ON TRIAL AS A CHRISTIAN

  Introduction

        A.  This morning let’s suppose that the enemies of Christianity have overtaken our

              country.

              1.  The authorities have arrested us and accused us of being Christians.

              2.  They are gathering evidence to convict us.

        B.  Would you be convicted as a Christian or set free?  Would you be found guilty

              or innocent?  

        C.  Let’s consider the evidence that would convict a person of being a Christian?

    Body

    I.  The first evidence that could be used to convict a person of being a Christian is

         conversion.  Acts 3:19

         A.  This process involves a change of mind produced by faith.  Hebrews 11:6; John

               3:16; Romans 10:17

         B.  This process involves a change of  mind and will which is repentance.

               Matthew 21:28-32 

         C.  Conversion involves a change of allegiance.  Acts 8:35-38

         D.  Conversion involves a change of condition.  Romans 6:3-6;

               Galatians 3:26-27; 2 Corinthians 5:17-18

    II.  Another piece of evidence that would convict a person of being a Christian is

          commitment to Jesus.

          A.  This involves denying ones self.  Luke 9:23

          B.  It involves having one master.  Matthew 16:24

          C.  Commitment involves living a Christ directed life.  Galatians 2:20; Philippians

                1:21

          D.  Commitment involves trusting Jesus with everything.  2 Timothy 1:12

  Conclusion

          A.  Lesson will continue.  If you were brought to trial by an enemy of Christianity

                for being a Christian based on these two pieces of evidence, would you be

                found guilty?  There is a great trial in our future not held by an enemy but by

                Jesus, the Son of God.  Are you prepared?