Closing Thoughts
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As I thought about what to close my 8 years out with, how to sum up my ministry, all the sermons, and everything I have taught this verse came to mind.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
This may seem like an odd verse to leave you with and I Preached this verse a few times in my tenure here, but it is the greatest warning in the bible. Here Jesus is talking to those who think they are saved. They are doing great acts of healing, deliverance, and even raising the dead, but yet they won’t see Heaven.
These people Jesus is speaking too aren’t just head knowledge invested. They get emotional, they are dedicated, they have drive and passion, but something is missing.
Matthew 7:22 (ESV)
22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’
The term many here is from the greek word Polus meaning much in number, quantity, or amount.
Many People who believe they will enter Heaven will not be welcomed in. Why?
23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’
The key phrase here is lawlessness. It means direct and continual disobedience to the world of God.
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
I didn’t build this church for me. We went through a lot of ups and downs, but the reality of it is this: I did everything I did to the best of my ability to obey God. I made mistakes and I’ve nailed it. I’ve faltered and failed and I have succeeded past my wildest dreams. Beth and I have poured our hearts out, our souls out, and we have left everything for you sake. For this reason: That you may hear Welcome into your kingdom you good and faithful servant, but it depends on you.
Your obedience
15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
It isn’t enough to have knowledge. It isn’t enough to be emotional, you must obey God’s commands.
The reality:
It isn’t about your wants, desires, or even what’s best for you children.
It’s about obedience to God. and I can hear people already. But Pastor I have to protect my kids. I have to do what’s right for me, but the truth behind that statement:
I don’t trust God enough to know what’s best for me and my children.
My family has hurt in direct response to ministry. My children have suffered. I have held them while they cried as people have left them. I asked God why? I begged and pleaded. I felt like a horrible parent, but God’s response: I have them just as I have had you your entire life.
Everything I have done has been in obedience to God and for your benefit because I want to see you in heaven.
Continual and purposeful disobedience will severe your ability to be there.
2. Stick to the teachings
15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter.
Where ever life leads you:
Read your bible
If I have taught you nothing my hope is that I have taught you this:
Don’t blindly follow people
They can and will lead you astray. Some of the meanest demons stand behind a pulpit. They know God’s word and they know how to twist it which means you must know it all the more. You must study it. You must live by it.
Satan will try to tempt you away. He will try to steer you in the wrong direction, but if you stay to the teachings that we have taught and study the Word of God for yourself you will make to your final destination.
3 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments.
4 Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him,
Protect yourself with the true word of God and the obedience of the Word. It’s not good enough to know God’s word. Satan knows and sites the word of God. It must change you. It must grow you. It must be so deep inside you that no one can rip it out of you.
3. The Teaching is life
13 Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.
Guard her. Guard her with you life. Guard your obedience. Do only as the Lord says. Don’t let people persuade you. Don’t be led astray by lights, sounds, and fancy things. Don’t even let your spouse, your boyfriend, or your best friend separate you from God.
29 If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell.
The temporary pain of this world is nothing compared to the peace in Heaven. It’s not an even exchange. Don’t chase what’s down here to give up what’s up there. Don’t give up the permanent for the temporary. God’s heart is for you.