Luke 13: Christians in Name Only

“Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. 

Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But he will answer, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from.’ 

Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with you, and you taught in our streets.’  

“But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you come from. Away from me, all you evildoers!’ - Luke 13:24-27 NIV

Our pastor has been teaching about the difference between Christians and disciples.  A search of the Bible shows only three instances where the word Christian is used.   

• The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.- Acts 11:26 NIV
• Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?”. - Acts 26:28 NIV
• However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.- 1 Peter 4:16. NIV

On the other hand, the word disciples is used sixty-eight times in Matthew alone and one of Jesus' final statements to his own disciples was that they were to replicate themselves.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. - Matt. 28:19 NIV

Now, as in New Testament times, the word Christian has taken on a derogatory meaning and much of that we have brought on ourselves.  We appear to have been doing everything but making disciples, for if that was our mission, they would have replicated themselves and the world would look a lot different.  Satan understands this principle better than we do as Christians.  His disciples are constantly bringing others into the fold, while we are creating Christians in name only that the Father is unable to recognize.