What Makes A Christian - Matthew 21-23 - Outline

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To show what makes one a Christian.  Text: Matthew 21-23.

Introduction.

1. What is a Christian?

2. Give definition.

3. There is a great deal of confusion in the world today about that topic.

4. The confusion comes from man's mishandling of God's Word; not from God.

5. If things were as they should be, there would be no confusion at all.

6. There would only be Christians.

a. Seed produces after its kind (Luke 8:11).

b. Bible only made Christians in New Testament and only makes Christians now.

Body.

I. Things that don't make one a Christian.

A. Being a moral person does not make one a Christian.

1. The world is full of people who think that they will go to heaven because they are moral.

2. The Ethiopian Eunuch was a moral man but was not saved until he was baptized (Acts 8:27-39).

3. Acts 10:2 Cornelius was a "good man" but not saved (Acts 11:14).

B. Believing does not make one a Christian.

1. The devils believe (James 2:19; Mark 5:2-7).

2. No one would argue that the devils are Christians.

3. Believing is an important part, but not all of it.

4. Some believe in God, the Father, but not in Christ, thus rejecting Him (Hebrews 5:8-9)

5. Even believing in Christ does not make one a Christian by itself (Acts 2:38).

6. Matthew 7:21-23.

II. What does make one a Christian?

A. It starts with belief in God and His Word.

1. Must have faith in the Word of God. (Hebrews 4:12; John 17:17).

a. Fulfilled prophecies (2 Peter 1:3).

b. Springs in the sea (Job 38:16).

c. Circle of earth (Isaiah 40:22) 

2. Must have faith to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

3. Must believe Jesus is the Son of God (2 John 7)

4. Must believe that Jesus died for our sins (1 John 4:10; John 3:16)

B. Faith in God leads to love for Him.

1. 1 John 4:19

2. Romans 5:8-9

3. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

4. Three words for love in the Greek language. Phileo, eros, agape.

C. Love leads to obedience (John 14:15).

1. Noah would not have been saved if he had not obeyed command to build the ark.

2. Walls of Jericho fell because of Jews obedience to God.

3. By obedience, we are saved.

4. James 2:18-26.

D. Must Possess All Three.

1. Love and obedience No faith in Word.

2. Faith and obedience but no love.

3. Faith and love but no obedience

Conclusion:

1. What makes a Christian?

2. Faith, Love, Obedience.

3. What commands do we need to obey?

4. Give invitation.