the fishermen ministry-Africa

Called to Be a Peculiar People

All throughout history a particular group of people have always in every generation have been called the people of God. For the past 2000 years, this group has come to be known as Christians.
 
The Name Christian
 
According to Easton’s Revised Bible Dictionary the word “Christian” was the name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus. It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were "brethren," "the faithful," "elect," "saints," "believers." But as distinguishing them from the multitude without, the name "Christian" came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs but three times in the New Testament Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:16. What was meant to be a derogatory term used to taunt and make a certain group of people feel ashamed and unwanted is now associated with blessing.

Now, the question is why did the people of Antioch nickname the followers of Christ Christians? What was so different about them that called for them to be disdained by the community in which they lived? Could it be that the Antioch pagans simply did not like to have anything to do with godliness as exhibited by the Christians or by their way of life? There is an important difference between being a "good" person and being a Christian. Somebody can have many good attributes, he can even be a devoted helper or a generous person, but these things do not make him a Christian. Good attributes are advantageous for others on a certain level, but they can only be used in the best way after a person has repented to God. If a person wants to be "good" without repenting to God, there is a danger that his "goodness" or "greatness" will cause others to respect and honor him instead of honoring and following Jesus.

The New Creature

The bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” A closer look at this verse reveals that first a Christian should be in Christ. The life that a Christian lives should no longer be for himself but for Christ. Next the Christian is a new creature who is supposed to exhibit a life in conformity to the new nature in him. Thirdly any previous lifestyle lived becomes an issue of the past and buried with the old nature that had passed away. The knowledge of God's own loving nature is what leads Christians to devote themselves completely to serving God and others. “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Following Jesus means seeking what God wants to do with our life in all points and in all moments. A Christian must be ready to give up everything because of God. Manifesting the new nature and life in Christ means a Christian must turn from pride and materialistic pursuits and be ready to let go of his/her ambitions, careers and hobbies for the sake of the Kingdom of God. This places the Christian in a situation of total obedience and submission to God. This kind of life does not appeal to the unbeliever and so leads him/her to sometimes conclude that Christians are narrow minded individuals. But that is what makes Christianity unique.

Author: Lawrence Tsimese

The Salt of The Earth

1 Peter 2: 9 states “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:” In reference to the above scripture we must understand that Christians are a chosen peculiar people of priestly heritage who have specifically been called by God to show forth His praise in an unbelieving world. We are to show forth his praises as salt savors meat (Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” Matt 5:13). Being the salt of the earth, the Christian’s life is different from all others in that his/her daily lifestyle preserves the spirits of those around them (Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltiness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another”. Mark 9:50). You can’t ignore a true Christian’s presence since it has a way of positively impacting society. If the salt should lose its saltiness it will become useless and be trampled upon. A Christian therefore can not be like anybody else. When he/she lives in conformity to worldly standards it means the salt nature is gone and therefore is as good as an unbeliever.

Love for One Another

Christianity is not always an easy walk but an eternally rewarding one. The life of a Christian is a continuous process of sanctification. God works within each Christian to conform him more and more to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29). That does not mean that a Christian is without sin for the rest of his life, but that he basically separates from sin. The result of this sanctification must be visible in the life of every Christian (John 15:1-10) because God gives him the power to strive for a holy life (2 Peter 1:3; Romans 6:12-14). For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2) The fruit of having a relationship with God is visible in the practical life of a Christian and is manifested principally in brotherly love. Jesus commanded us to be a light shining out for all to see (Matt. 5:14 – 16). We are therefore to let our light shine wherever we are. In fact, darkness should disappear from any place that a Christian goes. We can’t afford to operate in darkness of ignorance of the love of God. God is Love and we owe our allegiance to Him. Brotherly love (the love among believers) is the sign by which the disciples of Jesus are recognized (John 13:34-35). Brotherly love is based on the decision of each Christian to devote his life to his brothers and sisters. (“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” 1 John 3:16)

Relationships among brothers and sisters in faith differ from other relationships because Christians have the same attitude towards life and share the same hope and aim in life. Since a Christian is not in unity with unbelievers in these points the amount of co-operation possible is limited to some extent. In closing, I will state that Christianity is not a bunch of do's and don'ts. It is love, life and liberty through Jesus Christ which is what makes a Christian different from anybody else.