If you are behind don’t worry just keep reading. God does a work in our spirit, heart and mind through the taking in of His Word. The Word is our milk to grow and our steak to sustain us; help yourself to a good size steak of Jesus this morning. Keep taking it in. It does the Spiritual Body Good.
Acts Chapter 11, this is the continuation of the Jews, God’s chosen people throughout the Old Testament, becoming the Church, God’s chosen people in the New Testament. This is a hard transition for these new believers. As you read through the chapter we are told those that were scattered only shared the gospel with the Jews, see verse 19. Christianity affects our culture and there should be cultural change when we live out Christianity. Your identity is no longer in yourself but in Christ. This is why the church became their identity and their expression of Christianity.
Near the end of the chapter the term Christian is used for the first time. Notice they did not claim Christianity, they were branded a Christian. Would the world brand you as a Christian? Are there actions, behaviors, commitments and language that cause people to know you’re a Christian? Following Christ causes people to see Christ. The gospel is important to one who has shared in that gospel and found salvation.
At the very end of the chapter the Christians gave to missions. They heard of a need with their brothers facing persecution and they gave. Please considered this one thought… what does it mean to be a Christian? Christians should have a brotherhood that goes beyond family and culture. Christians should have a unity under the authority of God’s Word. Christians should be willing to forsake the world to bring glory to God within the brotherhood. The brotherhood, united, then can change the world and lead many to Christ. For we are not a brotherhood caused by our power, our wealth, our position but by God’s GRACE. This is why a boy from Detroit, can even coexist with an FFA member. Nothing in my life and in your life should be more important than being branded a Christian and being part of God’s Church. Our gang sign is the cross. Peace out.
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