Title: What Does It Mean To Be A Christian?
Text: Acts 11:25-26
Date: November 5, 2023

Introduction: We use the term Christian extensively today. However, it is used only three times in the New Testament. It is used in our text. It is also used in Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said to Paul, ‘Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?’” Finally, it is used in 1 Peter 4:16, “However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.” Two of the three times the term was used by unbelievers as a term of derision. Today, we would call it a political sound bite. Today, the term might be a right wing fundamentalist. NBC did a poll and suggested that the Tea Party largely consisted of right wing Christians. The way it is used in 2023 by numerous individuals is not a compliment. It is in contempt. It is a stigma.

The popular term in the New Testament for Christian were terms like believers, people of the way, disciples, and brothers. It was not until the third century did the term become popular with followers of Christ. Those who first used it misunderstood what it really meant. Many do not have a clear understanding of what it means today.

I am learning not to ask people if they are Christians because most of them will say yes. Instead of being general, I’m trying to be more specific. People will answer the question based on assumptions. They agree with some of the virtues and moral principles of Christianity; therefore, they must be Christians. They were born and raised in a Christian family; therefore…they belong to a church…therefore…they have been baptized, therefore…many people think catechism, confirmation, or church dogma will make them a Christian. However, it will not. What is a Christian? Our second question will be just as important. Are you a Christian? Second Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” So, let’s take a take a test this morning. What does it mean to be a Christian?
I. A Christian is a person

by Christ.

II. A Christian is a person who

for Christ.

III. A Christian is a person who

with Christ*.*

Larry Gipson
First Baptist Church Oneonta