A Christ Like Church
Keith Malcomson emphasizes that the church at Antioch exemplifies a Christ-like community marked by distinct identity, unity in diversity, and faithful witness amidst a pluralistic society.
This sermon focuses on the Antioch Church as a model for a Christ-like church, emphasizing the importance of teaching, discipline, and evangelism leading to Christ-likeness. The disciples in Antioch were called Christians by the city after a year of being taught, showing the impact of a disciplined and Christ-centered lifestyle on the world around them.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Context of Antioch
- Antioch as a religiously pluralistic and diverse city
- The convergence of many pagan religions and beliefs
- The challenge of living as a Christ-like church in such a setting
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II. The Meaning of the Name Christian
- First use of 'Christian' in Antioch as a name given by outsiders
- The significance of the term as 'followers of Christ'
- The name was not self-assumed but given by pagan observers
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III. The Identity and Lifestyle of the Early Christians
- Distinct culture and language among the disciples
- Radical separation from other religions and sects
- Visible lifestyle that identified them as followers of Christ
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IV. The Call to be a Christ-like Church Today
- Emulating the Antioch church’s faithfulness and unity
- Standing firm in a pluralistic and religiously diverse world
- Living out Christ’s life visibly and authentically
Key Quotes
“A Christ-like church let me read that again verse 26 and he when he had found him that is born of his find in Saul he brought him on to Antioch and it came to pass that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church look at the context of this and taught much people and the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” — Keith Malcomson
“No real god-given preacher with any wisdom or any sense thinks he's an island or thinks that he has everything in himself you don't and the more grace that's upon you the more ability the more gift and the more wisdom the more you recognize other giftons other columns and the need for other ministries.” — Keith Malcomson
“The name Christian was used for the very first time not in Jerusalem not in Samaria not in Galilee not many other city it was Antioch was the very first place this was the very first time it was a certain time not two years before this not a year before this not two years after it it happened at a certain time when certain things were happening.” — Keith Malcomson
Application Points
- Embrace your identity as a follower of Christ with boldness and clarity in a diverse world.
- Collaborate with others in ministry, recognizing that no one serves alone or in isolation.
- Live visibly distinct lives that reflect Christ’s character amidst cultural and religious pluralism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the disciples first called Christians in Antioch?
The term 'Christian' was first used in Antioch by the local pagan population to describe the distinct followers of Christ, marking a unique identity separate from Judaism.
Did the early believers call themselves Christians?
No, the early disciples identified themselves as believers, disciples, or brethren; the name 'Christian' was given to them by outsiders.
What does the name 'Christian' mean?
It means 'followers of Christ,' combining the Hebrew word for Messiah with a Greek and Latin suffix indicating association or allegiance.
How does Antioch’s religious diversity relate to the modern church?
Antioch’s pluralistic environment parallels today’s cultural and religious diversity, challenging the church to maintain a Christ-like witness amidst competing beliefs.
What can we learn from Barnabas’s actions in Antioch?
Barnabas’s humility and vision in seeking Saul to strengthen the ministry teaches the importance of collaboration and recognizing the gifts of others in church growth.