January 22, 2012

Acts 11:19-30 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:
Matthew 7:21-29, Psalm 18:1-24, Genesis 36

Journal Entry

Scripture

25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul,
26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.

Observation

Verse 26 explains how people who believe in Jesus were first called Christians. What an exciting time it must have been for them! I can almost feel the excitement as I read these passages.

Application

Chi Chi Rodriguez, a famous Latino golfer, once quipped that there are no rich Mexicans. When you are rich, you become Hispanic. When I was in College, Oriental was not such a derogatory term. But if someone were to call me an “Oriental” today, I think I would be offended. Today’s verse reminds me how the term “Christian” was made and what it really means to be one. I should do my best to make sure that the name “Christian” remains a positive term in the secular world.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for those early church Christians who showed with their own examples what it meant to be true Christians. Help me to follow their footsteps and be the light and salt of the world.

--Joey