Who Is A Christian? Acts 11:19-26

Who Is A Christian? What were first-century converts called? Saints, believers, disciples, brethren, the Way, etc. But a new name was given in Ac.11:26. Who is a Christian? It depends upon who you ask. Webster’s definition: “1. a person professing belief in Jesus as the Christ… 3. a decent, respectable person.”

Who Is A Christian? Other uses: “Christian nation,” “Christian culture,” “Christian school,” etc. We have lost sight of the true definition of a Christian in the fog of familiarity. “Christian” is often a watered-down and meaningless term today. We must look in the NT for the answer (1 Pet.4:16; Ac.24:28; Ac.11:26)

A Christian Is Someone Who… Heard & believed the preaching of the Lord (v. 20) Gospel preaching always precedes conversion (Mt.28:19-20; Mk.16:15-16) Belief precedes conversion; it comes by hearing the word of Christ (Rom.10:17) Confession precedes conversion because it is linked with belief (Rom.10:10)

A Christian Is Someone Who… Baptism precedes conversion, because preaching Jesus includes preaching the necessity of baptism (Ac.8:12,35-36). Many have never heard the NT gospel. They have heard only a perverted gospel (human philosophy, social gospel, faith only, pray through, etc.).

A Christian Is Someone Who… Received the grace of the Lord (v. 21, 23) God’s grace always precedes conversion (Ac.18:27; 20:24; 20:32; 1 Cor.15:10; Eph.2:8; Tit.2:11) Many have refused the grace of God

A Christian Is Someone Who… Turned unto the Lord (v. 21) Repentance always precedes conversion (Ac.3:19; 9:35; 15:19; 26:20; 1 Thess.1:9). Turned (Gr. epistrepho) = obedience (baptism) = conversion (Ac.2:38 with 3:19). Many are at the turning point, but they simply will not turn to the Lord (Ac.24:25; 26:18)

A Christian Is Someone Who… Many are willing to turn, but they turn to a man-made teaching or denomination

A Christian Is Someone Who… Cleaved unto the Lord (v. 23) A true Christian is truly committed to the Lord. Baptism is not the end point, but the beginning point and we must remain committed (Heb.10:23-25). True commitment (“purpose of heart”) is needed (Josh.22:5; Mt.6:24; Mt.22:37; Lk.14:33; Gal.2:20)

A Christian Is Someone Who… Many will not remain faithful to the Lord Others believe in the doctrine of “once saved always saved”

A Christian Is Someone Who… Been added unto the Lord (v. 24) A true Christian is a member of the Lord’s body, the church (“with the church;” v.26; Ac.2:41,47; 5:14 (Gal.3:26-27) The body = the church (Eph.1:22-23; 4:4; 5:23; Col.1:18)

A Christian Is Someone Who… A true Christian is not a member of a man- made denomination Many have been added to man-made churches with “Join the church of your choice”

A Christian Is Someone Who… Been following the Lord (v. 26) A true Christian follows the Lord. Christian (Gr. christianos) = follower of; adherent of; belonging to Christ (“Herodian;” Mt.22:16). This was a divine calling (Gr. chrematizo; an act of God; Mt.2:12; Lk.2:26; Ac.10:22; Rom.7:3; Heb.8:5; 11:7; 12:25).

A Christian Is Someone Who… No man-made, denominational names were worn. “Christian” is an honorable name and a distinguishing name. These “Christians” followed what they learned (“disciples;” v.26). They were “Christ-like”.

A Christian Is Someone Who… How do true Christians follow Christ? By following his example (1 Pet.2:21); his word (Jn.10:5,27); applying it in life (Lk.6:46). Why do true Christians follow Christ? To please no one but Christ (Gal.1:10). When and where do true Christians follow Christ? At all times and in all places (Mt.16:24; Rev.14:4).

A Christian Is Someone Who… Are you a real Christian as described in God’s word? Many are following everyone and everything but the Lord. Will you hear and believe the preaching of the Lord, receive the grace of the Lord, turn to the Lord, cleave to the Lord, be added to the Lord, and follow the Lord today?