“Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me;
All His wonderful passion and purity.
O thou Spirit divine, all my nature refine,
Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me.”
The witness of the believer is that he or she has seen the Lord; the essence of the Christian is that he or she is being discipled to become like Him. This old song, therefore, must be the earnest prayer and song of every believer in Jesus Christ.
Who are we, as believers? What does it mean to be a Christian? Although many profess to be Christians, in these uncertain times, the world does not seem to know or can distinguish us as Christians. What is it then, that distinguishes us from the rest of the world?
THE EARLY CHURCH
It is interesting to note that the believers in early Church were not often referred to as Christians. Actually, the word “Christian” is used only ONLY THREE TIMES in the bible – Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16.
In every other reference to the believers, however, the word DISCIPLE was used. Actually, the word disciple is used 255 TIMES in the bible, only 2 times in the Old Testament and 253 TIMES in the New Testament!
Acts 11:26 NASBS
“And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And for an entire year they met with the church and taught considerable numbers; and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians: Greek – “Christianos” meaning, “a follower of Jesus Christ.”
They were called “Christians” because they were disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. Their conduct, behaviour, action, and speech were like Christ Jesus. They were known as Christians because people could see the fruit of Christ in them.
Acts 4:13 NKJV
“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.”
Peter and John were uneducated and untrained in the scriptures, but their boldness when the spoke before the Sanhedrin, made them realise that these men had been with Jesus, as His disciples and followers.
The disciple of Jesus bears the fruit of Christ. People can recognise and see Jesus in them – in their speech, conduct and deeds. It is time for the world to see the fruit of Christ in us, His disciples, Church and Bride.
FOR REFLECTION
How much do I reflect Jesus to others? Can people see Jesus in me without me telling them that I am a Christian?
For the next few days and weeks, let’s go back on this teaching of bearing the fruit of Christ and how we can reflect and reveal Him to others.
Colossians 1:10 TPT
“We pray that you would walk in the ways of true righteousness, pleasing God in every good thing you do. Then you’ll become fruit-bearing branches, yielding to his life, and maturing in the rich experience of knowing God in his fullness!”
Fulfilling Our Theme For 2024: “Building The Highway And Lifting The Banner”
“And in that day, there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him…. (therefore) Go through, go through the gates! Prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway! Take out the stones, lift up a banner for the peoples!” [Isaiah 11:10, Isaiah 62:10]
Women In Tune | QUIVER | Cedars House Christian (International)