First Called Christians

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 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 much people.  And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Acts 11:25-26

In this passage we find the place in which the disciples were first called “Christians.”  In Antioch, the tradition began of calling followers of Christ “Christians.”  I don’t know if it was a term of respect or a term of derision, but the term has stayed with us now for nearly 2,000 years.  However the tradition started, it is a good one, but it is also a weighty one.

The term “Christian” means “little Christ.”  That in itself is a powerful label.  Think of all that encompasses.  When we take the name “Christian,” we claim to be a follower of Christ.  We should be an example of Him.  We should be striving to be a copy of Him.

I think that if any of us would take a good look at our lives, we would likely find many things that do not reflect Jesus Christ.  I am sure that we would all admit that we do not always live up to our label as “Christians.”  I am sure that we find ourselves falling far short of that goal every day.

But that does not change the name that we have.  If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Saviour, we are Christians.  The world sees us as Christians and the world expects us to behave like Christians.  The world looks to us to see what the Christian life is all about.  The world looks to us to see “little Christs.”  What do they see when they look at us?  Do they truly see a “Christian?”

A Good Man

Then tiding of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.  For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Acts 11:22-24

Even if we knew nothing else in the Scripture of this man, Barnabas, we would know this about him: “…he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”  As far as his character, that’s really all we need to know about him.  What a great testimony.  We should strive to have something similar said about us.

This passage doesn’t tell us a lot about what Barnabas did, other than to say that, when he came to the church in Antioch, he “exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.”  He encouraged people to follow the Lord, stay close to Him, and serve Him with their whole hearts.  I’m sure that he did other things also, but just encouraging people in the Lord is a very good start on the way to being classified as “a good man.”

He was also “full of the Holy Ghost and of faith.”  He submitted himself to the leading of the Spirit and was full of faith.  He believed what God had said.  He believed in Him.

Barnabas was a good man.  He was full of the Holy Ghost.  He was full of faith.  Those seem like simple things, but could the same be said of us?  Could the Lord have written this verse about us as we live today?

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (Christmas Hymn)

Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley (1739)

Hark! The herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild,
God and sinners reconciled!”
Joyful, all ye nations rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With the angelic host proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ, by highest Heav’n adored;
Christ the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold Him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see;
Hail th’ incarnate Deity,
Pleased with us is flesh to dwell,
Jesus our Emmanuel.

Refrain

Hail the heavenly Prince of Price!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings,
Ris’n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die.
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.

Refrain

Come, Desire of nations, come,
Fix in us Thy humble home;
Rise, the woman’s conquering Seed,
Bruise in us the serpent’s head.
Now display Thy saving power,
Ruined nature now restore;
Now in mystic union join
Thine to ours and ours to Thine.

Refrain

Adam’s likeness now efface,
Stamp thine image in it’s place:
Second Adam from above,
Reinstate us in Thy love.
Let us Thee though lost, regain,
Thee, the Life, the inner man;
O, to all Thyself  impart,
Formed in each believing heart.

Refrain

I saved my favorite Christmas hymn for the Sunday after Christmas.  This hymn has more doctrine than we can deal with in one post.  Every verse is true, deep and powerful.  I think that I could just read this song and meditate on each verse all day long.  What a wonderful and powerful hymn – a good one to end the year on.

Cleave to the Lord

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.  Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

Acts 11:22-23

We have seen from Philip’s examples in the book of Acts that we should “preach Jesus.”  That is the most basic thing a Christian should be doing.  John the Baptist started pointing people to Jesus, and we are to take up his mantle and continue to point people to Jesus.  But what do we do after we have brought people to Jesus?  What then?  Barnabas encountered this question in this passage.  We went to Antioch and found a group of dedicated Christians who clearly had the grace of God.  They had already come to Jesus.  So what did he tell them to do?

He simply told them to “cleave unto the Lord.”

After you get people to Jesus, then get to stay close to Jesus.  There are basically two pats to the Christian life: getting saved, or becoming a Christian, and then living like a Christian.  Once people are Christians, they need to work on living like they are Christians.

Just as Barnabas did with this early church in the city of Antioch, we are to do with those that we know.  He encouraged them to cleave to the Lord.  He encouraged them to stay as close to the Lord as possible.  Maybe there is someone in our lives today who could use some encouragement in living for the Lord and staying close to Him.  In fact, we could all use some encouragement in that direction.  “Cleave to the Lord.”  Stay close to Him!

Life for the Gentiles

And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.  And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them.  But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them, saying…

When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

Acts 11:1-4, 18

When Peter came back to Jerusalem, the Jewish Christians there immediately questioned him about associating with and eating with Gentiles.  Peter was ready for this questioning and immediately responded by telling them in verses 5-17 what the Lord had told him and showed him and how the Lord had offered salvation to the Gentiles as well.  Their response is important for us to observe: “When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.”

They were angry, but they heard Peter out, payed attention to what he was saying, and thought about it before responding.  And when they did respond, they were able to respond in the proper manner.  It is important for us to do these things.  Sometimes we get angry with someone and we refuse to listen to their side of the story.  Sometimes we have our minds made up and we refuse to allow them to be changed.  Think of what these men would have missed had they rejected Peter for eating with Gentiles.  They would have missed a huge blessing and a huge part of God’s plan.  But instead, they heard him out and let the Lord speak to them on the matter.  That is something we could stand to do a little more of ourselves!

