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I spoke with my Dad last week.  He said that he had been at a friends house and was introduced to his friend's father.  It turns out that he was from the same town as my in-laws and my Dad asked if he knew him.  He said that he had heard his name.

I told my wife about this conversation and she said, "I never have to worry about whether someone has heard of my parents.  I never have to be ashamed or concerned.  I am always proud to be their daughter.  They have a good name."

As we talked about her parents, it made me think.  Not only do they have a good name, one that we are proud of, but they have another name, one that most here tonight share, the name of Christian. 

Acts 11:26 tells us, "the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch".  We are still called that today.  In fact, God wants all to be Christians.  II Peter 3:9 Tells us, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance"

How can you become a disciple of Jesus Christ, 
a Christian, and wear his name? 

Realize that we have all sinned and are in need of a savior. (Romans 3:23) “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”

Listen to God's word.  (Romans 10:17 ASV) "So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ."

Learn about Jesus and come to believe that he is the Son of God.  (John 8:24 ASV) "I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for except ye believe that I am he, ye shall die in your sins."

Repent of sin.  Turn away from sin and toward God.  (Luke 13:3 KJV)  "I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish."

Confess Jesus as Lord in the presence of men.  (Romans 10:9-10 ASV) "because if thou shalt confess with thy mouth Jesus as Lord, and shalt believe in thy heart that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved:  for with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

Put on Christ in Baptism and wear his name. (Galations 3:27) "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ."

Put him on tonight, for salvation is in Christ. (II Timothy 2:10) "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory."

-- Zachary Van Tassel, January, 2001 --