Apologetics

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FIRST AND FOREMOST


“The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch” (Acts 11:26). “The word ‘Christian’ is a Latin formation by which plural nouns ending in -iani denote the partisans of the person named; for example, the Herodians were the supporters of Herod Antipas” (David Williams, Acts, p. 206). In this instance, it is derived from the term Christos, the Greek form of the title Messiah. Hence, they were followers of Jesus the Messiah.
This was apparently not a term that the disciples used concerning themselves, although it seems applicable. Nor is it likely that it was employed by disbelieving Jews, given their aversion to the notion that Jesus was the Messiah. However, in context, it appears to have arisen in pagan circles, as a means of identifying a growing number of persons in their midst. Moreover, some have speculated that it was meant to reject them.
While it goes without saying that it has become the primary way of referring to this faith community. Even when persons are threatened with martyrdom. Along with various degrees of appreciation by those who observe their behavior.
First and foremost, I am a Christian. This better defines me than any alternative designation. For instance, I am also an American. As such, I share with others a common national heritage. However, I experience a closer bond with those of like faith from other cultures.
This sometimes blurs the cultural distinctives, and brings to mind the observation of one of my Nigerian students. “When I think about you,” he allowed, “I do not think of you as an American but as a Nigerian.” Our common faith thus fostered a mutual identity.
From a political perspective, I am a right of center moderate. So that I am more likely to vote with conservatives, but not necessarily so. In this regard, I take care to distinguish between ideals and strategies for achieving them. So that while it seems proper to address the needs of the poverty stricken, persons differ as to how this can best be accomplished.
I likewise espouse the cause of religious liberty. Not only on behalf of Christians, but those of other faiths. Then in opposition to a religious establishment, which promotes a given faith at the expense of others. This extends to a secular establishment as well, since as the theologian Paul Tillich aptly notes: “That which serves in place of a religion is for all practical purposes a religion.” Since both alike are concerned with one’s ultimate concern.
I am also a die-hard Chicago Cubs fan. As affectionately characterized: our lovable losers. If more successful, then it comes as something of a surprise. So that one person observed, “If the Cubs were to win a championship, it would prove that God has a sense of humor.”
Having resided in the Chicago area, it perhaps comes naturally to associate with the Cubs. However, Cub fans include those who follow them from a distance. For instance, someone mentioned that a certain nurse was a devoted follower. When I approached her, she admitted that it was only on rare occasions that she had visited Wrigley Field. After which, she arranged to see their games played at St. Louis, since this was much closer to her home.
I readily recognized a bond between us, but it was of a rather trivial nature. Were she to identify herself as a Christian, I would have sensed a much deeper association. One which might have eventuated in sharing prayer requests, and by way of encouraging one another.
As evidence of the fact that I am a Christian first and foremost, I make it a practice to attend services at the church with which my wife and I affiliate. Do I always feel like attending? No, although as a rule. But what of the exceptions? I attend anyway. This characteristically results in a blessing, but even were that not the case, it might encourage others. In this regard, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Heb. 10:25).
Initially, do not join those who habitually refrain from meeting together. Regardless of the reasons for doing so, there being no exceptions. Not if one is first and foremost a Christian.
Secondly, for the express purpose of encouraging one another. Thus considering the welfare of others in preference to our own. Although both may benefit.
Thirdly, especially in the light of eternity. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal,” Jesus cautioned. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in an steal” (Matt. 6:19-20).
Fourthly, not as a retreat from pressing duties, but as to form a base for operations. Then to proclaim the gospel, both near and far. Thus to make known, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Fifthly, then by way of extending our corporate endeavor into what is described as a holistic ministry. That is, one that addresses the full range of human needs. In brief, such as incorporate food and shelter, security, esteem, and self-fulfilment.
Sixthly, while in a cooperative manner, one that allows for various gifts to be explored and enhanced. Such as requires calculated effort, and continuing fine-tuning. While learning from both successes and failures. So that any local fellowship is a work in progress.
Finally, if we are Christians first and foremost, we will better serve in other capacities as well. Consequently, giving rise to the notion of a citizen Christian. As for apt commentary, “We wanted to put the emphasis on the noun. We are Christians, and the adjective ‘citizen’ is to modify the noun ‘Christian,’ and not the other way around. We are Christians first, foremost, and always”(Richard Land, “Citizen Christians Have Rights Too,” Citizen Christians (Land and Moore, eds.), p. 6). While this is a topic that could be profitably explored at greater length, this perhaps serves to encourage further reflection.

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