Luke 14:25-35: Marks of a True Disciple

Sermons – Covenant Grace Baptist Church

The word ‘Nominal’ in nominalism or nominal Christianity means, in name only. It comes from the Latin word nomen which means name. One of the biggest hindrances to Christianity has been nominal Christianity, or cultural Christianity. So many have turned away from Christianity and viewing it as credible because of the hypocrisy of those who call themselves Christians who are only Christian in name. So called Christian countries have engaged in war; colonized other countries; built economies on the backs of slaves, and many other atrocities as so called Christians. Even today many social ills are laid at the feet of so called Christians. Today we are facing anti-smacking laws not because of those diligent and loving parents who are true believers who have applied the rod in love, but because of so called Christians who have vented their anger and abused their kids. We are seeing the biblical pattern of complementarianism in the church and the home eradicated under a barrage of feminism and egalitarianism not because of those real Christian husbands and fathers who used their leadership to serve, but because of the so called Christians who abused this God given institution to serve their chauvinism. Today there are forms of cultural Christianity that are politically violent, that are outwardly abusive towards homosexuals, confuse patriotism with Christianity, who lean on the arm of intimidation and protest not Word and Spirit. For as long as Christianity has been around there have been true disciples and nominal disciples, disciples in name. Today we carry on in Luke 14 looking at 25-35. Jesus has been criticising the false religion of the Jews as loveless, proud and selfish. Despite the very straight message that Jesus is giving there is still a lot of buzz around Christ, there are still huge crowds following...
Read More

Source