S -
“And he [Paul] entered the synagogue and continued speaking out
boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of
God. But when some were becoming hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the
Way before the people, he withdrew from them and took away the disciples,
reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus. This took place for two years, so
that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.”
Acts 19:8-10 NASB
O - The first followers of Jesus were called Christians
by their detractors but never referred to themselves with this contrived label
(Acts 11:26). The term is found in the Scriptures only three times and is not
an identifier the Apostles, Elders and earliest believers ever used of
themselves. The only "label"
is the one Acts mentions here (i.e. the Way).
It's the one Paul will use in his presentation before Felix (Acts 24:14,
22). In his discourse before King Agrippa, Paul will not accept nor engage the
term Christian (Acts 26:28-29). It's a word Jesus never used and never intended
his followers to use. Conclusion? Heaven
has never made one human being a Christian.
Humans make other humans Christians (humans make Buddhists, Muslims,
Jews, etc.). Jesus did not come to start
any religion; let alone a religion called Christianity (John 4:20-24). He came to call all people to himself without
respect to religion, politics, ethnicity, social standing and the like. “I
am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, even as the Father
knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. I have
other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will
hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd.” (John
10:14-16 NASB) Heaven makes us one in the person of Jesus not in a religion (“There
is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither
male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28 NASB).
A - In all of my national and international travel
these last number of years it's been my consistent experience that if one
speaks of religion it's easy to stop a conversation and start a fight. If one speaks of Jesus it's easy to continue
a conversation and make a friend. Earth
and Hell are happy for people to become Christians … Heaven wants all people to
personally meet Jesus and become his mother, brother, sister and friend. “While
He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were
standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, "Behold,
Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside seeking to speak to
You." But Jesus answered the one who was telling Him and said, "Who
is My mother and who are My brothers?" And stretching out His hand toward
His disciples, He said, "Behold My mother and My brothers! For whoever
does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother and sister and
mother."” (Matthew 12:46-50 NASB) The exclusive distinguishing
feature Jesus said would identify those who actually know and are following him
contains no religious terminology. “A new commandment I give to
you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love
one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have
love for one another."” (John 13:34-35 NASB) I’ll believe Jesus on Jesus
rather than someone else.
P - God who loves all the people of the world,
Thank
you for sending Jesus to bring crystal clarity to your person and purposes in
heaven and on earth. Thank you for
loving all 7.3 billion of us and for wanting all of us to personally meet, know
and follow Jesus. I admit it takes a
miracle and you commit to making it so.
Your intensions are clear: not amnesty but adoption. Not religion but
relationship. Not converts but sons and daughters. Thank you for letting and causing us to live
and speak in Jesus.
I
love you back,
Steve
