“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 11:26
Christians were first called Christians at Antioch. This is where the moniker began, so says the scripture. The name came from the fact that they emulated Christ. The Christians were Christ like. The city and the greater community notice the likeness so much that they titled them as Christians. When we look at our own churches, the community of believers, and at our own lives; would the same be said of us?
Consider the man Jesus Christ. His lifestyle, his teachings, and what he desired of those who follow him. He was a humble man of humble origins. He chose to begin that way, and never sought to exalt himself. A carpenter by trade, and nothing more was gained in his “career-life”. His mission and calling didn’t require it. He lived simply, he preached plainly, he took to himself only the necessities of life. At times not even that. Popularity and mainstream fame were never his focus. When the work of the ministry brought it; he actively shunned and ran from it. Kindness, gentleness, giving, and the betterment of others was primary. He put others before himself and God before everyone. He loved God and loved His neighbor. Holiness was internal and external. It was as much bread to the hungry and clothes to the naked, as prayer and devotion. Righteousness and faith were not simply sermon titles, but tenets to live by. The ministry was all encompassing to Him. This was his life and heaven his focus. So, he preached, lived, died, and gifted the Holy Spirit to those who will have it. Those who would follow him and “keep his commandments.” Those would be called Christians. Majority of mainstream Christianity today (by my judgment) like many things has transformed itself into something it is not. A few simple statements, and a short prayer will get you saved. The service of the Lord is nothing more than doing something for doing something sake. You put in your hour on Sunday, so you feel better about yourself; then spend the other fifty-five hours on yourself. Was this the life of the early church? Of Christians? Certainly not, they distributed to the needy. They preached and lived the gospel. They were baptized by the Holy Ghost and taught others the same. The church was not a glorified social club. Rather a ministry to all peoples. That ministry included both spiritual and physical. The church is a community of believers operating together under the unction of the Spirit to serve Christ as Christ. Christians. This includes, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and most importantly, preaching the gospel to save souls. A businessman searches out need and creates a product or service to supply that need; then charges you for it. The church searches out the need with the help of the Holy Spirit and fills it; freely. Which is more likely, that God has not called this modern church to minister as the early church? Or we are not asking/willing for direction which he would give if we called on him? For many, myself included, the comfort zone is in the walls of the church. My church, the literal building and the people who regularly attend are like a second home to me. Therefore, it’s only natural that I would try to influence others to come. What’s more it’s scriptural to try to seek out those and bring them in. However, I must recognize that I am also trying to bring them to my comfort zone. There will be those who come, but the masses who are in need are outside that comfort zone. They are the mission, same as those who are at church every week. These masses are in the ghettos, in the backcountry, at work, school, in foreign lands, and likely a host of other places I can’t fathom.
It can be a Goliath of a task to get out of your comfort zone. However, love will motivate us, faith will help us, the Spirit will guide us, and God will save all that come unto him. We (I) must see that the church is without walls. It is the people who will disagree, mock, argue, challenge, and maybe even physically assault. It is the mission of the church. Christ did it, and so should his Christians.
