Christianity vs Culture

In the light of the definition of culture I can see how many people would view the typical Christian as part of a culture. As we see the word 'culture' defined, many line up Christianity with this definition based on the quality of a person based on pursuits, something excellent, a particular stage of civilization, the development or training in the improvement of the individual, and the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a 'Christian' group.

Seeing culture defined brings a definition to a people and their pursuit in society as a group or sub-culture based on the belief system others define as built on specific characteristics. Were the pilgrims a sub-culture to England or did they stand out as a people of faith? Did the pilgrims land in America as a culture that influenced the culture of those already embracing the land, the Indian? What makes Christianity more than a culture? What defines Christianity vs Culture? Why do Christians go beyond being a culture?

'Culture' is defined;

cul·ture

  

noun

1.

the quality in a person or society that arises from a concern for what is regarded as excellent inarts, letters, manners, scholarly pursuits, etc.

2.

that which is excellent in the arts, manners, etc.

3.

a particular form or stage of civilization, as that of a certain nation or period: Greek culture.

4.

development or improvement of the mind by education or training.

5.

the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group: the youth culture;the drug culture.

Christianity within society has been made to be a description of individuals. So, how do many see that this definition called Christianity to be? The term Christian usually in definition is meant to define by most, a person who adheres to and upholds the religion that is founded on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth and is taken from the Greek word for Messiah.

Yet, we find in Acts 11:26 that it states that the "disciples were called Christians first in Antioch". Was this a culture significantly different from the Jewish teachings of the day? Not at all, Christianity embraced the Jewish teachings and declared that the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth had fulfilled the Jewish teachings, that He had fulfilled God's word, and had come as the Christ that was prophesied of in the Jewish teaching of God's word. Acts 11:21-25 tell us of the people that were Antioch;

"And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.

Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.

Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.

For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.

Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch. And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch."

To note, these people that were called Christians had some specific things going on.

1.) These had the hand of the Lord with them, believed, turned to the Lord, and were great in number.
2.) The news of these spread throughout the church in Jerusalem.
3.) Those who came to see, saw the grace of God and that these 'cleaved' unto the Lord.
4.) The character of those were seen and they were full of the Holy Spirit.
5.) Many were added to their numbers because of this witness.
6.) They assembled themselves with the church for a year and taught people.
7.) "And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch".

The term Christian was deemed for those who bore the witness of Jesus Christ, reflected the Gospel, were filled with His Spirit, and were called the church. Those who wore the term "Christian" were done so because they had experienced the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This goes beyond a culture, it is more than a teaching, it goes beyond the definition of a development of behaviors and beliefs that are characteristic of a group. Christianity is relationship by the infilling of God in a person's life.

Christianity can be defined through individuals who have experienced an infilling of His spirit in their lives. They have a relationship with the Father through the Christ, who is Jesus, and are filled by His Spirit. It is established on an encounter with God Himself through the Son Jesus Christ, who fills us with Himself, for God is Spirit, John 4:24;

"God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth."

Before the New Testament, Jesus arrival, death, and resurrection, the Spirit of God came upon men. Jesus said it of Himself in Luke 4:18, as He quoted Isaiah 61:1, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me..." He also made it clear that He Himself was full of the Holy Spirit in Luke 4:1.

In John 3:5, Jesus said we must be born of the Spirit after being born of water, (this is the birth from our mothers). Also, in John chapter 7, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit in verses 37-39;

"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)"

The word of God tells us, "But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his." Romans 8:9

In Acts 1:5 and 8, Jesus told the disciples that John baptized with water but that they will be baptized with the Holy Ghost, and "you will receive power after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you, and ye shall be witnesses...unto the uttermost parts of the earth."

Receiving Jesus by confessing Him in your life is a supernatural birth by His Spirit. To be born of Jesus the Christ as an heir to the Kingdom of all God's promises and blessing is the key of Christianity. Through the Son we are filled with the Holy Spirit by the Father Himself. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are ONE TRUE God, who comes to dwell within man, and make him born again of the Spirit. It is done in an instant found in Romans 10:8-10;

"But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."

He has become, "Christ in me the hope of glory", Colossians 1:27. He has filled me with Himself, that I may KNOW Him through His word, His ways, His presence. I am a "Christ"ian. 

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." Romans 1:16-17

Filled by His Spirit, purchased by His blood, knowing Christ and growing in His word,

Pastor Kim

*The Ichthys or 'fish' was used by early Christians to identify themselves as followers of Christ. The  greek word (Ichthus) forms the acronym,"Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior."