But there were some of them, Cypriot and Cyrenian men, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Hellenists, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. The Lord’s hand was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord.
Acts 11:20-21 HCSB
REFLECT
Acts chapter 11 tells us that the term “Christian” was first used in Antioch, to mean someone associated with Jesus Christ, or someone trying to be like Christ. Tradition has it that “Christian” held a negative connotation at the time. It would have been a teasing or even derogatory sentiment toward this new group with rapidly growing numbers in Antioch, who were defying all cultural norms of the time with people of every background and social status participating in community together through fellowship and generosity, repenting of their sins, and proclaiming the Gospel!
The phrase “a large number who believed turned to the Lord” is repeated three times in Acts 11, as both Greeks and Jews were coming to Christ – we know these disciples were sharing the Gospel, serving one another, and making more disciples.
A Christian is a disciple, a servant, and a disciple-maker. The Holy Spirit prompts me to reflect… do I fit this description?
Brothers and sisters, the Lord has been convicting me, that what I think of myself as a Christian is often different than how I conduct myself as a Christian.
How can this happen? It happens when we treat Church more like a social group than a family of co-heirs with Christ, treat non-believers as people to be feared or ridiculed, and reduce Scripture to a list of correct personal preferences that we expect everyone else to hold.
A Christian is a disciple, a servant, and a disciple-maker, seeking to walk in the Great Commission: to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that Jesus has commanded.
We are always teaching, always discipling, every single person we encounter.
When we wear our cross necklaces or our collared shirt and slacks out to a restaurant on Sundays, clearly coming straight from church, our behavior teaches others what they can expect out of Christians. Are we teaching them that Christians are patient and generous?
When a new person arrives at our church, our reaction teaches them what a Christian’s priorities are. Do we greet them warmly and engage in thoughtful conversation, no matter what they are wearing or how they did or did not engage in worship? Are we teaching them that Christians are servant-minded and hospitable?
When we gather around the dinner table or spend time with friends chatting on the phone or texting, the direction of our conversations teaches others what is consistently on our minds and hearts. Do we indulge in swapping complaints and putting down others, or do we share what we are praying and where we see God moving in our lives? Are we discipling our closest friends and family members to participate in being transformed by the Holy Spirit?
We must submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit as the Lord teaches us to live a surrendered life, every day. We seek to bear the fruit of the Spirit, rather than the fruit of our own comfort and convenience. We seek the Lord and His ways through scripture and prayer, rather than seeking an influencer or leader to tell us how we should live. We seek to think and speak thoughts and ideas that point toward the Gospel and abundant life in Christ.
As we learn from the instruction of Scripture and the cherished convictions of the Spirit, we get to share what we learn with others. It’s a simple recipe to be a disciple who makes more disciples!
Would you please pray with me now?
Peace and blessings,
Amy Parks
Communications Director
