all of the below
"It was in Antioch that the disciples were called Christians for the first time." —Acts 11:26
In the early Church, Christians were those who had done all of the below:
- heard "the good news of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 11:20),
- believed in Jesus (Acts 11:21; 16:31),
- "were converted to the Lord" (Acts 11:21),
- were encouraged "to remain firm in their commitment to the Lord" (Acts 11:23), and
- were instructed in the faith "for a whole year" (Acts 11:26).
Jesus promised Christians: "No one shall snatch them out of My hand. My Father is greater than all, in what He has given Me, and there is no snatching out of His hand" (Jn 10:28-29). Those who are merely good people, church-goers, prayerful people, nice people, hard workers, decent people, or church members are often snatched out of God's hand. But Christians are rarely snatched out of His hand.
Consequently, be a Christian by the standards of Acts of the Apostles. If you have missed any aspect of being a Christian, do some remedial work. Put your life in Christ on the firmest foundation. Be a Christian.
Prayer: Father, make me clearly recognizable as a Christian.
Promise: "My sheep hear My voice. I know them, and they follow Me." —Jn 10:27
Praise: As a reminder of her commitment to the Lord, Maria celebrates special spiritual anniversaries such as her baptismal day and First Communion day.
Reference: (For related teaching, order our booklet, The Challenge of Making Disciples in a "Culture of Death" or our tape on audio AV 97-1 and AV 97-3 or on video V-97.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Ralph J. Lawrence, December 9, 2000
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 12, 2000