Again I feel kinship with all who explore turn the other cheek, forgiveness, loving our fellow man....whatever religion, creed, nationality, color or...whatever. But as I don't feel kinship to the Republican or Democratic Party, the Left or Right, liberal or conservative camps...I also don't feel comfortable labeling myself as a member of christianity...despite the fact that I admire and aspire to the teachings of Jesus the Christ.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they gathered together in the ekklesia and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christ-ians in Antioch.
5546. Christ-ianos khris-tee-an-os' from 5547; a Christian, i.e. follower of Christ:--Christian.
Every religion has a "label" for their beliefs and Faith but the label is just that if they love not their fellow man.
For those that are True followers of the "Christ/anointed" you will know us by our fruits/deeds and how we treat our fellow man.
Jesus warned his followers that Love/agape would wax "cold" and leave the teachings of the Christ and turn to "hatred".
Ironically, this is also prophecied as far back as Genesis and according Numbers 35:21, to kill with
"hatred" is how God describes "murder".
Any religion that follows Love, charity and compassion are of God the Creator. This is why I call myself a "Christ"-ian/"anointed" one of God and a follower of "Jesus the Christ".
Zechariah 8:23 Thus, saith Yahweh of hosts, In those days, [it shall be] that ten men out of all the tongues of the nations, shall take hold,--yea take hold of the skirt of a Jew, saying--We will go with you! For we have heard [that], God, is with you/Immanuel.
Just my humble view of what it means to be a follower of the "Christ/anointed" of God. Blessings.
Steve
Genesis 3:15 And I will put
enmity/hatred [#0342] Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
Numbers 35:21 'or in
enmity [#0342] he strikes him with his hand so that he dies, the one who struck [him] shall surely be put to death. He [is]
a murderer. The avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death when he meets him.
Matthew 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and
kill you, and you will be
hated [#3404] by all nations for
My Name's sake..... 12 and because of the abounding of the lawlessness/iniquity, the
Love/agape [#26] of the many shall become cold;
Revelation 2:4 "Nevertheless I have [this] against you, that you
have left your first Love/agape [#26].