Isaiah tells us that the day would come when God would give his people a new name and that name would come from the mouth of Jehovah (Isaiah 62:2). Luke tells us that it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians (Acts 11:26). This sacred name was bestowed on the believers by God to glorify his Son. This name certainly glorifies our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is a name we should wear proudly and never dishonor by any means with our words or actions. We must never be ashamed to be called a Christian, even though it will bring mockery, criticism, and even persecution by some in this present evil world. Just who is a Christian and what does it take to be one? A disciple is a believer, student, faithful follower of another, in this case, a baptized believer and follower of Jesus Christ. Jesus himself tells us to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit (Matt. 28:19). It is at this point our sins are forgiven and the Holy Spirit enters into our heart (Acts 2:38). When a repentant believer, in faith, is baptized in that watery grave of baptism, then and only then will he be added to the Kingdom of God (John 3:3-5 Acts 2:47). To wear the name Christian means we are a people striving to be like Christ in all that we think, say, and do. We proudly wear this glorious name because we are dedicated to serving Christ with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Matt. 22:37). When we become a Christian, we take up our cross and follow Jesus, never looking back, always seeking first his kingdom and his righteousness, in our daily lives (Matt. 6:33). We are to wear the name Christian only and to wear and add any other name to that of Christ is to detract and disrespect the founder, head, and savior of the body, which is the church (Eph. 5:23). Christ promised to build “my church” which is singular and means he only built one and that it belongs to him exclusively (Matt. 16:18). As a body of Christians we identify ourselves as “Churches of Christ.” These very words can be found in Paul’s letter to the Lord’s church in Rome, where he refers to different congregations, of the one church (Romans 16:16). This is not the exclusive name of the Lord’s church mentioned in the bible. The church is referred to as “the church of God” (I Cor. 1:2), “the Kingdom” (Heb. 12:28), and “the Body” (Col. 1:18). The church of Christ is not the only name that could be used for the church, but it certainly is an appropriate biblical name and gives honor to Christ that he deserves as founder, purchaser, head, and savior of his church. We do not take a name that honors some man, some doctrine, some day, some practice, or some country. All such names honor some man or thing and take away the honor and glory from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As members of the Church of Christ we can truthfully say, “we have no creed but Christ, we have no book but the bible, we have no name but Christian.” May each of you have a peaceful and blessed week.

Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hades shall not prevail against it (Matt 16:18)

We invite all who would, to come together with us to study God’s word and worship him in spirit and in truth. We are the Church of Christ, Kedron congregation on the Coopertown Road, Russellville, KY. We neither add to God’s word or take from it. Bible study at10:00, Worship at 11:00 each Sunday morning. If you have questions please call, 270-657-2455 or 270-755-2005.