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A Christian Is - -. 1 Peter 4:15-17 The Bible defines who is a Christian. Current usage. “Christian” is used to mean: A nation based on moral values People who go to some church Anyone who believes something about Jesus A person who is kind, helpful
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A Christian Is - - 1 Peter 4:15-17 The Bible defines who is a Christian.
Current usage • “Christian” is used to mean: • A nation based on moral values • People who go to some church • Anyone who believes something about Jesus • A person who is kind, helpful • What does the Bible teach about being a Christian?
“Christian” in NT • Christian is found 3 times in the NT • 1 Peter 4:16 - Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. • Acts 11:26b - And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
“Christian” in NT • Christian is found 3 times in the NT • Acts 26:28 - Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” • What can we learn? • Who is a Christian?
A Christian Is - - • A Disciple • Acts 11:26 – Disciples were called Christians • Disciple = learner, student, pupil • Most often in a religious sense • One is not a disciple • Dreams, visions • Direct operation of the Holy Spirit
A Christian Is - - • A Disciple • A disciple is a follower of Christ • 1 Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: • The standard for conduct is NOT • Law of Moses • Worldly view • Philosophy
A Christian Is - - • Persuaded • Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded • Almost persuaded is not enough • Are you persuaded? • To Deny self – Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
A Christian Is - - • Persuaded • Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded • Almost persuaded is not enough • Are you persuaded? • To Deny self – Matthew 16:24-26 • Love God above all – Luke 14:26 - “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.
A Christian Is - - • Persuaded • Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded • Almost persuaded is not enough • Are you persuaded? • To Deny self – Matthew 16:24-26 • Love God above all – Luke 14:26-29 • Sacrifice all – Philippians 2:17 - Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
A Christian Is - - • Some are hard to persuade • Many are just not interested • Many are confused • Some are “set in their way” • Some have emotional ties and won’t move when shown what is right
A Christian Is - - • Willing to Suffer • 1 Peter 4:15-16 • Don’t suffer for doing wrong • Be willing to suffer for right • Persecution, accusations • People who speak what they do not understand
A Christian Is - - • Willing to Suffer • Suffering is all around us • Caused by physical world – disease and death • Caused by sinful living – doing evil • Caused by doing God’s will • 2 Timothy 3:12 - Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
A Christian Is - - • Willing to Suffer • We must be willing to suffer for our Lord • Acts 5:41 - So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.
A Christian Is - - • Not Ashamed • 1 Peter 4:16 – We must not be ashamed of being a Christian • Mark 8:38 – Not ashamed of the words of Christ • Romans 1:16 – Not ashamed of the gospel
A Christian Is - - • Glorifies God • “Glorify God in this name” • Glorify God by: • Being a disciple • Worshiping – praising – praying • Living a moral life
QUESTIONS • Are you a Christian? • Is today the day you decide to put on Christ? • Will you begin the Christian life today?