Christians and Christianity
Christians were first called so by society, not by The Holy Spirit.
God never established a movement called “the Christians”, nor a religion called Christianity — just the very word Christ — “IANITY”, should tell you, it’s a man-made religion, a thing created by man.
The Father speaks of Sons.
Jesus speaks of friends, and the Holy Spirit speaks of Brothers whom He came to redeem ( = reconcile, reunite, restore and reinsititute, to God’s original design and intent for them).
Sons are not the fruit of a religious institution, they are the restored offspring of God Himself, “re-Unioned” with the Father, to live in expression of His will.
Not guided by any rules, traditions or doctrines, but led of His very Life-Breath within them.
Christians live by the doctrine of the fallen Adam and Eve, hiding behind the leaves of salvation, constantly ashamed and guilt ridden in repentance over their failure.
Sons live naked and unafraid! They are free in Christ, not only spiritually, but mentally and emotionally also.
They walk freely in the Garden of His Presence. They know no condemnation — They walk in unconstitutional Love.
They are not governed by an institution, they are led in their Father’s Love.
~ Johann van der Hoven
Johann van der Hoven has been in service of The LORD since 1991 and has hosted numerous mass revival meetings. The Holy Spirit is announcing a NEW SOUND from Heaven beginning in 2020 — The Sound of His Glory being poured out!
Ger Fried and Maria, I knew they were first called Christians at Antioch, but was about to start searching, when I saw the reference to a Christian in 1 Peter 4:16. I am proud to be called a Christian, but I do agree with Bro Johann, many times we are not bold enough. Perhaps some called by that name are not a true Christian. Then there’s Job 1:6: There was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan came also among them. So, I guess no matter what we are called, the old accuser of the brethern will still find something to accuse us of. Praise God, we as Christians, or sons of God, now have power over him in the Name of Jesus Christ!
Christians today seems to believe God was asleep the past 2000 years. If He didn’t like His people being called Christians for 2 Millenia, would He have been unable or unwilling to change it?
“Yet if [any man suffer] as a CHRISTIAN [Χριστιανός], let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God in the NAME THIS.”
(Peter in 1 Peter 4:16)
Love it! Amen brother..Aaamen!!!
Excellent, Johann. Well put.
“and He was full of the Holy Ghost(because of hearing the Father) and ( by this) of (true) faith and much people was (therefore) 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.
Acts 11:24-26
The verse above describes how the believers became seperated from having been “antichrists” because they had until then not been taught that they must hear the Father.
By being taught the true doctrine they were therefore from that moment called ” Christians”.”.
1 Pet.4:16-17
continues with that teaching, that the only true Gospel of Jesus Christ and the only true “christian” that exist is the one that has the annointing the Christ” from hearing and obeying the Father:
“if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed but let him not be ashamed but let him ( by only speaking what the Father days) glorify God on this behalf. For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God ( between the antichrists and the true Christ) and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? ”
Yes “christianity” is man made, but the true Christian is by hearing and obeying the Father made by God.