Name That Tune
Many of you have no recollection of the TV show “Name That Tune.” Of course I barely remember it. It first aired in 1953 (I was a young child…) and ran until 1959. The point was to be the first to name the popular song being played by an orchestra. By the way, I saw reruns, not first airings! Very funny…laugh it up…grandpa, I know. 🙂
PLAY A NAME THAT TUNE GAME WITH PRIZE(S).
What we want to look at tonight is the word Christian. Let’s say that’s our “tune.” How long would it take people to name that “tune” about us? Are we even playing the right song?
Where Christians got their name…
Christian: The name given by the Greeks or Romans, probably in reproach, to the followers of Jesus (literally “little Christ”). It was first used at Antioch. The names by which the disciples were known among themselves were “brethren,” “the faithful,” “elect,” “saints,” “believers.” But as distinguishing them from the multitude, the name “Christian” came into use, and was universally accepted. This name occurs three times in the New Testament.
Name Calling
Talk about name calling. How does it feel to be called names? Why do we/others do it?
It’s interesting to note that the first Christian’s didn’t name themselves. It was by the way they acted that others began to use the term we know today.
…and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. (Acts 11:26)
Name Changing
Saul became Paul because of an encounter with Jesus. Talk about the conversion. Ask students if they know the story. How does that relate to us becoming a Christian? If we truly meet Him, shouldn’t our “tune” change as well?
Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” (Acts 26:28)
Name Carrying
The bible tells us that we should stand out and be different…to be the salt of the earth. Explain what salt is for. If it was against the law to be a Christian (which it is in some countries) and a jury of your peers was formed, would you be convicted?
However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. (1 Peter 4:16)
Read more