“THOSE PEOPLE CALLED CHRISTIANS”

Acts 1:19-26

Introduction: It was the believers in the mission-minded church at Antioch who were first referred to as “Christians.” What are the determinative factors that distinguish Christians from non-Christians?

I. CHRISTIAN KNOW THE SAME PERSON.

a. To be a Christian is to throw oneself with radical faith and trust on Jesus Christ.

b. People who are not willing to do that should not be called Christians.

II. CHRISTIANS SHARE THE SAME CONVICTIONS.

a. Christians are people who believe the same things.

b. There is a clear core of beliefs upon which Christians agree.

III. CHRISTIANS HAVE FOUND A FAMILY.

a. Jesus broke down old barriers.

b. He has formed a new community.

IV. CHRISTIANS SHARE A MISSION.

a. We have joined a movement.

b. We believe Jesus is the only solution to the human problem.

Matthew 16:13-18