Prayer Journal
Monday, August 28, 2000
Is the word "Christian" a noun or an adjective? Can it be used properly in either form? What does the Bible say about the issue?
We know the Bible uses the word as a noun, to identify the followers of Jesus Christ. (Acts 11:26; Acts 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16) But, if you're like me, you've also heard is used in the adjective form; "They're a fine Christian family!" or "America is a Christian nation." By the dictionary, this is proper usage. It implies that a "respectable" person can be called a Christian is they have "Christian" qualities.
How did this come to be? The people of Antioch called the disciples Christians because they acted like Jesus. ("Little Christ" is what the term Christian literally means.) It seems once again, that the world has jumped to the wrong conclusion. They would have us believe that Christ-like actions of people make them deserving of the title Christian.
The early believers were known for their faith and actions. It wasn't long before the term Christian was synonymous with both persecution and martyrdom. Not only so, through the ages believers have been assigned many labels and called many names, both good and bad. In fact, in the first three chapters of Revelation, Jesus speaks to seven churches and ascribes to them many good and bad characteristics.
"How will the next generation know us? Will they find us faithful or faking. Will they have seen Jesus in our lives or say we just demonstrated 'Christian' qualities." Just Thinkin'.. WebServant
(1) Scripture comes from the Holy Bible, New International Version; (c)1978 by New York International Bible Society
(2) The images used herein were obtained from the Learning Company's ClickArt Christian Graphics Deluxe product, (c)1999 The Learning Company, Inc and its subsidiaries, 88 Roland Way, Novato, CA 94945 USA. All Rights Reserved.
