Did you know that every Christian is not a disciple?

     Because it’s true that every Christian is not a disciple, the modern church has tremendous breakdown.  Let me explain; a “disciple” in the New Testament, is more than a student or a learner. A disciple is a “follower,” someone who adheres completely to the teachings of another, making them his rule of life and conduct. The Pharisees prided themselves in being disciples of Moses (John 9:28). Jesus’ followers were called “disciples.” Their discipleship began with Jesus’ call and required them to exercise their will in response (Matthew 9:9).
     Jesus was quite explicit about the cost of following Him. Discipleship requires a totally committed life: “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Sacrifice is expected: Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’”
Not all of Jesus’ followers were able to make such a commitment. There were many who left Him after awhile (John 6:66).
     The term Christian was never used by Jesus. The first instance of the word Christian is found in the book of Acts: “The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch” (Acts 11:26).
Biblically speaking, a Christian is someone who has placed his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (John 1:12). A Christian has been born again by the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:3). A Christian “belongs to Christ” and is daily being transformed into the likeness of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18).
     A true Christian (and not one in name only) will also be a disciple of Christ. That is, he will have counted the cost of following the Lord and has totally committed his life to Jesus. He accepts the call to sacrifice and follows wherever the Lord leads. The disciple completely adheres to the teaching of Jesus, makes Christ his number-one priority and lives accordingly. He is actively involved in making other disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
     A true Christian is a believer in Christ and possesses new life through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Because he believes in Christ, a Christian will also be an obedient disciple. Paul describes the reality of taking up one’s cross and following the Lord: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

     The problem in the modern church exists largely because we have made a distinction between these two words (Christian and disciple).  Many people confess to being a Christian, yet they are not followers.  They wear the name, but create their own brand of religion.  Thus problems in the modern church because we part ways with our only Lord, Master and Savior!