Preach Jesus

And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophets this?  of himself, or of some other man?  The Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus.

Acts 8:34-35

In this passage, Philip gives us a blueprint for preaching and teaching to other people.  He shows us what we need to do in order to be witnesses for the Lord.  He was led by the Lord to go to this Ethiopian eunuch.  The eunuch was reading in Isaiah 53, but didn’t understand what he was reading.  So Philip helped him, and “preached unto him Jesus.”

That is all we need to do.  Preach Jesus.  Tell people about Jesus.  Many people are afraid to witness to others simply because they are not sure what they should say.  Preach Jesus.  Just tell people about Jesus.  Tell them about who He is.  Tell them about what He did on the cross.  Tell them about what He has done in your life.  Just preach Jesus.

Philip wasn’t a great, intellectual, learned man.  He was just a common man.  In fact, the Ethiopian probably had more “education” than he did.  But Philip knew Jesus and he wasn’t afraid to talk about Him.  Philip knew the man about whom Isaiah 53 was written.  Philip didn’t know everything and he didn’t need to know everything.  He knew Jesus and that is what he preached to the Ethiopian.

Philip’s preaching Jesus worked.  The Ethiopian put his trust in Jesus, was baptized, and went on his way rejoicing.  Our preaching Jesus will work.  Not everyone will listen,  but some will.  Simply talking about Jesus is one of the easiest and most powerful ways to witness to others.  We don’t have to be great theologians.  We just have to know Jesus and be willing to talk about Him to others!

Christmas, Pt. 12

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every on into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David: )  To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.  And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and there were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:1-14

Merry Christmas to all who read this blog!  Have a wonderful day and don’t forget to thank and praise the Lord for all He has done for us.

Christmas, Pt. 11

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

As we once again enter the Christmas season, I would like to spend the next several days looking at these two verses, which I believe give us the best summary in the entire Bible of just what Christmas is all about.

On this Christmas Eve, we have come to the end of this passage.  The angel has given this glorious message to the shepherds, and they have received it.  It was the good tidings of great joy that unto them was born this day a Saviour.  And, just so that there was no confusion, the angel told them exactly who that Saviour was: “Which is Christ the Lord.”

The only reason for the shepherds to “Fear not” was Christ the Lord.  The only reason for the good tidings of great joy to all people was Christ the Lord.  The only reason for these shepherds to have a Saviour was Christ the Lord.  The only reason for the “peace on earth, good will toward men” was the Christ the Lord.

The “gods” of the Egyptians and Babylonians didn’t do those things.  The “gods” of the Hindus and Buddhists didn’t do those things.  Mohammed didn’t do those things.  The “gods” of the tribal peoples around the world didn’t do those things.  Christ the Lord did them and brought them to us.

Christmas is a celebration of Christ the Lord.  It is all about Him and what He has done for us.  We can look back and see His mercy and grace toward us and it gives us something to celebrate.  We should be thankful all the time for Christ the Lord, but Christmas is the time when we are especially mindful of it.  “A Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

Christmas, Pt. 10

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, Which is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

As we once again enter the Christmas season, I would like to spend the next several days looking at these two verses, which I believe give us the best summary in the entire Bible of just what Christmas is all about.

We are nearing Christmas Day, and today we will look at what might be the most important part of these verses.  It is the simple phrase “…a Saviour.”  That is what Christmas is all about.  Without a Saviour, we would not be celebrating Christmas.  Without a Saviour, we would have nothing at all to celebrate.

The announcement to the shepherds  was one of “good tidings of great joy” because “unto you is born this day… a Saviour.”  Yes, it was a baby being born: just a small baby.  But that baby was the Son of God.  That baby would grow up to live a sinless life and would ultimately go to the cross to die for our sins.  That baby was the Saviour.  I Timothy 4:10 tell us that “we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

He would heal many people of many diseases.  He would raise people from the dead.  He would comfort those that were hurting.  But His main ministry was that of a Saviour.  When He healed people of a physical problem, He also healed them of their spiritual problem.  He truly did come to “seek and to save that which was lost.”  This Christmas, let us heed the advice of II Peter 3:18: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  To him be glory both now and for ever.  Amen.”  Amen to that.

O Holy Night (Christmas Hymn)

O Holy Night
Placide Cappeau (1847)

O holy night, the stars are brightly shining;
It is the night of the dear Savior’s birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born!
O night, O holy night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here came the wise men from Orient land.
The King of kinds lay thus in lowly manger,
In all our trials born to be our Friend!
He knows our need – to our weakness is no stranger.
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King; before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His Gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His Name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy Name!
Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever!
His pow’r and glory evermore proclaim!
His pow’r and glofy evermore proclaim!

I don’t have a voice high enough to sing this song very well, but it’s one of my favorites to hear sung.  Hearing the last line of the first verse is, to me, one of the highlights of the whole Christmas season.  “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!  O night divine, O night when Christ was born!  O night, O holy night, O night divine!”  What a wonderful and holy night!