The Disciples Were Called Christians Acts 11:26

Christian “Adherent of Jesus”; “follower of Christ” “Christian” is a glorious, worthy, God- endorsed name –Many prefer to be called by names that extol people or practices, 1 Cor. 1:12 “Christian” is used three times in NT –Each context teaches something about what it means to be called a “Christian” 2

Acts 26:28 A C HOICE IS MADE 3 CHRISTIAN

The Choice to be Called Christian Informed choice, Eph. 4:17-21 –The gospel is reasonable and persuasive, Acts 19:8; 26:25 (2-23); Rom. 10:17; 1 Cor. 1:21; 2:1-2 Immediate choice, Acts 16:30-33 –Without delay Enduring choice, Rom. 6:1-4; Rev. 2:10 (Heb. 6:4-6) 4

Acts 11:20-26 A C HANGE HAPPENS 5 CHRISTIAN

The Change to be a Christian A conversion –Believed and turned to the Lord, Acts 11:21 –New purpose of heart, Acts 11:23 –A change… Of masters, Acts 11:26, 21, 23 Of mind and conduct, 1 Pet. 4:1-5 6

The Change to be a Christian Repentance from sin occurs, Acts 11:18 –Die to sin, Rom. 6:2; Gal. 2:20 –Put on Christ, Gal. 3:27 –Stop practicing sin, Acts 26:20; Rev. 9:20-21 (Lk. 11:32; Jonah 3:8-10) Any doctrine that allows the sinner to remain in sin is not from God! Acts 2:38; 17:30 7

The Change to be a Christian Repentance from sin occurs, Acts 11:18 –Stop practicing sin: ALWAYS? Unscriptural remarriages: –“When converted, remain in present marriage regardless of past/present marriage.” –Why do they reason this way? “Unbelievers are not under Christ’s marriage law of Matthew 19:9” “One loosed, both loosed” 8

The Change to be a Christian Repentance from sin occurs, Acts 11:18 –Stop practicing sin: ALWAYS? Commenting on 1 Cor. 7:20, some say… “Yes, you are supposed to remain in the marriage that you’re in, when you’re called as a Christian.” (Dann Walker, Kaysville UT, 1995) Context: Non-sinful relations – –Marriage to an unbeliever, 7:12-17 –Circumcision, 7:18-20 –Slavery, 7:21-23 –Therefore … Remain, 7:20, 24 (With God, not in sin!) 9

1 Peter 4:12-19 A C HALLENGE ACCEPTED 10 CHRISTIAN

The Challenge of being a Christian To be identified with Christ and His sufferings, 1 Pet. 4:12-16 (Matt. 5:10-12) –Not ashamed, 1 Pet. 4:16; 2 Tim. 1:8 –Fellowship with His sufferings, Phil. 3:10 –Rejoice, 1 Peter 4:13; Acts 5:

The Challenge of being a Christian To be judged worthy of our name, 1 Pet. 4:17-19 –God’s house undergoes judgment, 4:17 –Strive diligently, 4:18; Lk. 13:23-24 (Matt. 22:14) –Commit your soul to God by doing good, 4:19 12

Called Christians 13 Walk worthy of your calling, Ephesians 4:1 Be a genuine disciple of Christ, Luke 6:40