šš«š¤ Christās peace and presence be with you. It makes sense that believers of Christ are called Christians, but do you know where that title came from? In case you didnāt know, itās actually recorded in the Bible. Obviously, the spiritual aspect of the Bible is the dominant factor, but I do enjoy the historical backing and timelines that support the spiritual. So, hereās a clue as to where believers of Christ were first call Christians. It is modern day Antakya, Turkey. Can you figure it out without searching the web? You could check out the maps section of your Bible. Or, you can keep reading this message and youāll soon find the answer.
Acts 11:19-26
Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lordās hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. 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.
Being a Christianā¦that can be a hard title to live up to. Especially when people are just waiting and watching for you to make a wrong move. When it comes down to it, we are ALL human. We ALL sin. There is not one person on this earth that would qualify for that heavenly home, without the brutal, yet completely love driven sacrifice that Jesus accepted and endured on our behalf. What does the title Christian mean to you? How does it apply to you? Do you act in certain ways because youāre a Christian? Or are you a Christian because of the way you act? Do you want a title to set the tone for your journey or do you want your journey to determine your title? May your humble actions be the Christ centric words those around you need to hear.
Bless others and be blessed.
Shelly :0)
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Third Day Devotions 