Who Is A Christian?

Introduction
? First time the word Christian is used in the N.T.
? Given after the gospel began to be preached to the Gentiles
? Only used two other times- Acts 26:28 “And Agrippa replied to Paul, ‘in a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian’.”.
? I Peter 4:16 “but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but in that name let him glorify God”.
? Unclear as to whether it was first applied by the disciples or by their enemies in derision

Introduction
? But it was considered an honorable name by the disciples in the 1st century- James 2:7 “Do they not blaspheme the fair name by which you have been called?”
? A name commonly used in this country but not often according to its use in the scriptures
? Applied to this nation, schools, organizations and many other things
? Let us examine the scriptures and identify who is not and who is a Christian

Those Who Are Not Christians
? All good people are not Christians
? Christians will be good people but there are good people who are not Christians
? Before his conversion, Cornelius was a good man- Acts 10:2 & 30
? He feared God, fasted and prayed
? But he needed to hear about Christ to become a Christian

Those Who Are Not Christians
? All who claim a relationship to Christ are not Christians.
? Jesus said, “in that day” many would claim to have done great things in His name;
But He will tell them to depart, “ I never knew you.”- Mt. 7:22-23
? Being a Christian requires more than being called by Jesus' name or claiming it for oneself.

A Christian Is A Disciple
? A name used frequently in the New Testament
? A disciple is a learner and an adherent of the teachings of another person
? In the great commission, Jesus told His apostles to go and make disciples of all nations- Matthew 28:19
? Joseph was a secret disciple of Jesus- John 19:38
? One who is a Christian today must identify himself with Christ- Matthew 10:32

A Christian Is A Follower of Jesus
? There is a difference between a learner and a follower
? Jesus requires those who are His disciples to follow Him- Luke 14:27
? And bear His cross
? To be willing to endure rejection, hardship and persecution as he did

A Christian is a Follower of Jesus
? Following Christ requires obeying His word- John 14:15
? Not just in the things that are pleasant and easy but in all things
? Following Jesus also means imitating His example- I Corinthians 11:1
? Becoming more and more like Him every day of one's life- Luke 6:40 & II Corinthians 3:18

A Christian Is A Saint
? Another misunderstood and misused word.
? It means one who has been sanctified or set apart for a purpose.
? Separated from the sinful world to worship and serve the Lord, and live a holy life-
II Corinthians 6:17-18
? It requires a dedication and discipline .
? Christians are called to holiness-
I Thessalonians 4:7

A Christian Is A Saint
? And God expects us to live a holy life-
I Peter 1:15
? A Christian who lives a holy life is the salt of the earth and light of the world-
Matthew 5:13-16
? Which is what Jesus wants every one of His disciples to be.
? A saving influence and an example that will lead others to Christ .

A Christian Is A Stranger and A Pilgrim
• I Peter 2:11- Beloved, I beg you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul.
• This world is not the Christian's home- Philippians. 3:20
• Christians are in the world but not of the world.
• Our mind must be set on our eternal home in Heaven to which we are traveling – Colossians 3:1-2

Conclusion
? What One Must Do to Become A Christian
? Believe in Jesus as the Son of God- John 8:24
? Repent of all your past sins- Acts 2:38
? Confess your faith in Jesus- Romans 10:10
? Put on Christ in baptism- Galatians 3:26-27
? Faithfulness is required- Hebrews 10:39
? Are you a faithful Christian?

By Carey Scott from unknown source

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