The authenticity of our faith is forever under the watchful eye of others. There are those that are eager to see what becomes of us, while on the other hand there are those that mockingly anticipate our failure, waiting to openly declare our faith is less than genuine. I often believe there is immense confusion about who we are, and the significance of our place in the world. Considering, as well, that for nearly 2,000 years the world has sought to deny the authenticity of our existence, who we are, where we come from, and the truth of our claim that we are indeed Christians, chosen to deliver a message of hope and salvation to a dying world.
Marriam Webster; Britannica; Google; and Wikipedia (which is not always accurate), all have similar definitions, but they are at best just under served, as they do not exemplify the totality of who God's people are, and our constant, everyday battle to adhere steadfastly to our faith. What does it look like? Will we know of it, if our eyes behold it? Will we legitimize it, or will the world ridicule and scoff at it, as a poor person's panacea. Christ is real, and his suffering on our behalf is well recorded, written for our edification and our hope.
Today's podcast is titled.
I thought you were a Christian?
Acts 11:26
the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
History and contemporary culture have changed what it means to be a Christian. As an adaptation, many believe that simply going to church occasionally or believing God exists makes them a Christian, but the Bible presents a totally different outlook in defining Christianity. A Christian is someone whose conduct and heart display the character and presence of Jesus Christ.
Our faith does not imply inferiority, but rather strength in humility and courage. It does not require the brandishing of swords and the weaponry of war, but rather a still and quiet spirit, knowing with the greatest assurance that if we live or die, it is unto Christ. Likewise, it does not suggest that we are a perfect people, according to the ways of the world, but rather day by day exercising our faith. Coming to a more perfect understanding of who Christ is, and His place in our lives, as he leads and guides us in the way that we should go, or allows us to act in a manner which is a true reflection of Him. We are, after all a people in which our hearts brandish the love of Christ, a people in whom if we stumble ninety-nine times, He is able to pick us up 9,000 times more.
