Christian! please !? "“Christian in name ( title) only”

But this acronym could be changed to stand for Religious in Name Only, and it would accurately describe many people in today’s world. How many just give lip service to religion? Millions of people label themselves by the religion of their family, but care little about living or practicing even the basic teachings of their professed religion.

We could also get more specific and change it to CINO: Christian in Name Only.

Indian independence leader Gandhi once stated, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."

Let us not be Christians in name only, but with our words and with our actions, let us be a witness for Christ to the world around us. We measure people by their title but the Lord measures them by what they do.

I assume you are asking about the term “Christian in name only”. This term is used to describe people who identify themselves as Christians but do not live according to the faith. According to an article on MSN, there are 17 signs that help differentiate a nominal Christian from one who truly lives according to the faith . Another source, Conservapedia, describes a Christian in name only as someone who professes to be a Christian in public but has a considerable lack of knowledge about the basic tenets of one’s professed faith .

A Christian in name only is someone who identifies as a Christian but does not live according to the faith or lacks knowledge about the basic tenets of Christianity.

Christianity is a religion with a wide range of denominations and faith groups, each subscribing to its own set of doctrines and practices. However, there are some core beliefs that are central to almost all Christian faith groups . Here are some of the basic tenets of Christianity:

Monotheism

Monotheism: There is only one God.

Salvation through faith: Christians believe that salvation is a gift from God that is received through faith in Jesus Christ .

The Bible: Christians believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God and contains the truth about God and his plan for humanity .

The Resurrection: Christians believe that Jesus Christ was crucified, died, and was buried, and that he rose from the dead on the third day

What does Jesus have to say about the use of religious titles? Does the Bible say we should not use them at all?
While visiting Jerusalem's temple a few days before his crucifixion, Jesus seized on the opportunity to educate the multitudes. After warning the crowd (and his disciples) about the hypocrisy of Jewish leaders, he further warns them regarding religious titles vainly enjoyed by such leaders.

Christ's teaching regarding religious titles is clear and to the point. He states, ". . . they (Jewish leaders) love the first place at the suppers . . . And the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.' But you are not to be called Rabbi; for one is your Master . . . Also, do not call anyone on the earth your Father; for one is your Father, Who is in heaven. Neither be called Master; for one is your Master, the Christ (Matthew 23:6 - 10, HBFV throughout).

The Greek word Rhabbi (Strong's Concordance #G4461) in Matthew 23 is translated as "Rabbi" in verse 7. Its literal meaning is "my master" (Strong's) or "my great one" (Thayer's Greek Definitions). Clearly, the use of this religious label is one of the many titles prohibited in Scripture.

The Greek Pater (Strong's #G3962) is where we get the English word "father." Some denominations, like the Catholics, permit the use of this title for its priests. Its use as a recognition of a man's religious position, training or authority is forbidden in the Bible. This includes the blasphemous designation of the head of the Catholic Church as the "most holy father." It is perfectly acceptable, however, to refer to one's male parent as "father."

The word from which we get the English "master" in verses 8 and 10 of Matthew 23 comes from the Greek kathegetes (Strong's #G2519). Its use as a title references someone who is a teacher or guide with the implication that they possess a powerful religious position or office. Jesus, as the God of the Old Testament, claims exclusive use of "master" for himself!

Other religious titles that are unacceptable, based on the spiritual intent of Jesus' teachings in Matthew 23, are "Pope," "Vicar of Christ" and others used primarily by the Catholics. Such designations are utilized to denote a person they believe is the highest-ranking spiritual authority on earth (1913 Catholic Encyclopedia). The word "vicar" means a person who acts in place of another or as their substitute (dictionary.com).

Like "most holy father," the title of "Pope" is not only wrong but also blasphemous. This is because such appellations convey the belief that a person has been given divine authority and power over Christians. This is against what the Bible teaches, which states no man is to rule over the faith of another ( 1Peter 5:2 - 3).

Christ never gave any human being the absolute power to dictate doctrine for all other believers and rule over their faith. Even the apostle Peter, whom Catholics consider the first Pope, never claimed such authority for himself. He, instead, referred to himself as "a fellow elder" (1Peter 5:1), one of many mature Christian believers who served in the church.

God does not want those who believe in him to use titles that falsely try to convey someone has a greater spiritual "rank" or authority than others. The apostle Paul taught that even he did not claim authority over anyone's faith, but rather saw himself as someone who helped increase a person's joy in God (2 Corinthians 1:24).

How are Christians to refer to one another? Two acceptable New Testament references to other believers, including those more mature in the faith, are "brother" (Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 16:12, Ephesians 6:21, etc.) and "sister" (Romans 16:1, 1 Corinthians 7:15, James 2:15, etc.).

Some have wondered whether the abbreviation "Mr.," which originated in the mid-1500s as a shortened form of the word "master," is acceptable to use. In modern times, this term is not used as a religious title but instead is usually used as a generic courtesy reference to an adult male. It is generally acceptable to use.

"It is possible to hear the gospel, take part in church activities, and be a faithful contributor without the experience of a vital relationship with the Spirit of God. We can pray prayers without talking to God; we can teach and learn truth without being transformed by the truth; we can work for Christian causes without being healed ourselves; we can read the Bible and live with messed-up relationships; we can hear about the power of the Spirit and live inhibited, intransient lives....I have come to believe that the possibility of receiving the Holy Spirit ...depends upon one ingredient or a combination of ingredients. There is usually a need which we cannot fill ourselves, or a challenge which goes beyond our wisdom or strength, or a sense of unfulfillment in our Christian experience."

If you want to be more than a Christian in name only, then open your heart to receive the Holy Spirit in all his fullness.