“…And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” Acts 11:26 ESV

The first time the word Christian is mentioned in the Bible is in Acts 11:26. The Greek word is Christianous. It basically means a follower of Christ. C.S. Lewis though like to refer it as “little Christs.”

So when someone calls you a Christian today, are they comparing you to a smaller version of Jesus Christ or just a religious fuddy-duddy? In the first century, the title “Christian” was a derogative statement or pun that translated to something like “follower of goody-goody. The disciples however took the title and transformed it into a positive statement of being a follower of Jesus Christ. Today we may call that redeeming an idea for Christ’s Kingdom.

Yet are we not all ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom (2 Corinthians 5:20)? Do we not represent His ways with everyone we meet as a little Christ? Are we not a little Christ in the home with our family members? our associates at work? at the gym? the tennis court? while driving? or eating at a restaurant?

The fact is we can’t live like a little Christ doing it all ourselves. I know, many of us have tried. Yet, when we allow King Jesus through the Holy Spirit to live and transform our life from the inside-out, our attitude and behavior begins to model His. In many cases, it even amazes us. For we know what this old man was like and is like. What we long for though, is the final development of the new creation. Until then, we only gather a few glimpses of what the new man will one day represent: a little Christ.

So do you want more, blessed excitement in your life? How about leaning on Him every day, everywhere, with everyone, as a little Christ? Then when someone points at you and calls you Christian, it will mean what God’s intention is for all of us in the first place; a true representative of Him.

Remember, we are rooting for you!

Yours in Christ,

Dr. Mike

Executive Chair, Consultant, Encourager
Marketplace Bible Institute
& Resource Center, Inc
Author of e-Books:
 *  Great Business Emulates a Good God
 *  Be Radical…Follow Christ!
 *  Simply The Messenger
 *  Unequally Married

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