Sermon Tone Analysis

Title: To be a Christian.

Readings: Genesis 1:1-5.

Psalm 2. Acts 2:1-4, 11:19-26.

John 1:1-5.

Outline:

1) Introduction.

The need for Christ here and now!

2) How do we become a Christian?

How do we know for sure that we are Christians?

3) How should a Christian live?

Call to action!

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

1) Introduction.

‘…and it was in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians...” [1]

We must speak today of a matter most pressing!

It has to do with the most important decision a human being will ever make!

Travelling around and speaking to many people; it never ceases to amaze me that some people are either unsure of their Christian standing, or else, they are professedly not Christian at all!

This must be resolved!

Of all things a person may choose to do, clarification of this ‘ONE’ matter is the most valuable!

It is the single most important decision of a person’s life.

Nothing comes close to it!

Nothing!

Let us investigate:

Firstly, all are called to be Christian!

That is, all people, everywhere!

Secondly, once confirmed Christian, one can never be anything else!

Thirdly, none of us were, or will ever be, worthy of the title Christian!

This is the beauty of the Christian Gospel!

Christ died for us all.

Christ is with us to the end.

In Christ we are atoned!

Let us define the word ‘Christian’.

A Christian is a confirmed follower of Jesus Christ the Lord.

The first and the last, the holy one of Israel, the author of eternal salvation, the deliverer, firstborn of all creation, the Word of God, the wisdom of God, the way, the truth, and the life, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Glory, Alleluia!

Jesus is the almighty creator and redeemer of the world.

The Bible calls Jesus: ‘…The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the source of God’s creation…’ [2]

And praises him: “…Amen.

Blessing and glory, wisdom and thanksgiving, honour, power, and might be to our God forever and ever.

Amen... (Revelation 3:14)” [3]

Jesus is the blessing of God, Jesus is the glory of God, Jesus is the wisdom of God, he is the thanksgiving, he is the honour, he is the power and he is the might of our God!

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews, Son of the Most High God!

This is the Christian heritage!

This is the Christian God!

This is he who saves!

Jesus and no other.

Amen!

How do we know that?

2000 years ago, this Jesus lived as a man.

This we know for sure!

He was crucified on a cross.

This we know for sure!

The fact that he rose on the third day and ascended to the heavens; this we believe!

Not only us, but a third of the world’s population, for two thousand years, has held that this Jesus is the Saviour of all creation!

Christ has died.

Christ has risen.

Christ shall come again!

Amen.

Thanks be to God!

Some will say: “How can you know this for sure?”

Well, we don’t know for sure, and we cannot prove that these things are true!

We don’t need to prove it!

The Spirit of God which dwells within every single believer in Christ demonstrates to this perishing world, time and time again, that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Jesus Christ is the truth.

Jesus Christ is the author of all creation!

Throughout the history of the Christian Church the evidence of Christ’s presence in the world has been manifested by those who believe in him, time and time again!

Christ said to those around him, if you do not believe me, at least believe the signs!

Jesus’ identity was promoted by the signs which accompanied it!

For 2000 years those signs have been evident to the whole world.

What is the greatest of all signs?

Which miracle stands out above all other possible scenarios?

That Christ loved us: ‘...God had such love for the world that he gave his only Son, so that whoever has faith in him may not come to destruction but have eternal life (John 3:16)...’ [4] Amen.

Thanks be to God!

The evidence that the world seeks so virulently, dwells within each and every Christian through all time!

Jesus loves us, and in turn we love each other through him!

A person can seek to the north, south, east and west; to the furthest corners of the cosmos, and will ultimately find this one truth!

Only Jesus has done this!

Only Jesus is love!

Only Jesus was prepared to do what was necessary to redeem us all.

We cannot prove the Christian message through any other means than our love for each other!

Love is the only way to show this perishing world the power of Christ!

It is Jesus’ love which overcomes all evil.

It is Jesus’ love which saves.

It is our love in turn, from him and through him, which demonstrates Christ’s presence to the world of today.

It is love that makes the Christian, a Christian!

2) How do we become a Christian?

How do we know for sure that we are Christians?

There are two ways that a person may be assured that they are a member of the body of Christ; thereby confirming themselves absolutely and without a doubt, never to be revoked, a Christian soul and assured of the salvation of Christ forever.

Amen, Amen and Amen!

These two methods are instituted by Christ, and are indeed sacraments in the true sense of the word.

As such they are ineffable, infallible, and guaranteed by the Word of God.

Amen.

Thanks be to God!

The first method is to experience a personal encounter with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This method calls for acceptance of Christ Jesus as Saviour and Lord of all the world, repentance of prior offences to him, and the willing sacrifice of self to Jesus as the rightful Lord and Master of one’s own will.

This method is often dramatic in nature.

It usually occurs when there is a prior sense of distress or anxiety.

It calls for intimate prayer with Jesus and may be assisted at any time by a follower of the Way.

The penitent soul cries out to Christ for Salvation, becoming increasingly aware of the fallen nature of the world around them.