032. Christian, Who Is a
032. Christian, Who Is a
32 WHO IS A CHRISTIAN?
INTRODUCTION Confusion of ancient Babel is still modern history; "Christian" belongs to an individual, not nations; no "Christian" nations.
(Acts 11:26;Acts 26:28;1 Peter 4:16.) I. WHO ARE NOT CHRISTIANS 1. Not all "good people."
(a) Morality an obligation of a Christian but does not make one a Christian. (b) Nicodemus, a good man, but had to be "born again." John 3:5.) (c) Cornelius , a good man, had to hear "words" to be saved. (Acts 11:14.) 2. Not just religious persons.
(a) Some heathens are religious . (Acts 17:22.) (b) Different kinds of religion. (James 1:26.) 3. Not Old Testament Characters.
(a) Abraham not a Christian. (b) Moses not a Christian.
4. Not all church members.
(a) "Joining" a church does not make one a Christian.
(b) Living "in a church" does not make one a Christian.
II. A CHRISTIAN 1. A new creature in Christ.
(a) One "born anew." (John 3:3.) (b) Living the new life . (Colossians 3:1-9.) 2. A Christian is a "dead man."
(a) Crucified with Christ. (Galatians 2:20.) (b) Baptized into his death. (Romans 6:3.) (c) Died to live a new life. (Romans 6:4.) 3. A Christian is a "living man ."
(a) Dead to sin , but alive to God. (b) Buried and raised in Christ. (Colossians 2:12.) 4. A citizen of the kin gdom. (Colossians 1:13.) (a) Has the responsibility of a citizen. (b) "A taxpayer" in the kingdom.
5. A member of th e body of Christ. (1 Corinthians 12:20.) (a) Members of one anoth er. (Romans 12:5.) (b) Has no denominational allegiance or loyalty.
6. A Christian abides in Christ.
(a) He belongs to Christ. (Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19.) (b) He must "stay at home."
7. A Christian is a "branch ." (John 15:5.)