Friday, October 7 – Acts 11:26b

and the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

There are several different ways we introduce ourselves depending on the situation. We may introduce ourselves as a parent or according to our job title or where we are from. There is a difference when we are introduced by someone else. We are introduced through their understanding of who we are. The name “Christians” was not a statement the disciples used to set themselves apart from everyone else but instead was a name that was given to them because of how their lives reflected Jesus.

How would those who know you describe you? Would they call you a Christian because of how you live even if they don’t know what church you go to? Following Jesus is more than a religion or a moral compass. When you are a follower of Christ, you are changed from the inside out; your nature is changed from death to life. The Holy Spirit is inside of you, and you have a new identity in Him. The things that used to define you are small details in light of your transformation through Him. Paul described this transformation in Galatians 2:20 when he said, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Life is no longer about maintaining your image but being changed into His image! When you live in Him, the change in your life becomes a testimony of who He is.

• Who are some people you know that live out their faith well? How do their lives encourage you?
• How has being transformed by Christ changed you?
• Praise God for changing you from the inside out!