ACTS 11: Find out what people think when they hear the word ‘Christian’

We’re well into this journey through the Book of Acts and it’s proving to be an exciting adventure full of twists and turns. We’re reading a chapter a day and I’m providing a link to the chapter in the NIV(UK) version, but you can of course read the chapter in whatever version you like. I’ve been sharing some short reflections, but the important part is the last part: ACTION. How have you been getting on with the short daily challenges so far?

Are you up for today’s challenge?

Then let’s continue!

READ: Acts 11

REFLECTION: There will always be critics: those who are suspicious of change, who fear the unknown, who prefer to stick with what they know and what has always worked for them in the past.

And this is a massive change. Up to this point, there’s a strong Jewish identity about this faith in the one true God. God has actively encouraged His people to stay strongly rooted in the traditions and commandments of their ancestors.When Jesus comes, he starts to rock the boat, to challenge what this faith has become, to focus in on attitudes of the heart.

And there’s a hint during Jesus’ life and ministry that things are going to change in a big way, that this good news is in fact for all people. But in the Book of Acts, as this begins to happen in practice and other people start to believe in Jesus, it’s hard to take.

What is Peter playing at?

What is God playing at?

And then there’s this: Who was I to think that I could stand in God’s way?

I love this. Too often we resist, consciously or unconsciously when God is at work. It feels uncomfortable and messy. We can’t get our heads around it. It doesn’t fit with how we think things should be done.

And yet…

Who am I to think that I can stand in God’s way?

And actually, right there among these new believers from outside the way it’s always been done, this new description is adopted that for us now is how we are known as followers of Christ.

The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.

ACTION: Find out what people think when they hear the word ‘Christian’

Today it’s time for a survey.

Firstly, what do you think when you hear the word ‘Christian’? How would you respond if someone asked you ‘What is a Christian’?

There are things being done and said in the name of Christianity around the world that are muddying the waters. ‘Christian’ has become an adjective to describe certain things that we possibly/probably do not identify with.

I can imagine what I think other people think when they hear the word ‘Christian’. But I’ve never actually asked them.

And so today, I am going to ask five people what they think when they hear the word ‘Christian’. I am going to listen, not judge or attempt to persuade. If they ask me what I think a Christian is, I will have my answer ready, but if they don’t ask, I won’t tell them.