Caring CHRISTIANS sharing God's message of Grace.
What does it mean to be caring Christians sharing God's message of grace?
What does it mean for us to be "Christian?"
Would you believe the word itself, Christian, is hardly ever used in the Bible? It is first mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles, chapter 11 where the ministry of Barnabas is described. It goes on to say that "it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called 'Christians'."
Christian was originally a pejorative term. Those who adhered to the teachings of Jesus and worshipped a Lord who was believed to have risen from the dead were known negatively as "partisans of Christ."
In the 16th century, when Martin Luther became aware that those who followed his teachings were being called "Lutherans" wished the term would be dropped, and they simply be called Christians.
For us to be Christian is to be known as people who follow Jesus. Who adhere to his teachings. Who are enthused with God's Spirit. Who are loyal to the one who was loyal to us in laying down his life.
Defining ourselves in our mission as "Christians" puts us squarely in a fellowship with others who claim that name. If you have ever had an illness or crisis that carried prayer petitions across denominational boundaries, you know something of what it is to share life as Christians. It is moving to know that there are Baptist and Methodist, United Church of Christ and Presbyterian prayer teams going to their knees on your behalf.
First and foremost we are Christians. We share a common faith with those who believe Jesus is alive, and takes away the sin of the world. Regardless of our discrepancies over the finer points of theology, we share more in common with other Christians than not.
Fellow Christians consistently ask members of our leadership team on the golf course "How is your church doing? When will you be breaking ground?" They ask this with earnest desire to see the Christian church thriveŃsharing the good news in the community with vitality and facilities that facilitate further growth in accomplishing the great commission.
Being a Christian among other Christians may not be difficult, but being known as a Christian among non-practicing peers can be challenging and intimidating. Many carry distaste for the way people have presented the Christian faith to them. Many aren't sure they want to be a part of an organization with such obvious flaws. Many, based on their experience, perceive Christians as stuffy or judgmental.
Thus, we have work to do. We are on a mission to be known as followers of Christ who, like their namesake, care for all peopleŃthe criminals, the poor, the grieving and forgotten. As Christians, what we are called is not important. Bearing the name one day may give us applause, and the next day jeers. Such is life. But, what we get to do on Jesus' behalf in this world is paramount.
As a Christian Church, Grace and Glory gets to bring Christ to bear in Fluvanna County. We are privileged to speak a word of grace, forgiveness, unconditional acceptance, and to give a tangible hand of help to those truly in need. We are so fortunate to bear individually and collectively the name of Christ, and to be his body broken for the healing of our broken world.