What Now!--Part Five--5/16/2021
What Now! • Sermon • Submitted
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Introduction:
1. In week one, Lets work like we have never worked before because people need help.
2. In week two, we need to be prepared.
3. In weeks three and four we started taking about how to implement a state of preparedness in the church.
A. Week three, we must be willing to use what we have prepared to do.
B. Week four, we must be willing to help our fellow Christians prepare.
4. Today we continue talking about how to implement a state of preparedness in the church.
A. We must be willing to help non-Christians understand their need to be prepared.
1. To understand what a non-Christian is we must first ask the question—what is a christian?
2. Then, we must go where the non-Christians are.
3. Finally we must teach where they are.
B. To answer the question of—what is a christian?—we are going to examine how the word is used in the new Testament.
1. The word christian is used in three passages in the New Testament.
A. Acts 11:26
B. Acts 26:28
C. 1 Peter 4:16
Body:
1. Acts 11:26
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
A. The context of Acts 11:26 give us some insight into what Christians are.
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. 26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
B. Each one of these points will help us identify who the non-Christians are by identifying who the Christians are.
1. Christians were ones that preached Jesus—Acts 11:19-20.
19 Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but the Jews only. 20 But some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Lord Jesus.
A. Philip preached Jesus to the eunuch.
35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
2. Christians are people who the Lord is with—Acts 11:21.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
A. Paul Called on the name of the Lord when he was baptised.
16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
3. Christians are people that turn people to the Lord—Acts 11:21.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
A. James told the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad to turn their brethren back to the truth.
20 let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.
4. Christians are people that help fellow Christians—Acts 11:22.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.
A. Paul told the Church at Galatia to do good to all but especially to those who are of the household of faith.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
5. Christians are people whose good works spread—Acts 11:22.
22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch.
A. Paul told the Church at Rome that their faith was spoken of throughout the whole world.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
6. Christians are people that show forth the grace of God—Acts 11:23.
23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
A. Paul told the Church at Rome that the elect (the church) are recognized by the grace of God.
1 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. 7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
7. Christians are people who are made glad by the good works of others—Acts 11:23.
23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
A. Paul told the Church at Philippi that it fulfilled his joy when they were Christ like.
1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,
8. Christians are people who encourage fellow Christians to remain faithful to the Lord—Acts 11:23.
23 When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord.
A. Paul would remind the Church at Corinth to be found faithful.
1 Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.
B. John would tell the Church at Smyrna to remain faithful to the point of death.
10 Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.
C. James told the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad to endure temptation or remain faithful.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
9. Christians are good people—Acts 11:24.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
A. Jesus told his disciples that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit.
17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
10. Christians are full of the Holy Spirit and faith—Acts 11:24.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
A. This means they are well studied.
11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
1. This is because all Scripture is inspired of God.
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
A. And faith comes from study of the Scriptures.
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
11. Christians are people that help a great many people come to the Lord—Acts 11:24.
24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord.
A. In three different places in Acts multitudes of people came to the Lord because of Godly people.
1. Acts 2:41 Day of Pentecost
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
2. Acts 5:12-14 the story of Ananias and Sapphira
12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women,
3. Acts 11:21 Barnabas and Saul at Antioch.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.
12. Christians are people who assemble with the Church—Acts 11:26.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
A. Paul assembled with the Church at Troas to take the Lord’s Supper with them.
7 Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight. 8 There were many lamps in the upper room where they were gathered together.
13. Christians are people who teach a great many people—Acts 11:26.
26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.
A. Jesus told his disciples to go into all the world and teach.
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.
2. Acts 26:28
28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.”
A. Christians are people who become Christians.
1. There is a pattern in the New Testament for how to become a christian.
A. Hear.
17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
B. Believe
6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
C. Confess
32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.
D. Repent
38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
E. Baptism
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
3. 1 Peter 4.16
16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
A. Christians are people who can actively be seen being like Christ.
12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; 13 but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. 16 Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.
1. If the world can see that you are like Christ they will treat you as they treated Christ.
18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
Conclusion:
1. If we are going to help non-Christians understand their need to be prepared.
A. We first have to understand who the Christian is.
1. Is this who we are?
2. Because if it is then we will start to help non-Christians understand their need to be prepared.
