"And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." Acts 11:26

Recently I had cause to stop and consider what phrase I had been touting when confronted with situations that lended an opportunity--or need--to define my religious beliefs.  In about a five day span of time I spent blocks of time with the Lord and in His Word.  I read and reminded myself about what idolatry is:  Anything that comes between us and God.  I asked for input from friends.  And I listened for that still small voice of God.

I don't know where it started--or why--but I had moved away from defining myself as a Christian and began defining myself as a member of a denomination.  Maybe it happened because the word "Christian" is now used to mean anything from not being an athiest to being "religious" of some sort...encompassing everything but a Satan worshipper.  However, the word Christian means "follower of Christ."  The question of how had I let this happen in my life? literally gnawed at me.  God reminded me over and over that I have one purpose as a child of God and that is to glorify Him in all I do or say. And it became exceedingly clear to me that to say I am a Christian is to tell the world I follow Christ and to say I am a denomination is to tell the world I follow men.

Many times during those five days I considered time spent in Canada and the many times I was asked to define my citizenship.  I proudly told people I am an American.  I was in Canada when the Iraq war started and many times I was put in the position to further define my political beliefs and say I am a Republican. And I believe God clearly showed me this is how I need to be answering as His child:  I am a Christian...a follower of Jesus Christ...and when needed to define doctrinal beliefs and church affiliation...I am a Baptist.

There are hundreds of doctrinal systems at serious variance with one another and many of the systems are at variance inside of themselves.  I am a Baptist by doctrinal belief and practice but I know many Baptist churches that hold to many 'modern' or unbiblical practices...none of which I agree with.  So, anymore, even to say I am a Baptist doesn't truly define much about me. 

God calls each of His children to be promoters of His Word and to teach the whole counsel of God...and labeled us "Christians"...followers of Jesus Christ.  Every denomination that upholds the Word of God as true--in some way--shows the Word through a filter of tradition. Oftentimes doctrinal traditions become a substitute for the pure Word of God and many Christians, instead of remembering we are to uphold the whole counsel of God as God reveals it to us in His Word, become defenders and promoters of their tradition. I more often than not define my doctrinal beliefs by saying I am a Baptist who is first a Biblicist:  if the Bible doesn't say it, and it doesn't glorify God, I don't hold to it or practice it.

At the end of my five day 'journey' I opened my Bible to I John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." and I confessed my sin of publically putting my denomination before Christ...which I believe is idolatry.  I then experienced a freeing in my soul that I had not sensed in a long, long time.

I am proud to be a Christian and I hold to Baptist doctrine.  I am also proud to be an American and I hold to Republican doctrine.  

Acts 11:2-26 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. 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."

By-line by Mike Ramey

I believe that part of being a Christian means wearing the label of a Christian.  In the 'church' community, we are so anxious at times to tout the successes of our particular church, or Pastor, or member, or denomination that we forget why we became Christians in the first place.

Folks on the streets of many a city...the so-called 'night people'...know the difference.  Just as Peter told the Lord not to 'hang around him' because he knew he was a sinful man, those who need God's grace and saving power the most, are very wise about those who present the Lord's message.

Night people have met preachers, missionary workers, deacons, and deaconesses.  They have met those who are in Church A, B, and C.  They have met young men from 'this' seminary, and 'that' organization.  But their eyes open wide, and they show respect...when they meet--a Christian.

Night people have met social service workers, outreach leaders and former rebels.  They have met board members, house builders, and community service servers.  But their eyes are cast low, and a tear forms...when they meet--a Christian.

It is not by accident that our Lord was a Carpenter.  It is not by a fluke that one of the illustrations of our Lord was the use of someone knocking on a Door to gain entry.  Because of the hardness of our own hearts, sometimes, it is the Lord who is denied entry to our worship, to our marriages, and to our lives.

But, those who are out there.  Those whom he also went to the cross are waiting for Christians.  When Christians actually arrive, they are well received.  And...that is when revival breaks out, souls get saved, and folk get set free.

When all is said and done, our denominations will not last; our churches will not stand the shaking; even our marriages will end.  But, being a Christian will never drop out of favor with our Lord.  After all...HE was the one who named us.  And, those who wear His name understand HIM.

And in turn, others who are in need, are looking for them.

Just...a Christian.

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