Jesus never called us christians, so why does man?  I know where the name came from.  We have many names after being saved that are not ‘christian’ (Jhn 13:35).

Sincerely,
Don’t Label Me

Dear Don’t Label Me,

The name ‘christian’ is a Bible name.  In Acts 11:26, we see believers first using the title ‘christian’.  The apostle Peter uses that moniker for Christ’s followers in 1 Pet 4:16.  All in all, it is a wholly biblical term.

What's the difference between Christianity and Christendom?  I thought they were synonyms.

Sincerely,
Wordsmith

Dear Wordsmith,

They can be used as synonyms, but in certain contexts, those two words can also have different meanings.  We will try and clarify the differences.  ‘Christendom’ is often used to refer to all religious groups and individuals that pledge some sort of allegiance to Jesus.  This would include everything from Catholicism to snake-handling Bible cults.  When the word ‘Christendom’ is used this way, it is an umbrella term that encompasses all groups that (even slightly) refer to themselves as ‘christian’.

However, it is fair to say that not all religious groups in Christendom agree with one another… or the Bible for that matter.  This is where the word ‘Christianity’ comes into play.  ‘Christianity’ is the true religion that Christ came and taught.  Jesus made it clear that not everyone who professed allegiance to Him would be saved (Matt 7:21-23).  There is only one true form of Christianity (Eph 4:4-6).  True Christianity is built upon the words of the Bible (Rom 10:17).  Many in ‘Christendom’ are not part of ‘Christianity’.

I started going to church at three years old, and I’m a christian (as far as I know), but my question is: how do christians live?  I came from dancing, drinking, etc., but now I am trying to live like a christian, but I don't know how.

Sincerely,
Starting Fresh

Dear Starting Fresh,

Christianity is about living by faith and knowing that God will reward us for seeking Him (Heb 11:6).  Our first act of faith is to become a christian; since it sounds like you aren’t completely sure that you are one, we recommend you read our post “What Must I Do To Be Saved?”.

After becoming a christian, you must begin to grow and practice what the Bible says (1 Pet 2:2).  A large part of that growing process is becoming an active member in a faithful congregation that can teach and encourage you (Heb 10:24-25).  Not every church is doing what God says, and it is important that you search for a congregation that is faithfully preaching and teaching the Bible.  We have an article entitled “Finding A Church” that can help you search for a congregation.  We would also be happy to help you find a congregation in your area.  If you would like our help, e-mail us at askyourpreacher@mvchurchofchrist.org, and we will try to put you in contact with a congregation nearby.

If there is not a non-liberal church of Christ in our hometown, and one doesn’t have means to drive to another congregation in the next town over... can you just hold services in your own home with other christians in your family (like father, mother, grandmother, etc.)?

Sincerely,
Soul Seeking

Dear Soul Seeking,

There is nothing wrong with holding services in your home as long as you are honestly starting a congregation.  Philemon had a congregation that worshipped in his home (Phm 1:2).  However, starting a congregation from scratch is a very big task and not to be taken lightly.  Local churches are required to evangelize and teach the community (Acts 11:26) and perform all the acts of worship each Lord’s day (singing – Col 3:16, praying – Lk 18:1, studying – Acts 2:42, taking the Lord’s Supper – Acts 20:7, and taking up a collection to keep the church growing – 1 Cor 16:1-2).  Are all of those things that your family is ready to tackle on its own?

If not, the other option is to find a way to get to the congregation that is close by.  Public transportation or (preferably) other kind-hearted brethren with vehicles are great options.  Remember, no matter what toil you must go through to make it to services… you are storing up treasures for yourself in heaven (Matt 6:19-20).

Where in Scripture are we told to "place membership" with a church?

Sincerely,
Not A Member

Dear Not A Member,

Church membership is shown through the commands to not forsake assembling with the saints and the numerous examples that being members of a local church is what early Christians did.  Even the apostle Paul, with all of his traveling, was a member of the church in Antioch (Acts 11:25-26).  God tells us that part of the purpose of the church assembly is to stimulate and encourage one another to love and good works (Heb 10:24-25).  If the only purpose of church attendance is to hear the Word, then we wouldn’t need to have a home congregation that we worshipped with – just hop from sermon to sermon week after week.  Instead though, God intended for Christians to be a part of a local congregation with elders to help shepherd them (1 Pet 5:2)… you don’t get the blessings of elders without membership somewhere.  God knows what is best for us, and it is in our best interest to assemble with other Christians in a local church.  We are all different, and our differences help to strengthen us, protect us, and better serve Christ (Eph 4:14-16).  If all we do is “church hop”, then we don’t have the blessings of the local eldership, interwoven lives with other local saints, and participating fully in the growth of the church’s work.