OUR DAILY BREAD : WHAT'S IN A NAME?

[cimi]

March 18
Wednesday


WHAT'S IN
A NAME?

READ:
Acts 11:19-26
________________________________________

Walk worthy of the
calling with which you
were called.
__Ephesians 4:1
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My Chinese family name sets me apart from others with different family names. It also confers on me a family responsibility. I am a member of the Hia family. As a memeber of the family, I am expected to carry on the Hia line and uphold the honor of my ancestors.

Believers who have been saved by thee atoning blood of Jesus Christ have a spiritual family name. We are called "Christians."

In the New Testament, the name Christian was first given to the disciples in Antioch by those who noted their behavior (Acts 11:26).

The name Christian means an "adherent to Christ" --literally, one who "sticks" to Christ. Today many people call themselves Christians. But should they?

If you call yourself a Christian, does your life tell others who Jesus is? Are you hungry for Godd's Word? Do your actions bring honor or shame to Christ's name?

What's in a name? When the name is Christian, there is much indeed! __C. P. Hia
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```````````````````````Teach us that name to own,```````````````
``````````````````````While waiting, Lord, for thee,```````````````
```````````````````````Unholiness and sin to shun,```````````````
`````````````````````From all untruth to flee. __Cecil`````````````
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A Christian reflects Jesus Christ.

***************Today's Bible Reading __ ACts 11:19-26************

19 Now those who were
scattered after the
persecution that arose over
Stephen traveled as far as
Phoenicia, Cyprus, and
Antioch, preaching the
word to no one but the Jews
only. 20 But some of them
were men from Cyprus and
Cyrene, who, when they
had come to
Antioch, spoke
to the Hellenists, preaching
the Lord Jesus. 21 And the
hand of the Lord was with
them, and a great number
believed and turned to the
Lord.

22 Then news of these
things came to the ears of
the church in Jerusalem,
and they sent out Barnabas
to go as far as Antioch.

23 When he came and had
seen the grace of God, he
was glad, and encouraged
them all that with purpose
of heart they should
continue with the Lord.

24 For he was a good man,
full of the Holy Spirit and
of faith. And a great many
people were added to the
Lord.

25 Then Barnabas departed
for Tarsus to seek Saul.

26 And when he had found
him, he brought him to
Antioch. So it was that for a
whole year they assembled
with the church and taught
a great many people. And
the disciples were first
called Christians in
Antioch.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

"The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch" (Acts 11:26).
Paul encouraged the believers of Ephesus to be worthy of that
name. he wrote, "I... beseech you to walk worthy of the calling
with which you were called" (4:1). The Greek word beseech has
several meanings. It's the word for "comfort" and often carries the
idea of listening with empathy. However, the word is also used for
"exhortation" in living up to God's high calling. The twin challenges
of care and exhortation are great catalysts for spiritual growth.
__Dennis fisher