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I heard a well spoken guy make the statement I don't want to be called Christian.I have done some thinking on his statement. I too don't want to be called Christian. Many people who call themselves Christian are not anything like me or Christ.This guy wanted to be called a Believer.When you see so-called Christians behaving badly it makes me want to get far away from them.

By far the most prominent and almost exclusive designation for Believers since the beginning of the Church is Christian. Yet, to be used exclusively as a designation it is only found three times in the New Testament - Acts 11:2626:28; 1 Peter 4:16.Acts 11:25reveals it was at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.Obviously Christ is the English rendering for the Greek for Messiah,

Maggebet stated:By far the most prominent and almost exclusive designation for Believers since the beginning of the Church is Christian. Yet, to be used exclusively as a designation it is only found three times in the New Testament - Acts 11:2626:28; 1 Peter 4:16.Acts 11:25reveals it was at Antioch where the disciples were first called Christians.Obviously Christ is the English rendering for the Greek for Messiah, Christos. The verb were called is from the Greek chrematizo, meaning to transact business. To transact business under a particular name resulted in being called by that name.[/b]So, it was in Antioch the Disciples transacted business in the name of Christ and the general public had grown accustomed to hearing the name of Jesus Christ.The Disciples distinguished themselves in their conduct in Jesus Christ's name drawing attention to the Gentiles who also wanted to be Christ-like, or Christians (the suffix ian means relating to, relating to Christ.So, whether out of admiration or ridicule, believers were first tagged as Christ-like, belonging to Christ, at Antioch, a name enduring both he best and worst of times. It is a name associated with themes devout and the most devious, men and women who were holy and some who were hateful, some serving as examples of life transformed by Jesus Christ, some who have used and abused the name of Jesus Christ.Christians and Christianity is both revered and reviled.Perhaps Disciple would be a good alternative but then we would really have to be Jesus' disciple and that is a different issue.

bonnie knox stated: Old Time Country Preacher wrote: I am a Christian! I can imagine you singing page 46 in the Red Back Hymnal, I'd Rather Be an Old-Time Christian.

OTCP stated:Have times changed since Antioch where the followers of The Way were called Christians? Just cause a feller uses the term believer don't mean he's even livin right, no moniker does that.In years past we had no problem when people said we are gay.Do you want people to refer to you as gay today?

Of course I want to be called a Christian. I wouldn't mind being called a believer in Christ/Jesus. But there are many believers and only one Christian belief!Me? Not just a believer. But a Believer in Christ. Isn't that a Christian, no matter what others might THINK! Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/

Eddie,

True, and:The Crusaders were ChristianThe Inquisition was ChristianAnd we wonder why Jews and Arabs have problems with Christians, and Christian nations such as Great Briton, France, Germany, etc.When they hear Christian and Christ, they think of a Sword rather than a Cross God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led

Muslims are believers.Bernie supporters are believers.At least Christian states who you believe in

Muslims are believers.Bernie supporters are believers.At least Christian states who you believe in. Well said NBF, point well taken. I was beginning to think I was on the wrong side, Christians/Lions........ Some facts but mostly just my [email protected]/