I. A Christian Shows Evidences of Believing - v. 21
"And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."
Many today claim the name of Christian or profess Christianity as the basis for their lives. However, a large portion of these same individuals do not show any evidence that they know Christ or even know what a Christian is.
There are some definitions of the word Christian that I would like to begin with. First, the word Christian means to be "Christ-like" or a "little Christ." Secondly, a Christian means to "be of the party of Christ," or in other words, to be associated with Him. It is sad to say though that many who claim the name of Jesus show absolutely no qualities of Christ-like living. Matthew 7:21 is clear, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." It is not just enough to say that we are a Christian, but if we are truly blood-bought, then there will be overwhelming evidences of it.
Here in the book of Acts, the Bible states that the term "Christian" originated first in Antioch. This is ironic considering that the city of Antioch was a major pagan metropolis. Antioch was the third largest city in the Roman Empire behind Rome and Alexandria. Some believers who had been persecuted after the death of Steven sought to get away and these landed in Antioch. However, they didn’t arrive silent. Instead, they came preaching. Verse 19 states that they were "preaching the word," and verse 20 states also that they were "preaching the Lord Jesus." They displayed an evidence that they believed in what was promised. They refused to give up. They would not grow silent when persecution came. They viewed this as an opportunity for missions, so they proclaimed Christ as they traveled.
When God made His covenant with Abraham, Abraham did not doubt even though it seemed impossible. Genesis 15:6 states, "And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness." Many are finding it very difficult to live a righteous, holy life mostly because they live in doubt as to the promises of God. Romans 3:4 states, "let God be true, but every man a liar." Your doubt and unbelief will keep you from a relationship with God.
II. A Christian Shows Evidences of Adhering to God’s Word - v. 23
"...that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord."
The words "would cleave unto" in verse 23 comes from the Greek word "prosmeno" which in a spiritual sense means to adhere to. Again it is sad to say that there are many who profess Christ and yet live in open rebellion to His Word. For example, Hebrews 10:25 states, "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is." However, I find it a major problem as a pastor, as do many other pastors that I have spoken with, to be able to keep just my members attending faithfully. They may show up on Sunday morning, but then will skip Sunday evening and Wednesday night services. Before I became a Pastor, I decided that I would not accept a position with any company that would require me to work on Sunday or Wednesday evenings. Some companies refused to hire me, but there were a few who were understanding. It was these that I worked for. What I learned was that God is faithful to those who are faithful to Him, and anything that causes you to compromise on God’s Word and principles is an idol and needs to be removed even if it is your employment. Matthew 6:33 states, "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." It starts with believing. Do you believe this verse? If you say "yes," then is there evidence supporting your word?
III. A Christian Shows Evidences of Being Filled With the Holy Spirit - v. 24
"For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost..."
Verse 24 speaks of Barnabas, who as you know, later became Paul’s companion on the mission field. The Bible states that he was full of the Holy Ghost. As a Christian, there should be explicit evidence that we are full of the Holy Ghost. In verse 16, the Apostle Peter recalls the words of Jesus when he stated, "John indeed baptized you with water; be ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost."
How do we know that we are full of the Holy Ghost? The Bible states in Matthew 7:20, "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." The fruit is the evidence that one is filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ok, but what type of fruit are we discussing here? That is found in the book of Galatians. There are many involved in the charismatic movement that believe an infilling of the Holy Ghost will be made manifest by that person speaking in tongues and/or prophesying as well as other signs such as bodily convulsions and being "slain in the Spirit." Admittedly there are times in the Bible where this happened. However, these are the exception, not the rule. After the establishment of the early church, we only find these signs evident in Corinth and there they were being abused. Galatians 5:22-23 describes to us what to look for in ourselves and this is our rule to live by - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." As a Christian, these characteristics should be evident in your life. If they are not manifested in your every day living, then heed to the warning of the Apostle Paul in II Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith."
IV. A Christian Shows Evidences of Faithful Service to God - vs. 24, 26
"...full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." ; "And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church."
Once Barnabus located Paul, he brought him to Antioch. Together, the two joined with the church and gave faithful service for a year. This gives us an example to go by. If we are going to hold to the name Christian, then we ought to be faithful servants to Christ and His body.
Our Sunday School Superintendent has just recently celebrated his 80th birthday. He is our most faithful member. He even attended our Bible School this summer and operated our cotton candy machine. A couple of months ago, he became ill on a Wednesday with dangerously high blood pressure, and he missed the evening service. That was the first service he did not attend in 10 years, and since that day, he has not missed another. Oh that all who claim the name of Christ were to be that faithful!
It is only reasonable to believe that God would have us to serve. Romans 12:1 states, "I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service." Jesus gave us another example in John 13:14-15, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." Unfaithfulness cannot be acceptable in the lives of those professing Christ.
V. A Christian Shows Evidences of Witnessing Their Faith - v. 19-20, 23, 26
"...preaching the word..." ; "...preaching the Lord Jesus." ; "...exhorted them all..." ; "...taught much people..."
The most evident sign of faithful Christian living is by sharing the Gospel. Note all of the verses quoted above state that the Word was going forth. However, for some reason it seems that many are ashamed to speak of God. Maybe they are afraid that they will be ridiculed or shunned. Maybe they are afraid that there will come reprocussions from employers or school administrators. Whatever the reason, Satan is behind them all. God commands us to share the Gospel.
The word "gospel" means "good news." Everyone wants to hear good news. I do not know anyone who looks forward to hearing something bad. So why are people so reluctant to share this good news? The Bible is filled with exhortations to share the Gospel. Jesus Himself gave us the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20. Psalm 107:2 states, "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so." No one can be saved unless they are reached with the Gospel of the Savior. That is why Hebrews 10:23 states, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering." It may take some boldness, but it has to begin with believing in the promises of God when He said that He would supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory. Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
If you are not sharing the gospel, it is evidence that you are ashamed of it. Jesus is painfully clear in Mark 8:38, "Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."
Is there an evidence of Christ in your life? If so, you will desire to share Him with others. If not, I dare to say that you are lost. Don’t be ashamed of the One who gave His life for you. He died for you! He is a personal Savior. He is yours if you will just accept Him. Do it now and allow His goodness and love to be manifested through you. Won’t you do it now?
