ESSENTIAL PRINCIPLES for the 21st Century Church
How does one define the Christian Church of the 21st Century? Is it about the size, influence, or spiritual significance? Does the Church today truly represent the ecclesia, the “called out” people of Jesus Christ?
What is a Christian?
The title Christian was given to followers of Christ in Antioch (Acts 11:26). It is only found in two other places in Scripture (Acts 26:28 and 1 Pet 4:16). The Bible describes a Christian as someone who truly follows Jesus Christ as Saviour, Lord, and Messiah.
The Bible refers to as and as The preferred term – – are people actively engaged in the proclamation of the Gospel message of salvation in Jesus Christ. Being a Christian, therefore, is not about attending church services, having one’s name on the membership roll, or belonging to a particular tradition. It is the reality of personal belief, practice, and living as a child of the Triune God (John 3:7).
