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Jesus Teaches About Entering The Kingdom

Luke 13:22-30

13:22 And He was passing through from one city and village to another, teaching, and proceeding on His way to Jerusalem.
13:23 And someone said to Him, "Lord, are there {just} a few who are being saved?" And He said to them,
13:24 "Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.
13:25 "Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, 'Lord, open up to us!' then He will answer and say to you, 'I do not know where you are from.'
13:26 "Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets';
13:27 and He will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you are from; DEPART FROM ME, ALL YOU EVILDOERS.'
13:28 "In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but yourselves being thrown out.
13:29 "And they will come from east and west and from north and south, and will recline {at the table} in the kingdom of God.
13:30 "And behold, {some} are last who will be first and {some} are first who will be last."

Finding salvation requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth.Obviously,we cannot save ourselves.There is no way to work our way into God's favor.The effort we must put out"to enter through the narrow door,is earnestlydesiring to know Jesusand diligently striving to follow Him,whatever the cost.We dare not put off making this decision bacause the door will not stay open forever.

The kingdom of God will not necessarily be populated wit the people we expect to find there.Some perfectly respected religious leaders claiming allegiance Jesus will not be there because secretly they were morally corrupt.Jesus explained that although many people know something about God,only a few have acknpwledged their sins and accepted His forgivness.Just listening to Jesus' words or admiring His miracles is not enough-we must turn from sin and trust in God to save us.

God's kingdom will include people from all over the world

There will be many surprises in God's kingdom.Some who are despised now will be greatly honored then;some influential peopla here will be left at the gates.

What matters to God is not a person's earthly popularity,status,wealth,heritage,or power,but his/her commitment to Christ.Don't forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits.

How do your values match with what the Bible tells you to value?Put God in first place,and you willjoin people from all over the world who will take their place at the feast in the Kingdom of Heaven

Entrance is by God's grace alone.

-Additional scripture references-

Matthew 7:23,Matthew 25:10-12,Matthew 26 & 27,Matthew 8:11-12,Matthew 19:30

Jesus Teaches About Worry

Read Matthew 6:25-34

Seven reasons not to worry

1-Matt.6:25-The same God who created life in you can be trusted with the details of your life.

2-Matt.6:26-Worrying about the futurehampers your efforts today.

3-Matt.6:27-Worry is more harmful than helpful.

4-Matt.6:28-30-God does not ignore those who depend on Him.

5-Matt.6:31&32-Worry shows a lack of faith in and understanding of God.

6-Matt6:33-There are real challenges God wants us to pursue,and worrying keeps us from them.

7-Matt.6:34-Living one day at a time keeps us from being consumed with worry.

REALITY---We live in a world where"worry" is a part of life.The worries of people vary...Will we be able to pay the bills?Do we have food in the cabinets?Is there milk in the refrigerator?Do they like me?Do I fit in?Am I thin enough?Good looking,talented,smart enough,enough money,right car,right clothes?Do we have the right friends?spouse?I must have the perfect spouse,kids,live in the right neighborhood and have the "in"toys.I would be okay if I had blue eyes,blonde hair and 5'2".Not tall enough?Too tall?What my skin?Am I too dark?too light?We can go on and on.

Worrying about things of this world,the word tells us they are corruptible.Cosmetic surgery has boomed!Worries of just being one's self has stiffled people for ages.We are in need of the esteem that we can only get from God our father.Most of our worries come from our need to impress others around us and to fit in societies standards.It is to the point that people are depressed,suicidal,on medications,broken families,stressed out,in debt,neglecting/spoiling children.Some people live way beyond their means trying to find happiness.(Luke 12:15)

Our true identity is in Christ.What if we took all that energy we use worrying and put it into renewing our minds with the word and getting to know God more intimately?That would build up the real us that we hide.

We all have areas where worry want's to come in.The word tells to "Cast our cares on Him because He cares for us."(1Peter 5:7)He will always meet our needs when we trust in Him.(Phil.4:19)We need to realize that God is always there to help us.(Isa.58:11)He loves us.

Scripture references to read when you need help
Psalm 139-When tempted to do wrong.
Psalm 46- If you are facing a crisis.
Psalm 23-When you are discouraged.
Psalm 103&104-If you are bored.
Psalm 37-When business is poor.
psalms 27-When you are lonely or fearful.
Psalm 107-When you are anxious for loved ones.
Luke 19-When you plan your budget.
Romans 12-To live life successfully with your fellowmen.
Psalm 91-If you are sick or in pain.
Psalm 121-When you leave home for labor or travel.
Matt.11:28-30&Rom.8:31-39-When you are very weary.
2Timothy 3-When thingsseem to be going from bad to worse.
Matthew 6-The best investment is described.
1 Cor.13-When your friends seem to go back on you.
John 14-For inward peace.
1Cor 15&Rev.21-If you have been bereaved.
Hebrews 11For a stirring record of what trust in God can do.
Luke15&16-If you are satisfied being well to do.
Romans 8-If you have experienced severe losses.
Ephesians-If you are having to put up a stiff fight.
1John 1,John 3:1-21,Psalm42&51,Luke 11:1-13,Luke 18:1-14,John17-When you have sinned.
Ephesians 3-For the way of prayer.
John 11,17&20,2cor.4&5,Rev.21-If you have a fear of death.

A Love Letter How are you?I just had to send you this letter to tell you how much I love you and care about you.I saw you yesterday when you were walking with your friends.I waited all day hoping you would walk and talk with me also.As evening drew near,I gave you a sunset to close your day,and a cool breeze to rest you.Then I waited,but you never came.O yes,it hurt me,but i still love you because I am your friend.
I saw you fall asleep last night,and I longed to touch your brow,so I spilled moonlight on your pillow and your face...Again I waited,wanting to rush down so we could talk.I have so many gifts for you.
You awakened late this morning and rushed off for the day.My tears were in the rain.Today you looked so sad,so alone.It makes my heart ache because I understand.My friends let me down and hurt me many times,but I love you.I try to tell you in the quiet green grass.I whisper it in the leaves and trees,and breath it in the color of the flowers.I shout it to you in the mountain streams,and give the birds love songs to sing.I clothe you with warm sunshine and perfume the air.My love for you is deeper than the oceans and bigger than the biggest want or need you could ever have.
We will spend eternity in heaven together.I know how hard it is on earth.I really know because I was there,and I want to help you.My Father wants to help you,too.He's that way,you know.Just call me,ask me,talk yo me.It is your decision...I have chosen you,and because of this I will wait...Because I love you.
Your Friend,
JESUS