The Disciples Were Called ChristiansActs 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”

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Acts 26:28

A CHOICE IS MADE

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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)

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Acts 11:20-26

A CHANGE HAPPENS

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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

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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

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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”

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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!)

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1 Peter 4:12-19

A CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

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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 5:40-41

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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

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Called Christians

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• Walk worthy of your calling, Ephesians 4:1

• Be a genuine disciple of Christ, Luke 6:40