Exploring Church Names and Our Christian Identity

An international evangelist recently shared some of the most interesting church names he encountered in Africa. Names like Guided Missiles Church, Hurricane Miracle Church, Run For Your Life Church, High Tension Ministry, and Go Tell Ahab That Elijah is Here Ministry stood out. These names may seem unusual compared to what we typically see. They made me reflect on my own church's reputation and my personal life. How do people perceive me? After meeting me, what impression do they leave with? Do I truly represent Jesus in a way that honors Him as a Christian?

The Importance of Reputation

As someone who deeply cares about the eternal destiny of Muslims and longs for them to know Christ, I ponder what reputation I want to have when they meet me. This led me to explore the Scriptures and the Quran to understand how the names and titles of Christians differ from those in Islam.

The word Muslim means one who has submitted to Allah’s will. This is how they relate to Allah. Special titles are given to prophets and messengers, such as “hazrat,” which refers to someone special in Allah's sight with a mission from God. Muhammad and his companions are also honored with respectful titles, which is obligatory. Not giving honor to Allah and Muhammad can be seen as blasphemous. The Quran tells us in 33:56, “Indeed, Allah showers His blessings upon the Prophet, and His angels pray for him. O believers! Invoke Allah's blessings upon him, and salute him with worthy greetings of peace.” For Muslims, Allah values submission over intimacy.

Christian Identity in the Bible

Christians, on the other hand, are identified in the Bible by their faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to Him. Because of this, we are given titles like disciples, saints, servants, ambassadors, and friends of God. The Apostle Paul often used the title of “slave” in his letters. This title creates two paradoxical roles: we are called *friends of God (John 15:15) yet we were once slaves to sin, now slaves to righteousness (Romans 6:18) We can embody both roles, and each is vital to our reputation as Christians. These two titles highlight our liberation from sin and our commitment to God's will.

The Duality of Our Titles

While “slave” might sound harsh, it emphasizes our loyalty and obedience to God’s ways. Meanwhile, being a “friend of God” reveals the closeness we share with Christ (Ps. 25:14), where He shares intimate mysteries with us. As a follower of Christ, I cherish this intimacy, as He reveals His will to me through His Word and the Holy Spirit within me.

With my Muslim friends, I want my life to radiate the aroma of Jesus Christ. Living in His friendship and servanthood should invite questions from them. I hope to explain the beautiful differences between the titles of Christ’s followers and the titles used by Muslims. In so doing, may the saving power of the cross of Jesus come alive to them!

The Call to Action

As Christians, we are called to be ambassadors of Christ. This means living out our faith in a way that draws others to Him. Our actions should reflect the love and grace we have received. How can we do this effectively?

1. Engage in Conversations: Take the time to talk with your Muslim friends. Ask questions and listen to their beliefs. This builds trust and opens doors for deeper discussions.

   
   

2. Live Out Your Faith: Show the love of Christ in your daily actions. Whether it's through acts of kindness or simply being there for someone, let your life be a testament to your faith.

   
   

3. Share Your Story: Personal testimonies can be powerful. Share how your faith has transformed your life. This can resonate with others and spark interest in learning more about Jesus.

   
   

4. Pray for Opportunities: Ask God to provide you with opportunities to share your faith. Be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your conversations and interactions.

   
   

5. Study Together: Consider inviting your friends to study the Bible with you. This can be a great way to explore the differences and similarities between our beliefs in a respectful and open manner.

   
   

"I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you."

John 15:15

"The Lord confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them."

Psalm 25:14

In conclusion, our reputation as Christians is crucial. It reflects not only on us but also on Christ. Let us strive to embody the titles we hold, living as friends of God and servants to others. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our communities and beyond.