1. A Christian Is - - 1 Peter 4:15-17 The Bible defines who is a Christian.

2. Current usage “Christian” is used to mean: –A nation based on moral values –People who go to some church –Anyone who believes something about Jesus –A person who is kind, helpful What does the Bible teach about being a Christian?

3. “Christian” in NT Christian is found 3 times in the NT 1 Peter 4:16 Christian1 Peter 4:16 - Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. Acts 11:26b ChristiansActs 11:26b - And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

4. “Christian” in NT Christian is found 3 times in the NT Acts 26:28 - ChristianActs 26:28 - Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” What can we learn? Who is a Christian?

5. A Christian Is - - A DiscipleA Disciple –Acts 11:26 – Disciples were called Christians Disciple = learner, student, pupil Most often in a religious sense –One is not a disciple Dreams, visions Direct operation of the Holy Spirit

6. A Christian Is - - A DiscipleA Disciple –A disciple is a follower of Christ 1 Peter 2:211 Peter 2:21 - For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: The standard for conduct is NOT –Law of Moses –Worldly view –Philosophy

7. A Christian Is - - PersuadedPersuaded –Acts 26:28 –Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded –Almost persuaded is not enough –Are you persuaded? To Deny selfMatthew 16:24To Deny self – Matthew 16:24 - Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

8. A Christian Is - - PersuadedPersuaded –Acts 26:28 –Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded –Almost persuaded is not enough –Are you persuaded? To Deny selfTo Deny self – Matthew 16:24-26 Love God above allLuke 14:26Love God above all – Luke 14:26 - “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.

9. A Christian Is - - PersuadedPersuaded –Acts 26:28 –Acts 26:28 – Agrippa was “almost” persuaded –Almost persuaded is not enough –Are you persuaded? To Deny selfTo Deny self – Matthew 16:24-26 Love God above allLove God above all – Luke 14:26-29 Sacrifice allPhilippians 2:17Sacrifice all – Philippians 2:17 - Yes, and if I am being poured out as a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.

10. A Christian Is - - Some are hard to persuadeSome are hard to persuade –Many are just not interested –Many are confused –Some are “set in their way” –Some have emotional ties and won’t move when shown what is right

11. A Christian Is - - Willing to SufferWilling to Suffer 1 Peter 4:15-16 –Don’t suffer for doing wrong –Be willing to suffer for right –Persecution, accusations –People who speak what they do not understand

12. A Christian Is - - Willing to SufferWilling to Suffer Suffering is all around us –Caused by physical world – disease and death –Caused by sinful living – doing evil –Caused by doing God’s will –2 Timothy 3:12 –2 Timothy 3:12 - Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

13. A Christian Is - - Willing to SufferWilling to Suffer We must be willing to suffer for our Lord Acts 5:41Acts 5:41 - So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.

14. A Christian Is - - Not AshamedNot Ashamed 1 Peter 4:161 Peter 4:16 – We must not be ashamed of being a Christian Mark 8:38Mark 8:38 – Not ashamed of the words of Christ Romans 1:16Romans 1:16 – Not ashamed of the gospel

15. A Christian Is - - Glorifies GodGlorifies God “Glorify God in this name” Glorify God by: –Being a disciple –Worshiping – praising – praying –Living a moral life

16. QUESTIONS Are you a Christian?Are you a Christian? Is today the day you decide to put on Christ?Is today the day you decide to put on Christ? Will you begin the Christian life today?Will you begin the Christian life today?