True Disciples

I ended up in the wrong place because I wasn’t paying attention. I thought I was going to tour a motorcycle museum, I ended up on a 45 minutes guided tour of a bankrupt car company packed full of their ugly cars. All museums are not the same.

All religions are not the same.
If you are not paying attention, you may end up in the wrong place.

Christ needs to rule and reign in your life

Your life will be so much better than if you only let him into the passenger seat.
Let the pursuit of God drive your life.

Not every person who claims to be a Christian actually is a Christian.

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’”
Matthew 7:21-23

False Prophets

Unfortunately there are a lot of false prophets right now leading churches astray.

Pastors who no longer accept the bible as the inspired Word of God, who downplay morality and compromise Christian ethics by infusing cultural fads.
These are false prophets, you can tell by their teachings and their lack of fruit

When you preach an empty gospel you will lead an empty church.

Fake Disciples

Jesus says “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.”

He is referring to an individual who has confessed Jesus as Lord, but whom Jesus knows has not truly repented as a condition for entering the kingdom of heaven.

Nominal Christians

Nominal Christians are not bad people, they have yet to turn their life over to Christ
They may attend church for social reasons, because it’s a habit, or because they like the music or even a few people there
Generally don’t tithe, that is give 10% of their income to God
They don’t serve because serving isn’t something they value
They don’t really believe in the authority of Scripture.

Being a nominal Christian is a step towards becoming a disciple.

How does one know if they are a true disciple and not just a nominal Christian?

Where are you?

Exploring Christ
Growing in Christ
Close to Christ
Christ-Centered

“Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’”
John 3:3-7

Jesus never emphasizes the external as being the highest sign of authenticity.

He demands our inward allegiance to God’s will, which will produce the fruit of a changed life.

“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
*But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”*
Galatians 5:19-25

Make sure you are in the right side of your relationship with God.

When I stand before the Lord, I want to hear, “well done good and faithful servant.” I know that is what you want too.