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Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he had found him he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for an entire year they met with the church and taught a great many people, and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

(Acts 11:25-26 NRSV)

It is very interesting how the name “CHRISTIAN” came to be our name. Saul, after he got converted, switched sides and started proclaiming Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” He became increasingly more powerful and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Messiah. The Jews plotted to kill him, and he had to escape by being lowered in a basket. (Acts 9:20-25). He did not slow down when he got to Jerusalem, and the Hellenists (Jews of Greek origin) also plotted to kill him. The brothers and sisters helped him to escape to Caesarea (about 122 km away), then to Tarsus his hometown (about 900 km drive from Caesarea)!

We never heard of Saul again till Acts 11; when Barnabas, who had earlier introduced Saul to the Apostles in Jerusalem, went to fetch him from Tarsus. And for a year, they stayed in Antioch and met with the church and taught many people. It was then that the disciples were first called “Christians.”

In Acts 11:26, we see two words of significance: CHURCH and CHRISTIAN.

While Saul(Paul) and Barnabas were meeting and teaching the CHURCH, the world was seeing CHRISTIANS. The picture has not changed much today. Being called “Christian” is desirable and fanciful, and many are quick to say they are Christians. Both the Church and the Christians were there in Antioch, and the world mistook them to be the same.

Jesus stated in Matthew 16:18

“And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”

What did Jesus mean? The events before this statement will provide the answer.

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.”

[Matthew 16:13-18]

You cannot be part of the Church if you don’t believe that “Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Most will say “Ah, but this is simple?” Well, it is not as simple as it is made to look. It means we must believe it when Jesus says;

“I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

The Christ says He (CHRIST) is the bread of life (the one who can satisfy you); and not the food, wine, healing, miracles, convenience and immaculateness He(CHRIST) provides.

 Do you believe this? Are you part of what the world sees as “CHRISTIANS,” who might simply following Christ for what they will get; or are you part of the CHURCH that Christ is building?

 Do you see Christ as the source of your life, and are willing to be obedient to his leading?

Are you just a Christian, or are you a true Believer? Are you part of the Church Christ is building?

*VERSE TO REMEMBER*

Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” [John 16:16]

*PRAYER*

Lord, please help me to desire you, and not the things you have so freely provided for me, in Jesus name.

*URGENT CALL*

Every soul is valuable to God, far more than the entire world! But by nature, we are all sinful, and alienated from God, and we ultimately face his wrath!

God in His mercy and love made a way for us to remedy this. He gives us a chance to reverse this downward spiral to destruction, join His family, be part of His household, and become His children.

The first step to becoming a member of God’s household is for us to be saved.

Salvation comes through accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and Personal Savior.

It is a very personal decision. No one can make that decision for you.

If you make that decision today, there will be great singing and rejoicing in heaven; because one new member has joined the family and household of God! A soul, much, much more valuable than the world, has been saved from destruction!

Do you want to make that decision today?

Please visit “The Believer’s Prayer”

for guidance if you want

to make that decision.

Then develop your new relationship

with God through your Quiet Time.

Then find a Bible-Believing Church

where you can Fellowship with like

minded people.

We will be happy to hear from you through the contact information on that page, or the ones at the top of this page. Don’t delay. Make this very personal decision today!

God richly bless you.

*EXCITING NEWS!*

Your favourite website (Testimony Devotional) is back online, and with all content intact too! 

You can read this and other uplifting articles on the *Testimony Devotional Website* at:

www.testimonydevotional.org

or

www.mytd.org.

*GRATITUDE*

We are profoundly grateful for your calls, prayers, voluntary offers of material and skills support, and all the numerous words of encouragement we received.

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God bless you richly, and continue to pray without ceasing, and please say one for us too.