Modern Day Disciples Part 2 Series

Modern Day Disciples - Part 2

Pastor Glenn Newton July 11, 2004

(New Chair Sunday)

I want you to know what a privilidge it is to have you all here this morning, our church

family has been praying and preparing for this day for several months now. We are

excited about our New Chairs, it represents one goal accomplished... but make no

mistake, the reason for the chairs is so that you will feel comfortable, and so that Brent

will be able to sleep more sound. I realize that I will have my work cut out for me keeping

you all on the edge of your seat now.... Good thing I’m not doing this alone this morning,

but we have invited the very Spirit of God to be here today, and He’s here... and the truth

is, through the Preaching of the Inspired Word of God.... the Holy Spirit has a message for

you this morning.

You can turn in your Bibles with me to Luke 14:25-34. Let’s read God’s Word together

this morning.

LK 14:25 Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said: 26 "If

anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his

brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple. 27 And anyone who

does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

LK 14:28 "Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and

estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it? 29 For if he lays the

foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, 30 saying,

`This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.’

LK 14:31 "Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first

sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming

against him with twenty thousand? 32 If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the

other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace. 33 In the same way, any of you

who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.

LK 14:34 "Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? 35 It is

fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile; it is thrown out.

"He who has ears to hear, let him hear."

I asked you a Question two weeks ago, the Question was.... Is there a difference between

a Christian and a Disciple? (repeat)

I’ve seen gallup polls of American’s that have been asked, Are you a Christian? Close to

70% of those polled said “Yes”, I’m a Christian. In the same poll, they were asked how

often they attended church..... only 35% of those same people said they attended church

on a regular basis. I think we understand that calling yourself a Christian and actually

being a Christian is two different things... would you agree with me?

You and I have grown up in a generation where we have been taught by our culture that

we define our own truth... In other words... If you think something is true, then that’s

truth to you, and who am I to tell you otherwise.... we have a generation that believes

whatever works is truth... it’s good enough.

As Christians I need to tell you that we don’t believe that way.... You and I, or anyother

so called expert is not the source of Truth.... Just because something feels right, doesn’t

mean it’s right. Just because something works, doesn’t mean it’s right. As Christians

God’s Word is our source of Truth.... not our feelings, not what our parents taught us, not

what some sweaty TV preacher screams at you on a Friday night.... God’s Word alone is

your source of Truth. Amen?

Let’s see what Jesus says about being a true disciple of his.....

Last week I shared the first two characteristics of a Disciple, we found these in His

words... He said in verse 26, : 26 "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father

and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he

cannot be my disciple. What we learned was that Jesus was telling us that we must

Prefer Him over and above anyone else in our lives.... We must Love Him Supremely.

The Second characteristic that Jesus spoke of was in verse 27, He said, 27 And anyone

who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

The cross in Jesus’ day represented death of the worst kind, Jesus was telling those who