Invited to Enter Heaven, but His Way (Luke 13:22-30)

Invited to Enter Heaven, but His Way 

In Luke 13:22-30 , we read about a man who asks Jesus if those who will be saved will be few in number. 

Jesus answers back and says, "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able," Luke 13:24 ESV. The answer Jesus gives is not one that many of us want to hear. Pastor Donald preaches about this question and the answer Jesus gives that many believers ponder over when reflecting on their lives and the security on their salvation.

We do not know who this person is, but we do know that he calls Jesus Lord. This person must be a believer of Jesus. Why else would he call him Lord and ask about salvation.  It is important to know this because Jesus is addressing believers and not unbelievers when he answers back. As we read further on Jesus tells us that there will be two categories of people in the church. Those who will enter and those who will not be allowed.

When once the master of the house has risen and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, open to us,' then he will answer you, 'I do not know where you come from.' Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'  But he will say, 'I tell you, I do not know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of evil!' 

Luke 13:26‭-‬27 ESV 

What is the Lord's way? The narrow door is the answer. The invitation is given to everyone, but you must enter the narrow door. What is the narrow door? There are two requirements to enter the narrow door.

1. We need to have a deep personal relationship with Jesus. Some people are religious, but they do not know Jesus. By knowing Jesus we need to have an intimate relationship and not a superficial one. If He is our Lord, we follow what Jesus tells us. We pray to know His will and obey.

"If you love me, you will keep my commandments.  And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,  even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.  "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.  Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.  In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.  Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him." 

John 14:15‭-‬21 ESV 

 

2. Entering in the narrow door is a life of self denial and one focused on the Kingdom of God. Those who invest in the world will be poor in heaven. People who put their interests in their current life and not in heaven, will not go through the narrow door. Just as Jesus lived a life of self denial and sacrifice, so must we also live a life like Jesus' life.

We know more than anyone else if we are following Jesus as our Lord. Those who allow Jesus to be their true master will be saved. 

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January 20, 2019, Growing to Attain the Kingdom Maturity(Luke 13:18-19)

Growing to Attain the Kingdom Maturity 

Luke 13:18-19 

Everyone who believes in Jesus has peace when we are following and worshiping God in a right way. The dilemma is that most believers are not at peace. When we reflect on our lives, we wonder why we have not changed into the perfect followers of Christ. In fact, we may even ask why has not God changed me more completely. 

The parable of the mustard seed (Luke 13: 18-19) can be used to respond to the question, "Why do I keep sinning and failing?" Pastor Donald explains how the mustard seed illustration shows spiritual growth and four Kingdom principles of growth.

Principles Governing Growth in the Kingdom

1. The principle of growth of the Kingdom needs to be intentional. It takes willingness and commitment to grow spiritually. Spiritual growth does not just happen and it is not always fun. We cannot only do things that we are comfortable with or enjoy. With international commitment you do things to grow whether it is pleasant or not. 

2. Another principle is that growth in the kingdom has a small beginning and needs care. Like the mustard seed, something very small grew into a huge tree. Our faith will be exposed to temptations, trials, challenges and resistance. We have an enemy who is trying to destroy our growth. The enemy is attacking our faith to keep it small; however through suffering and endurance our faith grows and becomes perfect. (James 1:2‭-‬8‭, ‬10‭-‬12 ESV )

  

3. Another principle of growth is that progressive requires nurturing with tenacity.  There needs to be observation of our spiritual life and determination to follow Jesus in order to cultivate our faith. 

4. The last principle of growth is perfected in their ministerial responsibility. When we put into practice our Christian life, we grow. Moreover, the responsibility of our ministry allows us best to grow. By engaging in a ministry, we set the target to serve God in His Kingdom and by this we can perfect our faith more and more. 

We need to be active in our growth. How do we do this? Here are three ways to encourage  spiritual growth in our lives. 

Actively Taking Part in the Kingdom Growing 

1. Keep receiving God's word. Keep sowing by reading the Bible, hearing His word and praying.

2. We need to actively cultivate our faith. Find prayer partners, join Bible studies join and cell groups.  

3. Put in practice the revelation that has been given to you by the Holy Spirit. It will not be easy, but remember that branches that bear fruit are cut back to bear more fruit.