Identity Of A Christian Acts 11:26 I. Introduction. A. One of most used words in the English language is "Christian." 1. Used to describe almost every kind of institution man can devise. 2. Loosely used of any morally upright person. 3. Men use it to describe nations and movements, without regard to its meaning or application in the Bible. 4. Even brethren misuse it. 5. Hence, one of the most misused. 6. As defined by Webster's Unabridged Dictionary... B. In the New Testament, the name Christian is used to describe those who are pleasing God. 1. But--how do we determine if one follows God? 2. And--does one who ceases to follow the Lord cease to be a Christian. II. Body. To find the identity of a Christian, please note: A. Analyze Acts 11:26. 1. "Disciples": Learners, that is, followers. a. One who follows the lead of another. b. An appropriate term for the Lord's people. 2. "Were called": a. The force of a divine designation. b. Applied later to disciples: I Peter 4:16. 3. "Christians": a. From the Lord--describes source of name. b. Not a term of contempt--but showing relationship. c. Three languages, according to McGarvey, used to form the word. (1 Thought is Jewish(the anointed one). (2 Root is Greek: Christ. (3 Termination is Latin: ian. (4 Three languages on the cross: John 19:19-20. B. In a world of mistaken identities, where the word Christian is so loosely used, most people are confused. 1. At what point does one become a Christian? a. Upon obedience to the gospel: Acts 26:28. b. Perhaps there are a lot of "almost Christians."(Even in the church?) c. How close are some--but never follow through. d. Is it possible to believe, repent, confess, and be baptized and still not be a Christian? (1 Need obedience from heart: Romans 6:17. (2 Why babies and young children are not subjects of the gospel. (3 Or, if one's intention is to become a sectarian. 2. Is it possible for one to cease to be a Christian? a. Some were in error: Galatians 3:1. b. Even an apostle had problems: Galatians 2:11. c. Is the term "erring" Christian proper? II Thessalonians 3:14-15. (1 Can one reach a point of "no return?" (2 Is it possible to go so deep into error/false teaching/immorality that one is beyond hope and ceases to have the right to be called a "Christian?" (3 So long as one will listen: there is hope. C. A Christian can be identified in the light of God's word. 1. Not decided by men, councils of men, votes, approval or disapproval--but by adherence to the word of God. 2. Too many times, if one has a high moral character, it is assumed such a person is a Christian: not so! 3. However, every Christian is to be morally upright: I Thessalonians 5:22. 4. But every person who is a Christian follows the word of God: James 1:25. D. As a Christian, one does not escape from trial(hence: when tried, do not lose identity). 1. Temptations: a. Since human, Christians have lusts and desires of flesh: I John 2:1-2. b. Can endure: I Corinthians 10:13. c. Not be as Demas: II Timothy 4:10. 2. Sufferings: a. The early disciples endured: I Peter 2:19. b. If give up, sign of weakness and defeat: Revelation 2:10. 3. Reproaches: a. The attitude of Paul: II Corinthians 12:10. b. Even for others: II Corinthians 1:6-7. 4. Even imprisonment. a. Paul, the apostle--a Christian, did not escape. b. Or beatings: Acts 5:40. 5. The difference in a Christian and an alien is one's identity with Christ. III. Conclusion. A. Let no Christian give up his/her identity by weakness, neglect, lusts, opposition, false teaching, or by any other of Satan's approaches: Romans 8:18. B. In every phase of life, let each of us so live that others will identify us by saying, "There is a Christian."-jy