AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN
Text: Acts 11:26
Introduction-
I’m afraid that the modern day definition of
a Christian that some people proclaim just won’t
fit into the Bibical description of what a true
child of God is like. A true believer, according
to the Word of God, is no less than a bond-slave
of Jesus Christ. Christ rules and reigns in the
true disciple’s heart. Today, it seems, some
have the idea that you can be a "Christian" and
live any way you choose. In their view, as long
as you go to some church, and profess some kind
of faith, you are a child of God. But, nothing
could be further from the truth. I would like
for us to acknowledge some of the traits of the
true Christian in this message today.
I. First of all AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE
WHO HAS BEEN BORN AGAIN OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD.
John 3:3-"Except a man be born again, he cannot
see the kingdom of God."
There is a natural birth, and there is a spiritual
birth. By natural birth, we are descendents of
Adam, members of a condemned race. By spiritual
birth, we become sons of God are are adopted into
His family.
We cannot manufacture a Christian. Only God can
birth a believer. Only God can save a soul. All
the goodness we profess, or good deeds that we do
could not move us one inch closer to the gates of
Heaven. It takes the blood of Christ to cleanse
us from sin, and when we believe in Him and obey
His will, the blood is applied to our hearts, and
we become children of God by faith in Jesus Christ.
This "easy-believism" stuff of just walking an isle
or signing a card, or raising a hand is a bunch of
bull. If any man be in Christ, he is a new cre-
ature.
II.Secondly, AN OLD-FASIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO
LOVES GOD AND OTHERS.
"Behold how those Christians love one another!"
That was the impression that the early disciples
left upon the world.
If they had not loved Christ, they would not have
been willing to suffer and die for Him. If they
had not loved each other they would not have
shared of their possessions with one another as
the early Christians did.
They ate together. They worshipped together.
They fellowshiped together. They suffered to-
gether. They died together.
Even the worst of unbelievers noticed their love.
Where is this love among Christians today?
III.Thirdly, AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO
WITNESSED FOR CHRIST.
They were unashamed to tell others about their
Saviour and Lord. I once heard Billy Graham
say that there were over 2 1/2 billion people in
the world who have never even heard the Gospel.
There are an estimated 150-60 milion people in
the United States who do not profess to be
Christians, yet, our witnessing is so scarce
and so minimal that we barely make any impact
on our own generation.
What ever happened to boldness?
IV.Fourthly, AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO
LIVED A HOLY, GODLY LIFE.
Many professing believers today act no different
to those who don’t even claim to know God.
They go to the same shows, they talk the same
talk. They dress the same way. They engage in
the same immorality. Where is the holiness
difference in the people who know God today?
If there is one thing that offends this world
about Christianity it is the demand for holiness.
The world wants to live ungoldy, party, and
live it up. They don’t want God interfering
with their lives.
But, if you really know Christ, you want to do
right, and with the help of God, you can live
victoriously, and overcome the world.
V. Fifthly, AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO
WORSHIPS AND PRAYS SINCERELY AND FAITHFULLY.
We don’t seem to have the time to do that today.
If some folks want to take off a month or two or
three from church, and do their worldly things,
then they think that is permissible.
The Bible says to not forsake the assembling of
yourselves together.
Look at the names on our church rolls, and look
at the attendance in our pews, and you will see
that we aren’t all that we profess to be.
Some never seem to witness, support the church
with their tithes and offerings, or serve on
needed committees or positions in the church.
When we pray and live like the early disciples
did, the world will see a difference in us.
VI. Sixthly, AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTIAN IS ONE WHO
HAD A STRONG FAITH.
They knew what they believed, and why they be-
lieved it. They knew who Jesus was-the Divine
Son of God, and they shared it with the world.
When I think of strong faith today I think about
great men of God like Billy Graham and Jerry
Falwell, and others who have taken a stand for
God in our own generation, and who have been
true to Him, and faithful to their calling.
We need such a faith, and such men today who
can help us to return to being old-fashioned
Christians who live for Christ, and glorify Him.
Invitation-I encourage you to live for Christ, to
believe in Him, accept Him, and follow Him today.
Come to Him now, as we stand and sing.
