THE MEANING OF CHRISTIAN?

Acts 11:26, “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch Acts 11:26, “And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

Acts 26:28, “Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” 1 Pet. 4:16, “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.”

I. SACRIFICE

Rom. 12:1, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”

Heb. 13:15, 16, “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. ”

People are able to see through the hypocrisy. Num. 32:23, “But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.”

II. SERVICE

Romans 12:1, “… which is your reasonable service.”

Perceptions Servitude is based on perception. Usually a man is guided by his own perceptions. That perception may be based on misguided teachings. “Once saved always saved.”

That perception may be based upon one’s personal criteria: Judging oneself against another. “I may not be all that faithful, but I’m better than so-and-so!”

One’s perception should be based upon the word of God! The Bible is my service manual which tells me what I must do to be saved, and how to maintain that salvation.

Perfection Service to God is part of the perfecting process! Most often we talk about a person striving for perfection. Though we can never obtain perfection on our own, we can achieve it through Jesus Christ.

Matthew 5:48, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” 2 Cor. 7:1, “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

Eph. 4:13, “Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.”

III. SINCERITY

Being a Christian is all about sincerity. Phil. 1:10, “That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.”

Rom. 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation Rom. 12:9, “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” Three questions to prove your sincerity: (1) Do you put God first?

Matthew 22:37, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” Exodus 34:14, “For thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”

Do you prove your love for the brethren? 1 Pet. 2:17, “Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.” I’ve seen people who say they love God but spend no time with their brothers and sisters in Christ.

Do you know that if you were to die right now you would be saved? Sincere, devote, dedicated Christians know they are saved!!! Paul was sure (2 Tim. 4:6). John was sure (Rev. 22:20).