"What's in a Name?" – by Toni Babcock
The Bible says "And the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch," (Acts 11:26 KJV). Not Catholics, not Lutherans, not Presbyterians, not Baptists, not Pentecostals - they were first called "Christians". To get to the seed of the apple one must scour away the pulp that grows around it.
As a believer in Jesus, the name 'Christian' identifies me immediately with Christ - his person and his work, and the freedom I have in Him. This freedom extends to my fellowship with other believers. For instance, I am a Christian that currently attends a Baptist church with other believers. When vacationing, I go to an Evangelical Free Church to worship with other believers. Both churches preach salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Spirit of truth sown by the word of God within the two, hears the harmony of faith amid the differences. "Unity, without uniformity" is part of the liberty in the Spirit we share, even as Christ is our Shepherd. "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me," (John 10:27 KJV) the Lord assures.
Freedom is part of who true believers are. Not freedom to live without restraint, but freedom to serve Jesus in newness of Spirit, not in the oldness of the letter, which brings us to this; "…Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty," (II Corinthians 3:17b KJV ). Now here is a profound truth. Do we stand fast in our liberty in Jesus, so He is at liberty to do His work? Imagine Jesus free to work outside all the strict religious parameters man in his wisdom decides to frame for Him. We can stop imagining - because He does.
Toni is a freelance Christian Writer who lives in Minnesota, USA. Contact