Acts 11:26 “…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.” 

    Just what is a Christian, or better, who is a Christian? It seems in this great nation just about everybody calls themselves a Christian. Many claim to be a Christian because of where they were born; a Christian nation, or a Christian home. In reality, most do not know the true meaning of the word, still others admit that they are not Christian, and they say that because they know that the true Christians are supposed to live their lives in a way that is opposed to the world. Many of the folks who do not claim Christianity know that they are not living a life that is compatible to Biblical Christianity.

I have had many tell me, “When I think I can live it, I will become a Christian.” Their intentions are right, even though their thinking is wrong. You do not live right to become a Christian; you live right because you are a Christian. You do not change a bunch of things, or give up a bunch of things and then automatically have your name written down in God’s book.

To become a Christian is a personal choice that leads to a changed mind, a changed heart, and a changed life. It’s what is called “being saved.” Romans 10:9, 10, 11, 13 explains it like this: That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11. For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. 13. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” The Bible also says in 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away, behold, all things have become new.”  So, we see that a Christian is a born-again believer in Jesus Christ, who strives to follow his teachings according to the scriptures. Christian is who we are, Christianity is how we demonstrate it by the way that we live. 

    Those disciples in Antioch lived a life that was in absolute harmony with the teachings of Christ, and so, they were branded as Christians. A companion verse is Acts 4:13 “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and took knowledge of them, that thay had been with Jesus.” When you spend enough time with Jesus, folks will take notice that you are a Christian. That’s a good way to be identified by others; “A Christian.” 

    Then, finally in 1 Peter 4:16 we find that we need not be ashamed to be called a Christian; “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.” Glory to God!!!