There are terms such as saints ( The Bible shows the name we are to be known by
which is universal among believers and non-believers. That name is "Christian."
Christ's followers were first called Christian at Antioch ( When Paul defended himself and witnessed before
King Agrippa, Agrippa's wife, and other high ranking officials ( In a letter to those scattered throughout Pontos,
Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Peter told Christ's followers
if they were insulted because of the name of Christ, they were blessed.
He then went on to tell them if they suffer as a Christian, they were not
to be ashamed, but to praise God that they bear that name
( As one can see, the early church was known as Christian by non-believers, world leaders, and Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. The name is biblical and clearly shows who we are by who we believe in and follow. Due to divisions in the body of Christ, followers
of Christ have given themselves names which are not biblical, but are of
men and their ways. The early church was warned not have divisions. This
warning was for those who were beginning to follow men rather than Christ.
Paul asked them whose name they were baptized into
( Copyright © 2001 Timothy A. Southall. All rights reserved. |
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