CHRISTIANS (4-27-10)

Acts 11:26
…and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians.
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As the Philippine election draws near, a lot of town meetings, caucus and debates are happening. And as you get to know the candidates, you will hear the same surname, but different person. Yes, political dynasty is alive in the Philippines. Senators, congressman, mayors – all from the same clan. And they also came from families of former Presidents and Senators.

In a Filipino family, the surname is important. No one should act in such a way that you blemish the surname of your family. Or else, you risk being disowned. Your family’s surname should be a source of honor and pride.

Similarly, being called a Christian should be a source of joy and honor for us. It is not just a tag or a name. It means total obedience to the living Lord. We need to PERSEVERE in our faith, knowing that one day we will receive our reward. This perseverance also includes encouraging fellow-Christians to live that life of commitment.

We are Christians. And the world shall recognize us as the true disciples of Jesus – not just by what we say or what we believe or what we do or even the soundness of our theology, but by our love. Something has fundamentally changed within us.

Being Christians is not a walk in the park. Our Lord has shown us that being Christians means living our life for others. And as Christians, we should keep the Lord in our hearts forever.

For without “CHRIST”, what is left is “IAN” or I Am Nothing!

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, You renew Your promises in our hearts as we await the goal of our faith, even the saving of our souls eternally with you. Father, when we contemplate these things, we know that no praise is too extravagant. With hearts filled with awe and rejoicing, we thank You for his life which is given to us. Amen +

All you nations, praise the Lord.