1. What does it mean to be a Christian?
It must mean to be Christ-like! (Gal 2:20)

2. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

3. What does it mean to be a Christian?
The Sanhedrin faced some men that stood up to them in a powerful way! (Acts 4:13)

4. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Acts 4:13 (NKJV) - Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they marveled. And they realized that they had been with Jesus.

5. What does it mean to be a Christian?
These men had not followed a path of development that the world respected.

6. What does it mean to be a Christian?
These men had not followed a path of development that the world respected.
There was a power in these men that could only have been found in Jesus Himself.

7. What does it mean to be a Christian?
These men had not followed a path of development that the world respected.
There was a power in these men that could only have been found in Jesus Himself.
Jesus had radically changed these men from what there were.

8. What does it mean to be a Christian?
These men had not followed a path of development that the world respected.
There was a power in these men that could only have been found in Jesus Himself.
Jesus had radically changed these men from what there were.
They often failed and gave their opponents opportunity. (Lk 9:37-41)

9. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Luke 9:40-41 (NKJV) - So I implored Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”

10. What does it mean to be a Christian?
They were slow to learn and overcome their prejudices. (Lk 9:43-45)

11. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Luke 9:43-45 (NKJV) - And they were all amazed at the majesty of God. But while everyone marveled at all the things which Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44“Let these words sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.”

12. What does it mean to be a Christian?
45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them so that they did not perceive it; and they were afraid to ask Him about this saying.

13. What does it mean to be a Christian?
They battled with pride. (Lk 9:46-48)

14. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Luke 9:46-48 (NKJV) - Then a dispute arose among them as to which of them would be greatest. 47And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a little child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all will be great.”

15. What does it mean to be a Christian?
They were easy to become angry and act unmercifully. (Lk 9:54-56)

16. What does it mean to be a Christian?
Luke 9:54-56 (NKJV) - And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?” 55 But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village.

17. They had learned the meaning of authority
In the baptism of John. (Mk 11:30)

18. They had learned the meaning of authority
Mark 11:30 (NKJV) - The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.”

19. They had learned the meaning of authority
Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John had also to accept that he was a prophet!

20. They had learned the meaning of authority
Anyone who accepted the Baptism of John had also to accept that he was a prophet!
An understanding of authority causes you to approach the scriptures in a certain way. (Deut 4:2; 12:32; Rev 22:18-19)

21. They had learned the meaning of authority
Deuteronomy 4:2 (NKJV) - You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

22. They had learned the meaning of authority
Deuteronomy 12:32 (NKJV) - “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

23. They had learned the meaning of authority
Revelation 22:18-19 (NKJV) - For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

24. They had learned the meaning of authority
Controversies over baptism today can be resolved through an understanding of authority!

25. They had learned the meaning of authority
Controversies over baptism today can be resolved through an understanding of authority!
In the teachings of Jesus. (Mt 28:18-20)

26. They had learned the meaning of authority
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) - And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

27. They had learned the meaning of authority
His entire ministry was focused on this point.

28. They had learned the meaning of authority
His entire ministry was focused on this point.
His future ministry would depend upon men that accept His authority as expressed through the written word. (Jn 16:13)

29. They had learned the meaning of authority
John 16:13 (NKJV) - However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

30. They had learned the meaning of authority
Authority will produce a careful appeal to Book, Chapter and Verse. (Col 3:17)

31. They had learned the meaning of authority
Colossians 3:17 (NKJV) - And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

32. They had learned the meaning of authority
In the stands of Jesus. (Jn 2:13-17)

33. They had learned the meaning of authority
John 2:13-17 (NKJV) - Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. 15 When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables.

34. They had learned the meaning of authority
16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s house a house of merchandise!” 17 Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.”

35. They had learned the meaning of authority
Authority will show the purpose of God.

36. They had learned the meaning of authority
Authority will show the purpose of God.
Jesus stood upon that authority and would not yield.

37. They had learned the meaning of authority
Those who objected had yet to understand the right source of authority. (Jn 2:18-21)

38. They had learned the meaning of authority
John 2: (NKJV) - So the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

39. They had learned the meaning of character
Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. (Lk 9:58-62)

40. They had learned the meaning of character
Luke 9:58-62 (NKJV) - And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 59 Then He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.”

41. They had learned the meaning of character
And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go and bid them farewell who are at my house.” 62 But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”

42. They had learned the meaning of character
Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their own.

43. They had learned the meaning of character
Jesus taught his disciples to stand on their own.
Relationships will be a great test for you!

44. They had learned the meaning of character
Some problems men face are not easily solved because of the fear of disappointing others. (Jn 12:42-43; 9:20-23)

45. They had learned the meaning of character
John 12:42-43 (NKJV) - Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

46. They had learned the meaning of character
John 9:20-23 (NKJV) - His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but by what means he now sees we do not know, or who opened his eyes we do not know. He is of age; ask him. He will speak for himself.”

47. They had learned the meaning of character
22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

48. They had learned the meaning of character
They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of compromise.

49. They had learned the meaning of character
They faced the Sanhedrin without fear of compromise.
They were not afraid to answer by a simple lesson on authority. (Acts 4:17-21)

50. They had learned the meaning of character
Acts 4:17-21 (NKJV) - But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

51. They had learned the meaning of character
19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done.

52. They had learned the meaning of character
Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose!

53. They had learned the meaning of character
Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose!
Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.

54. They had learned the meaning of character
Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose!
Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.
When authority is neglected then character in neglected.

