Christian 'BRAND'

The word "Christian" is comparatively rare, appearing only three times (Acts 11:26, Acts 26:28 and 1 Peter 4:16) and is therefore unlikely to have been their usual name.

They were sometimes referred to as "The Way", although this was also not their preferred name, but more likely a term of abuse given to them by others, for example in Acts 24:14.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets.

It is possible that the term "Christian" was also given to them as a term of abuse, although they gladly adopted it for themselves because they were happy to accept suffering and abuse in the name of Yeshua (Jesus).

The two most popular names that they normally called themselves were "Disciples" and "Saints".

The word "Disciple" (mathetos in Greek) means one who is trained or taught, and appears 31 times in the book of Acts, starting with Acts 1:15.

And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples...

We have to ask ourselves how many believers also are Idol worshipers? Catholic Saint worship? Sports? Celebrity? Preachers? Organizations? But first, we have to establish how is a "Christian a Christian? Because they say they are? While Organized Christian religion has bred deception, debauchery, devils and democrats (as in laity rule) the variant extra-biblical false teachings on salvation are "paving the broad-way." The idea that lesser covenant conditions of the seekers part can 'trump' the covenant plan taught by Jesus (Old & New ) and preached by Peter on day of Pentecost is false. Now granted, even many worship 'the doctrine' after covenant relationship is consummated, but that is another issue. So as Catholics and others have not even met the New Testament plan of salvation, it is scriptural to exclude them from the 'brand' Christian. But where do we stop exclusion? Now scripture is clear that "You must be born again." John 3:3 Jesus shed further light on this statement later in John 7: 37 "In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
38 He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."
39 (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Acts chapter 6-8-10 all clearly prove that receiving the Holy Ghost is not automatic when one thinks they manifest initial 'saving faith.' So when one takes a scripture out of context for salvation doctrine, "without the Spirit of Christ you are none of his." and Acts 11 also confirms one must recieve the Holy ghost...13 And he shewed us how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said unto him, Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter;

14 Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning.

16 Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.

17 Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life] So we see the evidence is the Holy Ghost! I know Catholics with the Holy Ghost, but in need like Apollos to be taught more perfectly. One important teaching that is absent is that the Holy Ghost is counterfeited by Satan (not in Love Peace Joy ) but other supernatural manifestation and false doctrine. So the litmus test is The Holy Ghost...more the fruit than the gifts, but together with correct doctrine we can have the witness of Heaven & Earth... 1 John: 5 Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

6 This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.] So our first commandment for entering into his salvation is Acts 2:38 ...all of it. Belief alone is dead. True belief-faith brings repentance granted by and with the gift of The Holy Ghost! And water immersion in the name of Jesus/Y'suah Christ. So we then Die in repentance with Him=co-death Are buried with him in baptism=co-burial and co-resurrected receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost. But so many want to shortcut this because narrow is the way and strait is the gate, and few there be that enter "receive the Holy Ghost" ...so these false teachers create the "BROADWAY" 

or Highway to HELL.