This post is just to let everyone know about our Easter Sunday Service, which will be on April 8, 2012 at our regular time of 10:40 am. We’ll have a traditional service with singing, communion, and a sermon. Look forward to seeing you all there where we may celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and fellowship together.
Our name is Canon City Christian Church. What does that say about us? As with everything we do here, we want it based on scripture. We read in Acts 11:26 that it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. What was meant? Χριστιανούς is a Greek word of Latin formation, meaning a follower or disciple of Christ. It can be compared to a similar word “Caesarian,” one who was an imperial slave (Moulton-Milligan). The name was first used by Gentiles as a derogatory name for the worshippers of Jesus. Later, from the second century onward, it was held as a title of honour by Christians themselves (Thayer).
A good example of the use of “Christian” is found in the New Testament, in Acts 26, the apostle Paul gives a defence of his ministry and his conversion before some high ranking officials, King Agrippa and Festus. When he finishes his apologetic, Agrippa, moved at hearing the gospel proclaimed, states “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?” The proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ was so powerful that even this ruler was drawn to the truth of that gospel.
But who is a Christian? It is astounding how many people claim the title, but by no means would agree with Paul’s preaching, or his writings in the New Testament. It is popular in these times to attempt to decide for ourselves what we mean when we say “I’m a Christian,” rather than believing all that Christ said and following him obediently. If we are to live up to our name, we have to believe even the tough and unpopular teachings of scripture. Christ Jesus taught the fallen condition of the human race, and the doctrine called “Original Sin.” Paul also taught it. Paul taught a literal creation, as told in Genesis. Do you believe it? Jesus, Paul, and all the writers of scripture taught justification by grace through faith alone, apart from works or law, and apart from external symbols like baptism. Paul and Jesus taught the total depravity of man, the infallibility and authority and inspiration of scripture. Do you believe scripture? Do you give deference to its authority? Jesus taught the existence of a literal hell, and eternal damnation for the unjustified. So did Paul. They taught of the second coming, the perseverance of the saints, the purpose of the church, and the glories of the life everlasting. If we don’t believe what they said, we can hardly call ourselves “Christians.”
So what’s in our name? In our name is our desire to live out the lives of devoted followers of Jesus Christ in belief, in thought, and in action. We’re glad of the title, we are slaves to the king, and we’re happy to be a church that follows Jesus by believing, preaching, and living out his word in our lives.