55. They had learned the meaning of character
Their understanding of authority and the God behind that authority gave them confidence and purpose!
Sadly most “churches of Christ” have long since left any teaching on authority.
When authority is neglected then character in neglected.
Ex. “How can we get the Elders to attend on Wednesday night?”

56. They had learned the meaning of character
Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, drinking and divorce.

57. They had learned the meaning of character
Ex. Moral issues are ignored such as dress, drinking and divorce.
The lost battles over “small” issues have compromised the foundation!

58. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
They had to overcome pride. (Mk 10:39-45)

59. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Mark 10:39-45 (NKJV) - They said to Him, “We are able.” So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the baptism I am baptized with you will be baptized; 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it is prepared.”

60. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
41And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, “You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

61. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
43 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. 44And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

62. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Pride comes from abundance, achievements and blessings, that is why it is so dangerous.

63. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Knowledge is good, but watch for pride. (1 Cor 8:1-2)

64. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV) - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

65. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
One may have some understanding of authority but use the scriptures to glorify themselves.

66. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
One may have some understanding of authority but use the scriptures to glorify themselves.
Do you look down on your brethren because of their “ignorance?”

67. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
One may have some understanding of authority but use the scriptures to glorify themselves.
Do you look down on your brethren because of their “ignorance?”
Be careful at who you put into positions of responsibility. (1 Tim 3:6)

68. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
1 Timothy 3:6 (NKJV) - not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

69. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
The same attitude that is manifested within the home will be manifested within the church.

70. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
The same attitude that is manifested within the home will be manifested within the church.
Pride will enslave and destroy other people.

71. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
The same attitude that is manifested within the home will be manifested within the church.
Pride will enslave and destroy other people.
The apostle Paul needed help to avoid pride. (2 Cor 12:7)

72. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
2 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV) - And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure.

73. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
They learned patience and longsuffering. (2 Tim 2:24-26)

74. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
2 Timothy 2:24-26 (NKJV) - And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

75. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
They showed this even when dealing with their enemies. (Acts 3:17-19)

76. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Acts 3:17-19 (NKJV) - “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

77. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Many try to intimidate and run over another rather than to patiently teach.

78. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Many try to intimidate and run over another rather than to patiently teach.
Names and labels are used against those who do not line-up. (Jn 9:34)

79. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
John 9:34 (NKJV) - They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

80. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Social pressure is used instead of an appeal to Christ’s authority. (Jn 9:22, 34)

81. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
John 9:22 (NKJV) - His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already that if anyone confessed that He was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

82. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
John 9:34 (NKJV) - They answered and said to him, “You were completely born in sins, and are you teaching us?” And they cast him out.

83. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Some will approach a subject by saying “there are several people who are going to leave if you do not….”

84. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Some will approach a subject by saying “there are several people who are going to leave if you do not….”
How long did Jesus work with these men until they developed? (Eph 4:31-32)

85. They had learned how to deal with their hearts
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) - Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

86. They knew what it meant to be tested
Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. (Lk 9:58-62)

87. They knew what it meant to be tested
Their calling to follow Jesus tested their character. (Lk 9:58-62)
In their calling their heart was revealed. (Lk 5:27-28; 18:28-30)

88. They knew what it meant to be tested
Luke 5:27-28 (NKJV) - After these things He went out and saw a tax collector named Levi, sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 So he left all, rose up, and followed Him.

89. They knew what it meant to be tested
Luke 18:28-30 (NKJV) - Then Peter said, “See, we have left all and followed You.” 29 So He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, 30who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life.”

90. They knew what it meant to be tested
Who are you really loyal to?

91. They knew what it meant to be tested
Who are you really loyal to?
We can over time shift in our loyalty.

92. They knew what it meant to be tested
Who are you really loyal to?
We can over time shift in our loyalty.
Look at how Jesus put them into difficult situations. (Lk 18:31-34)

93. They knew what it meant to be tested
Luke 18:31-34 (NKJV) - Then He took the twelve aside and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be accomplished. 32 For He will be delivered to the Gentiles and will be mocked and insulted and spit upon. 33 They will scourge Him and kill Him. And the third day He will rise again.”

94. They knew what it meant to be tested
34 But they understood none of these things; this saying was hidden from them, and they did not know the things which were spoken.

95. They knew what it meant to be tested
Imagine hearing Jesus say this to you! (Jn 6:66-70)

96. They knew what it meant to be tested
John 6:66-70 (NKJV) - From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” 68 But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

97. They knew what it meant to be tested
70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”

98. They knew what it meant to be tested
Jesus knew that these situations will produce spiritual growth.

99. They knew what it meant to be tested
Jesus knew that these situations will produce spiritual growth.
Look at how they responded under pressure! (Acts 5:40-42)

100. They knew what it meant to be tested
Acts 5:40-42 (NKJV) - And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. 41So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.

101. They knew what it meant to be tested
They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.

102. They knew what it meant to be tested
They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.
They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?

103. They knew what it meant to be tested
They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.
They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?
Who have you been with?

104. They knew what it meant to be tested
They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.
They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?
Who have you been with?
Some are loyal to a paper and men that write in them.

105. They knew what it meant to be tested
They did not pray for the destruction of their enemies.
They kept teaching patiently. Are you doing this?
Who have you been with?
Some are loyal to a paper and men that write in them.
When the editor and his friends change their views their followers do to.

106. They knew what it meant to be tested
Others may follow a family or a local church.

107. They knew what it meant to be tested
Others may follow a family or a local church.
Those who have been with Jesus will show it by their fruits. (Jas 3:13-17)

108. They knew what it meant to be tested
James 3:13-17 (NKJV) - Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic.

109. They knew what it meant to be tested
16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.