A REAL CHRISTIAN Acts 11:19-26
INTRODUCTION: Only three times in the Bible is the word “Christian” used:
Acts 11:26 And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
1 Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
In Acts 11:26 - we see the attitude of a city concerning Christianity. In Acts 26:28 we see the attitude of a convicted sinner toward Christianity. In 1 Peter 4:16 - we see the attitude of a Christian concerning persecution.
If you look at the city of Antioch, you will find it was one of the most sinful, ungodly, unrighteous, unholy, sensual places on the face of the earth.
The fact that the handful of Christians began to attract attention is a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ.
They had it RIGHT God's people ought to LIVE in such a manner, TALK in such a manner, ACT in such a manner that they are noticed for being different.
Today, however, our actions don’t evoke the same response. Instead of , “Wow! They’re different! They must be a Christian!”
It’s more, “Man, and I thought he was supposed to be a Christian.”
So what made them different from us? NOTE four things that constitute a Christian;
I. FAITH MAKES A CHRISTIAN
A. Faith saves - Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
B. Faith justifies - Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
C. Faith keeps - 1 Peter 1:4-5. To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
It’s all about FAITH.
II. LIFE PROVES THE CHRISTIAN (Bible has a lot to say about this life) Bible compares this life to:
A. A PILGRIMAGE – Psalm 119:54 Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. Your reasoning has been my guide.
B. A TALE THAT IS TOLD - Psalm 90:9 For all our days are passed away in thy wrath: we spend our years as a tale that is told.
The words here mean, THOUGHT; that is, life passes away as rapidly as a thought.
C. A shadow - Ecclesiastes 6:12 For who knoweth what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life which he spendeth as a shadow? for who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?
D. A flower - Job 14:1-2 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
E. A vapor - James 4:14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.
Life proves a Christian.
A real Christian doesn’t just talk about life- but lives a transformed, separated, Godly, dedicated life all in God's will.
III. TRIALS CONFIRM A CHRISTIAN
A. 1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:
B. 1 Peter 4:12-13 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.
IV. DEATH CROWNS A CHRISTIAN
A. Not only does the Bible teach faith makes a Christian, life proves a Christian, trials confirm a Christian, but I'm really glad death crowns a Christian.
