Paradoxical Titles

An international evangelist listed some of the most interesting church names he had seen in Africa. Some of the names included Guided Missiles Church, Hurricane Miracle Church, Run For Your Life Church, High Tension Ministry, and Go Tell Ahab That Elijah is Here Ministry. Some of these names might seem pretty awkward compared to the church names we’re used to. It really made me think about my own church's reputation and my life. How do people see me? After someone meets me, what impression do they walk away with? Do I truly represent Jesus in a way that honors Him as a Christian?

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

The word Muslim means one who has submitted to Allah’s will, which is how they relate to Allah. Special titles are given to prophets and messengers, like “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.

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, friends of God, and more. The Apostle Paul often used the title of “slave” in his letters. This title creates two paradoxical titles: 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.

While “slave” might sound harsh, it really 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), and 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!

"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