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I remember when Facebook first launched, eagerly sending friend requests to people I knew. But soon, requests started coming from acquaintances—and even strangers. Regardless of how well I knew them, Facebook labeled them all “friends.” Eventually, the term “Facebook friend” emerged, a way to distinguish between real friendships and those that were merely digital and superficial. Similarly, the name Christian can carry a tension between what’s real and what’s artificial. Acts 11:26 tells us that believers were first called Christians at Antioch. Before that, they were known as followers of “the Way” (24:14) or the “sect of the Nazarenes” (v. 5). But the name Christian stuck, and today, it remains the most common term for a follower of Jesus Christ. Yet I often find myself adding qualifiers—“true Christian,” “authentic Christian,” or “committed Christian.” Why? Because Christianity has spread so widely that it’s not always clear who’s truly submitted to Christ’s rule. Nominal Christianity is common. As a result, our culture often reflects a vague attachment to Christian principles without a biblical foundation. Too often, the core of Christianity—Christ and His gospel—is hollowed out, leaving only fragments of truth that are misapplied and misunderstood.
Even within the church, there are competing definitions of what it means to be a Christian. One pastor may emphasize one aspect, while a popular book or podcast presents another. With so many voices offering their own versions of Christianity, how do we know what is authentic? The answer is simple: by looking to God’s Word. In a world that often feels artificial and uncertain, Scripture remains our sure foundation. When many turned away from Jesus, Peter answered: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). God’s Word tells us how to become Christians, how to live as Christians, and what authentic Christianity actually is. Because Christ has died for our sins and has given us His Spirit, we are called to walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:4) and to follow Him (John 10:27). We are sent to proclaim the gospel (Mark 16:15) and to stand boldly for the truth (Eph. 6:13–14) while living peaceful and quiet lives (1Thess. 4:11–12). Authentic Christianity isn’t defined by cultural trends, personal opinions, or shifting social norms; it’s defined by Christ and His Word. The call to follow Him isn’t casual or optional; it’s a call to wholehearted devotion. May we not settle for a hollowed-out Christianity. May we, by God’s grace, be Christians in the truest sense—disciples of Jesus Christ who walk in the light of His Word, stand firm in the truth, and hold fast to the faith once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3).