy spreading among the people. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding your coming to Jesus, it is how people perceive your relationship with Jesus Christ or your Christian life that matters. As we go along in this series, you will see how Jesus Himself used lifestyle scenario to illustrate and teach the way, the truth, and the life of God. The beauty and power of life by itself, but especially the Christian life, can best be measured by the fruit it bears. This is what people can recognize about your faith and relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 4:13 By their fruits, Jesus said, ye shall know them. John 7:20 When the people saw the fruit of Christ with the disciples, they called them Christians. By the grace of God, we are going through the Bible like a journey of life, starting with the commandment of God: which said, Be fruitful, multiply, replenish the earth, subdue it, and have dominion … Genesis 1:28 We would continue from here by the grace of God next week, see you then. God bless you.