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| CHRISTIAN: Defined by the Old Names [a sermon outline] |
| Speak as the Oracles weekly |
Introduction:
Isaiah 62:2 foretold of a new name God would call His people. That new name is
Christian (Acts 11:26). It is a name that represents a new relationship which God
would have with His people, and His people with Him. Thus, by the other
descriptive terms used of Christians, we can learn what a Christian is.
I. DISCIPLES ~ Of or belonging to Jesus or the Lord
A. Used of some before they became Christians (Acts 9:1)
B. John 8:31,32
C. Luke 14:26,27
II. CHILDREN (SONS) of GOD
A. John 1:12
B. John 11:52
C. 1 John 3:1
D. Matthew 5:44,45
III. BRETHREN ~ A TERM OF LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER
A. Matthew 23:8, 10
B. John 21:23
C. 1 Peter 1:22
IV. SAINTS ~ HOLY ONE
A. 1 Corinthians 1:2
B. 1 Peter 1:15,16
Conclusion:
The name Christian is not an empty, meaningless title. To be a Christian means
something. It means one is a disciple or follower of Jesus: learning of His example
and teaching, and following them. It means one is a child of God: adopted
through the grace of God, and an heir of eternal life. It means one is one of the
brethren: a part of a family who cares not only for your physical welfare (and you
their's), but also for your spiritual welfare (and you their's). It means one is a
saint: a holy one separated from the world (though still in the world) to serve God
in all things, keeping oneself unspotted. To be a Christian is to be someone
special in the sight of God; but, it is not the privilege of a few: it is the opportunity
of all. Whosoever will may become a Christian. The invitation of God and Christ
is open to all.
Isaiah 62:2 foretold of a new name God would call His people. That new name is
Christian (Acts 11:26). It is a name that represents a new relationship which God
would have with His people, and His people with Him. Thus, by the other
descriptive terms used of Christians, we can learn what a Christian is.
I. DISCIPLES ~ Of or belonging to Jesus or the Lord
A. Used of some before they became Christians (Acts 9:1)
B. John 8:31,32
C. Luke 14:26,27
II. CHILDREN (SONS) of GOD
A. John 1:12
B. John 11:52
C. 1 John 3:1
D. Matthew 5:44,45
III. BRETHREN ~ A TERM OF LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER
A. Matthew 23:8, 10
B. John 21:23
C. 1 Peter 1:22
IV. SAINTS ~ HOLY ONE
A. 1 Corinthians 1:2
B. 1 Peter 1:15,16
Conclusion:
The name Christian is not an empty, meaningless title. To be a Christian means
something. It means one is a disciple or follower of Jesus: learning of His example
and teaching, and following them. It means one is a child of God: adopted
through the grace of God, and an heir of eternal life. It means one is one of the
brethren: a part of a family who cares not only for your physical welfare (and you
their's), but also for your spiritual welfare (and you their's). It means one is a
saint: a holy one separated from the world (though still in the world) to serve God
in all things, keeping oneself unspotted. To be a Christian is to be someone
special in the sight of God; but, it is not the privilege of a few: it is the opportunity
of all. Whosoever will may become a Christian. The invitation of God and Christ
is open to all.