Text: Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.

Intro: Meaning of the word: A follower (disciple) of Christ. Men are often called after the names of those they follow. Can you imagine a true Lutheran who ignores Luther? A Peronist in Argentina who disavowed Peron? A Marxist who decries Marx? Sadly, many 'Christians' question the teachings of Christ and refuse to follow them.

These were called Christians because of;
I. Their beliefs.
A. Whom they believed.
II Tim.1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
1.Jno.6:69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
2. Jno 8:24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

"I don't believe --------" Whom? Christ!

B. What they believed.
1. The teachings of Christ contrasted to the thinking of that, or any other, day.
2. Contrasted with the Law of Moses. 'Blessed are the meek. Turn the other cheek.

C. Because of their practices. [There is often a great difference between belief and practice. i.e. believing that cigarettes cause cancer and quitting smoking are two different things!]
1. They PREACHED Christ.
2. They had standards of morals which set them apart, [Surrounded by thieves, they were honest]
3.They had the ordinances which distinguished them.

D. Because of their HOPE.
1. Phil 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
2.Matt.5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
3.Jno14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4. I Cor 15:51 Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
52 In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.
54 So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

II. Are YOU a Christian?
What are your beliefs, practice, hope?