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Explore biblical passages that define what it means to be a Christian and how one can become a fully persuaded follower of Christ. Discover the facts of the gospel, the price of discipleship, and the spiritual security and purpose it offers.
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What is a Christian? And how does one become a Christian?
We are examining the passages where the name, "Christian," is used - each in its respective context. There are three such passages. Acts 11:26 Acts 26:28 1 Peter 4:16
Acts 26:24 Now as he thus made his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning is driving you mad!"
Acts 26:25-27 But he said, "I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak the words of truth and reason. For the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows these things; for I am convinced that none of these things escapes his attention, since this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you do believe."
Acts 26:24-28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to become a Christian." A Christian is one who has been fully persuaded.
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 15:1-5 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
1 Corinthians 15:6-8 After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
Acts 2:22-24 "Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a Man attested by God to you by miracles, wonders, and signs which God did through Him in your midst, as you yourselves also know-- Him, being delivered by the determined purpose and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by lawless hands, have crucified, and put to death; whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it."
Acts 2:36 "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel. that a Christian can live a faithful life.
1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel. that a Christian can live a faithful life. that being a Christian is worth the price one must pay.
Luke 14:25-29 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, "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. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it-- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him,
Luke 14:30-33 saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.' Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and asks conditions of peace. So likewise, whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple."
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel. that a Christian can live a faithful life. that being a Christian is worth the price one must pay. that Christian discipleship will provide: spiritual security.
1 Peter 5:6-7 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.
1 Peter 3:10-12 For "He who would love lifeAnd see good days,Let him refrain his tongue from evil,And his lips from speaking deceit.Let him turn away from evil and do good;Let him seek peace and pursue it.For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,And His ears are open to their prayers;But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil."
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel. that a Christian can live a faithful life. that being a Christian is worth the price one must pay. that Christian discipleship will provide: spiritual security. purpose in life.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, Including every secret thing, Whether good or evil.
Fully Persuaded: of the facts of the gospel. that a Christian can live a faithful life. that being a Christian is worth the price one must pay. that Christian discipleship will provide: spiritual security. purpose in life. happiness and peace.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Philippians 4:4-6 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
A Christian is: • A disciple - learner and follower - of Christ. • One who is fully persuaded • of the facts of the gospel • that a Christian can live a faithful life • that being a Christian is worth everything • that Christian discipleship will provide • spiritual security • purpose in life • peace