What's In a Name? Part 2

I don't know why these video's bother me so much, I guess because they seem geared at mocking Christians and in particular the name "Christian". A Pharisaical attitude comes to mind when I watch these videos, you know; that smug, better than thou mentality that looks down on another brother who maybe hasn't grown in Grace enough to see the error of his ways yet. Galatians 3:3 comes to mind that says "Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?" I am neither compelled to pull down a fellow Christian because he has chosen to be called a Christ Follower instead of a Christian, nor do I agree with all the ways that Christian's conduct themselves, but I would just like to point out that for nearly 2000 years the name Christian has been hated and loved by many, but never has it been hated, despised, or even looked down on by those who claim the name of Christ until now. I would like to let Horatius Bonar give you some insight into the title "Christian" and why we should want this title bestowed upon us for all eternity and how to live up to it.

It is for you who are called by the name of Christ that these pages are written, that you may be reminded of what God expects of you, and of what your name commits you to.

It is a great thing to be a Christian. The very name is a noble one, beyond all the noble names of earth. The thing itself is inconceivably blessed and glorious. To say, 'I am a Christian,' is to say, 'I belong to God's nobility; I am of the peerage of heaven.

'Much, then, is expected of you. Do not disgrace the old family name. Do nothing unworthy of Him who represents you in heaven, and whom you represent on earth. He is faithful to you; be you so to Him. Let men know what a Lord and Master you serve. Be His witnesses; be His mirrors; be His living epistles. Let Him speak through you to the world. Let your life tell your fellow-men what He is, and what He is to you. Speak well of Him to men, as He speaks well of you to God. He has honoured you by giving you His name; He has blessed you by conferring on you sonship, and royalty, and an eternal heritage: see that you do justice to His love, and magnify His greatnesss.

Let your light shine. Do not obstruct it, or hide it, or mingle darkness with it. 'Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee' (Isaiah 60:1). It is the light of love that you have received; let it shine. It is the light of truth; let it shine. It is the light of holiness; let it shine. And if you ask, How am I to get the light, and to maintain it in fulness? I answer, 'Christ shall give you light' (Ephesians 5:14). There is light enough in Him who is the light of the world. 'The Lamb is the light thereof' (Revelation 21:23). There is no light for man but from the Lamb. It is the cross, the cross alone, that lights up a dark soul and keeps it shining, so that we walk in light as He is in the light; 'for God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all.

'Be true to Him who loved you, and washed you from your sins in His own blood. He deserves it at your hands. It is the least that you can do for Him.

Excerpt taken from "Follow the Lamb" by Horatius Bonar (1808-1889)