A note from our pastor:

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Ephesians 4:24

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

In Acts 11 we are told how Barnabas went and sought out Saul and brought him to Antioch. There they encountered a group of people who were devout in their service to the Lord and for a year or more Barnabas and Paul gathered with the church and taught them in the things of the Lord. During this time, according to Acts 11:26, those at Antioch coined a new term and started calling this group of believers “Christians”.

The city of Antioch had a reputation for giving groups of people nicknames. These nicknames were given with a sense of derision, and no doubt this was true for those followers of Christ. It is highly unlikely that those in Antioch calling them Christians was a compliment. In fact, it should cause us to be cautious about calling ourselves Christians.

However, the point is, their manner of living was such that the people around them noticed. The Apostle in this verse tells us, being a disciple of Christ is putting on a new man. In other words, it is an all encompassing change.

Too many today have made being a disciple of Christ about a series of boxes to check. There are things you are supposed to do and things you are supposed to be against. This is a dangerous road to travel down. This series of check boxes might work to prove that you are employable, safe to travel, or ready to receive a permit. But being a disciple of Christ is an all consuming endeavor.

Putting on the new man, as the Apostle calls it here, is about adopting a manner of life focused on living morally — with love and mercy — towards your fellow man. This way of life shows up in all we do and in all the things we do not do.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah