The Name Christian

The Name “Christian”

Text: Acts 11.26; Acts 26.28; 1 Pet. 4.16

Thesis: To note the importance of a name and that we should represent that name worthily.

Introduction:

(1)    Who are you?

(a)    I am (name)

(b)    I am a parent, child, grandparent, etc.

(c)    I work at (place)

(d)   I am a college graduate, etc.

(2)    Let us look at what the Bible says about this question:

Discussion:

I.                   Who we are without Jesus:

A.    Romans 3:10 – None righteous, no not one

B.     Romans 3:23 – All have sinned

C.     Isaiah 59.1-2 – Separated from God

D.    Eph 2:1-3:

1 And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, 2 in which you formerly walked

according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air,

of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. 3 Among them we too

all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the

mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest

E.     Truth is, I am a sinner.

II.                Who we are with Jesus:

A.    Matt. 26.28 – blood shed for the remission of sins

B.     Romans 6.3-5 – come into contact with that blood in baptism (cf. Acts 2.38)

C.     Hence, we stand having our sins washed as white as snow (cf. Isa. 1.18).

D.    What then are we called?

1.      First, remember what it took for us to be called something else – 1 John 3.1 – Behold what manner of love has the Father bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God

2.      Second, remember the OT prophecy that we would receive a new name (Isa 62:2).

3.      What is that new name?

a.       Disciples first called Christian at Antioch (Acts 11.26)

b.      Agrippa - almost persuaded to become a Christian (Acts 26.28)

c.       Suffer as a Christian, don’t be ashamed, glorify in this name (1 Pet. 4.16)

Conclusion:  Where the name Christian with dignity!