DCLM Sincere Milk 6 August 2022 — Christians
DCLM Sincere Milk 6 August 2022 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Christians
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TOPIC: CHRISTIANS
TEXT: ACTS 11:19-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Key Verse: “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
MESSAGE:
The wonder of God is shown through many things, particularly in creation. Have you not wondered why two people will look exactly the same? Apart from identical twins, resemblance is seen among blood relations.
Sometimes, you may have been told by people that you look like dad or mom. Parents and children usually share similar features. This is beyond human understanding, God made things so.
Resemblance in human relationship is also expected in our spiritual relationship with Jesus, our Lord. He expects us to be like Him. This was what happened in the lives of the early Christians in a city known as Antioch. It was the place where the word “Christian” was first associated with friends of Jesus.
Were the early believers called Christians because they only spoke about Jesus? The answer is “No.” They were called Christians because they were behaving like Jesus Christ, and they followed His example. The people in Antioch saw the characters of Jesus reproduced in His friends.
Are you a Christian? If you say you are, you are expected to show true Christlikeness; gentle, loving and compassionate like Jesus. You will live out the fruit of the Spirit in your daily life and interaction with others.
Prayer: O God, help me to be like my Saviour in all I do.
Further Reading: Luke 6:40
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
