The above words come from a hymn that we often sing. It follows with the idea “…nor to defend his cause.” Our singing is to be used in a public way for teaching and admonishing each other (Col. 3:16). The truths embedded in such songs should cause us to realize the power of singing and the encouragement to live for the Lord every day. Because of the current sentiment in our country it is almost evil for some to find out that you are a Christian. For some at least, it would take a lot of investigation to even find the word Christian associated with their lives.
Agrippa was almost persuaded to become a Christian (Acts 26:28). Was this some kind of sarcastic remark by king Agrippa? What does the evidence show? Paul established the truth that Agrippa believed that the dead could be raised (Acts 26:8). Paul also revealed that Agrippa was an expert about the customs and questions among the Jews (Acts 26:3). The night before, Festus had spoken of the questions among the Jews being centered around Jesus (Acts 25:19). The clincher is when Paul said that Agrippa believed the prophets (Acts 26:27). All of this combine together would prove to any reasonable mind that Agrippa was almost convinced.
What was he almost convinced of? His need to become a New Testament Christian. A person who would wear the name of Christ would have to change their life and view of life. If we are raised from baptism with Christ it follows that we should seek the things above (Col. 3:1). It is not just an act of going into the water but it is the change of Who it is that rules over our hearts from now on. We, therefore, set our affections on things above (Col. 3:2). The name Christian becomes the banner over our hearts under which we march or walk through this life in service to the Christ of God (I John 1:7; Col.3:24).
Do Christians live separate lives possessing all the power they need or are they connected to other Christians? The writer of Hebrews discussing the same truth that some Christians were beginning to forsake the assembling together of the church (Heb. 10:25). Reminding us of the value of coming together in one place, the writer encourages Christians to provoke or inspire other Christians to love and good works (verse 24). How would that be accomplished? The manifestation of love and good works was when they assembled together with other Christians (verse 25). Christians are warned to not sin willfully in these matters (verse 26).
Would someone then conclude that the church is a Christian church? Here is where the religious world, liberals among us and others who are weak in the faith, have not studied the Bible. Jesus promised to build His church (Matt. 16:18). The church is said to be His house (Heb. 3:6). The reality is that Jesus bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Christian is the name I wear in honor of Him who loved me and gave Himself for me (Rev. 1:5). The church, however, does not belong to me, it belongs to Him. This church which is the body of Christ was built upon the confession made by Peter that Jesus was the Christ the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16-18). Jesus before Pilate witnessed a good confession. He is the Son of God and King over all other kings. Pilate sensed this was no threat to Rome. This Man was not some wild-eyed revolutionary but a Man who would even challenge Pilate’s thinking.
Paul declared that the churches of Christ salute you (Rom. 16:16). Each group of believers is judged in an autonomous manner. All the churches of Christ would compose the brotherhood (I Peter 2:17). Anyone who is embarrassed by the words, “church of Christ” should never again in good faith sing the song, “I am not ashamed to own my Lord.”