The Kingdom is Exclusive Matthew 13:24-30; 47-50

The Kingdom of this World is Diverse

In the two parables that we see here, we get pictures of a field and a net; in each of them we see variety and diversity

There are both wheat and weeds; there are all kinds of fish in the net

Spiritually speaking, the world is full of all kinds of people with many beliefs, practices, creeds, and character

The Kingdom of God is Completely Exclusive

What the parable makes clear is that the Lord will sort things out; the Kingdom is not full of spiritual diversity

The Kingdom is a place for the wheat and the good fish

God’s Kingdom is not universal, there will be many who do not enter it!

The Issue is Nature

Interestingly, there is a distinction between the good seed and the bad seed, the good fish and the bad fish

The good seed produces wheat

The good fish are good for food

However, this is not an issue of behavior but of fundamental character!

The bad fish can’t become good to eat

The weeds can never produce wheat

They cannot because it is inconsistent with their nature

If this is the case, what hope do any of us have?

We are by nature children of wrath!

Our only hope is to be “born again”

This is precisely why Christ came

John 3:16

[16] “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. (ESV)

The Time to Act is Now

Last week, our family made a trip to NYC and got to do several things that were “bucket list” kind of items. One of those was a trip to the crown of the Statue of Liberty. After the first 199 steps, I was a little tired. After the next 164, I was feeling claustrophobic! Once we finally arrived at the top, there were a couple of families in front of us waiting to get their picture taken. By the time it was our turn, I just wanted to get my picture and go! You know, a shocking thing happened. I was so busy trying to get to the top that I nearly missed the view from the crown. I’m afraid that there are some of you here today that are at that moment and I don’t want you to miss the opportunity for eternal life, now!