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    Called Christians
    Called Christians
    Called Christians
    Ebook93 pages1 hour

    Called Christians

    By Billy B. Dunbar

    ()

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    About this ebook

    Although it was about ten years after the Church had come into existence before the name "Christians" was given to the followers of Christ, the name must have been in God's divine plan, for the title has stood the test of time. What a tremendous honor to be named after the anointed Son of God! How much more important, however, is it to be a Christian rather than to just be called one!

    The lives of some who are called Christians leave something to be desired from the standpoint of sound scriptural doctrine. Fair weather believers, or cotton candy Christians, are content only with mountaintop experiences and have problems with valley experiences, testing, and trials. The lazy professors-cholesterol Christians-are always taking in God's Word but are not diligent in meeting its requirements. Fence-straddling worldlings are country-club Christians.

    Genuine, diligent Christians are sold out completely to Christ and are willing to endure cross-bearing and self-denial to exemplify Him. These are consecrated Christians, the kind of saints who were in the church at Antioch where the title "Christians" was first applied to the followers of Christ.

    The Christians of Antioch appropriately demonstrated Christlike qualities in their lifestyle: teaching, worship, direction by the Holy Spirit, benevolence, and organization. What wonderful balance! How fitting that those who were first named after Christ would bear the name with such dignity!

    Hopefully, all who are called Christians will realize the importance of exemplifying these Christlike characteristics in their lives so the name above every name will be exalted to its rightful place. Living a Christlike lifestyle ensures that we will meet Christ at His return, which is the hope of every believer.

    1

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherChristian Faith Publishing, Inc.
    Release dateJul 5, 2021
    ISBN9781098094492
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      Book preview

      Called Christians - Billy B. Dunbar

      cover.jpg

      Called Christians

      Billy B. Dunbar

      Copyright © 2021 by Billy B. Dunbar

      All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

      Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.

      832 Park Avenue

      Meadville, PA 16335

      www.christianfaithpublishing.com

      Printed in the United States of America

      Table of Contents

      Cotton Candy Christians

      Cholesterol Christians

      Country-Club Christians

      Consecrated Christians

      The Antioch Example: Teaching

      The Antioch Example: Worship

      The Antioch Example: Direction by the Holy Spirit

      The Antioch Example: Benevolence

      The Antioch Example: Organization

      Introduction

      And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

      —Acts 11:26

      When this verse caught my attention, my initial response was to prepare a sermon. In the process of doing so, I quickly discovered the ideas were not coming together rapidly and harmoniously into a well-rounded message.

      Occasionally, a sermon comes as easily as the heavenly manna that fell overnight for the children of Israel. Most, however, require diligent study and research. A few are constructed piecemeal with inspiration and revelation coming in small degrees over a long period of time. This sermon from Acts 11:26 was a piecemeal construction. But after preparing two different sermons from this text, I still found myself intrigued by two words: called Christians.

      This verse is the only place the word Christians appears in the Bible. The singular form of the word is used only twice (1 Peter 4:16, Acts 26:28). In both the church and the world, the word Christian(s), whether singular or plural, is used somewhat loosely these days.

      This reference is also the first time believers were identified by the title Christian. Until this time, they had no recognized name. Why was the title given in Antioch? Many scholars believe the name was given to mock those who voiced their faith in Christ. Others believe it was given by the Gentile population at Antioch as a title of distinction. Most agree the name was not given by the Jews, for to do so would be to admit that Christ was the Messiah. Whatever the reason and whoever is responsible, the name given to the disciples, or followers of Christ, the anointed one, remains today.

      Disciples are commonly identified after the name of their leader—for example, Buddhists, Wesleyans, etc. Something about the lifestyle of the disciples reminded others of Christ. Therefore, they were called by His name; in other words, they were named after Him. The evidence of Christlikeness was apparent before the name was applied.

      What an honor to be called Christians! Although originally, the name was perhaps meant as mockery and a mark of dishonor, it now distinguishes us as being in the Savior and the Savior in us. The designation Christian carries with it certain responsibilities and obligations. It is incumbent we walk worthy of that honorable name by departing from iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19) by walking in Christ’s steps (1 Peter 2:21, 1 John 2:6) and by continuing His message (Matthew 28:18–20).

      Perhaps no other verse paints a better portrait of Christ than does Acts 10:38: How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. Being anointed with the Holy Ghost and power and doing good are marks of a true Christian.

      After spending many hours in prayerful meditation and research, I have divided my thoughts about Acts 11:26 into two mainstreams. Both areas are stimulated by questions about the phrase called Christians.

      Are all who are called Christians truly Christians indeed, or are they just ‘called’ Christians?

      We must realize that what we are called does not determine our eternal destiny but rather what we are. Chapters 1–3 describe three types of people who are called Christians but whose relationship with Christ is questioned in Scripture. The fourth chapter presents a type of Christian who has gone the extra mile to ensure his eternal future with God (see 2 Peter 1:10).

      Why were they called Christians first at this particular location, Antioch, after the church had been in existence approximately ten years?

      This question led to a study of the Antioch Church where the name originated. The Antioch Church was planted by men from the church at Jerusalem, which had been started by men who had been with Christ. It stands to reason the apostles were Christlike when they established the early church at Jerusalem. It also stands to reason the men who went out from Jerusalem to pioneer the church at Antioch followed their example and were given that beautiful name by which we are still called today.

      Chapters 5–9 deal with the Antioch example, with each chapter detailing a characteristic that could be seen both in the church at Jerusalem and in the life of Christ.

      I hope a divinely given mixture of affection, wisdom, and firmness is found in this work. My purpose is to help all of us to live up to that name by which we are called so we will be ready at Christ’s return.

      Section 1

      These chapters deal with professing Christianity in the contemporary church. Examples show the reality of the present. Some individuals are truly Christlike, others provoke questions about just how closely they exemplify Christ in their lifestyle. Using the Word of God as a guide, determine what characteristics are reflected in your lifestyle.

      Chapter 1

      Cotton Candy Christians

      Some professing Christians appear on the surface to be vibrant, excited, and appealing, but like beautiful multicolored balloons under the aim of an accurate dart thrower, they quickly become deflated. They are like cotton candy, which appears beautiful and enormous but dissipates almost instantly when placed in the mouth. Cotton candy is also sweet to the taste, and the sugar gives a burst of energy. However, the sweetness soon leaves a sour aftertaste, and the energy is quickly gone.

      So it is with some who are called Christians. They perform well until confronted with the fiery darts and devouring mouth of Satan. Then they discover either the foundational strength or weakness of their Christian experience. Each believer should ask, What is the true substance of my relationship with Christ? What is the basis for my strength?

      Poor Spiritual Nourishment

      Cotton candy Christians like only the sweet, smooth, good times, the mountaintop experiences. But their high is of short duration, for they lack a well-balanced diet in things pertaining to the Christian life. They could learn a good lesson from observing children.

      When allowed to do so, young children will neglect three well-balanced meals a day in favor of a diet loaded with sugar. After consuming cookies, candy, Cokes, and Kool-Aid, they become energetic, even hyperactive, but this

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