What says "Christian"?

What says “Christian”? We tend to think about the cross as the symbol of Christianity these days, but that was probably a late development in the church. The cross was such an ugly sign of horrific torture that it took some time to become “acceptable”.

The fish was probably a very early sign for Christians to identify themselves. Why? It is one of the continuing metaphors in the stories of Jesus. For example, in Mark 1:17, Jesus says to Simon and Andrew: “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” (NRSV)

Later, the acronym for the Greek word icthus (ἰχθύς) meaning “fish” came to be associated with the phrase “Jesus Christ, God’s son, Saviour” (Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, Θεοῦ Υἱός, Σωτήρ), Iēsous Khristos Theou (H)uios, Sōtēr.

Symbols are well and good, but what says “Christian”? In Acts 2:44-47, a description of the Christian community is given:

44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. (NRSV)

From this text, descriptions of the “Christian Life” have been drawn. These descriptions usually include at least 4 elements:
1. Leitourgia (liturgy – the work of the people – worship)
2. Koinonia (community)
3. Diakonia (service)
4. Kerygma (proclamation – witness)
The Basis of Union of the Uniting Church uses the phrase “worship, witness and service”. Where do you find each of these elements of the Christian Life in your life and in the life of our community. What says “Christian” about our community of faith today?