Untitled Sermon (8)

Is Christianity an all inclusive religion?

Does this mean that all are saved?

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke 10. Entering the Kingdom (13:22–30)

Like the question on divorce (Matt 19:3), this one about whether few or many people will be saved (v. 23) was the occasion of differing opinions among the rabbis.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke 10. Entering the Kingdom (13:22–30)

24–27 Jesus’ reply (v. 24) emphasizes not “how many?” but “who?” The saved are those who seize their opportunity now (in the “year of the Lord’s favor,” 4:19). Once the time for decision has passed (v. 25), attempts to enter into salvation afterward (note the future “will try … will not be able,” v. 24) will be futile. Likewise Esau “afterward” sought his inheritance in vain (Heb 12:17). Does the “narrow door” limit the number of people who are admitted or the opportunities a person has to enter? Verse 24 by itself suggests the former; v. 25 with its reference to the closing door suggests the latter. In John 10:9, entrance to salvation is only through Christ, who himself is the gate. The use of the third person in “But he will reply” (v. 27) does not refer to anyone other than Jesus as the Son of Man (cf. Matt 7:23: “I will tell them”) and simply follows the pattern of v. 25. The repetition of “I don’t know you or where you come from” (v. 27, cf. v. 25) heightens the sense of utter rejection (cf. Matt 7:23. “I never knew you”). Familiarity with Jesus (v. 26) will be of no benefit then (cf. the even stronger plea in Matt 7:22).

Why then, does Jesus emphasize to make every effort and St. Paul builds on this (see reference)

1 Timothy 6:11–12 (NIV)

11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Colossians 1:28–29 (NIV)

28 He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. 29 To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.

Hebrews 4:9–11 (NIV)

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 8: Matthew, Mark, Luke (Notes (Luke 13:22–30))

Notes24 “Make every effort” ἀγωνίζεσθε (agōnizesthe), a word often used in an athletic or a military context. It does not imply working for salvation but rather earnestness in seeking it (cf. its use regarding prayer in Col 4:12).

I've heard from more than one person, "that all religions lead to the same God, there are just different ways to get there." I don't believe this for a minute, and thank our missionaries for their courage and love of all people to reach out in sharing God's truth. What can I say or where can I find more information on this subject to help them see and understand the truth?

You can pass along Scripture passages like these: “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-15). “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned” (Mark 16:16). “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them” (John 3:36). “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). If God is allowed to speak for himself in his word, then it becomes clear that all religions do not lead to the same God.  There is salvation only through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.  That truth, along with love for others, compels you and me to share the truths of Scripture.  God bless your efforts!

How to become an expert?

Practice, Practice, Practice: Malcolm Gladwell, the author of Outliers suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at any one task. While that seems like a huge number, lets break it down. If you work a 40-hour week, and you spend every moment at work practicing that specific task at which you want to gain expertise, and you work a 50 weeks per year, it only takes about 5 years to hit the 10,000-hour mark. If you think you are going to remain healthy and love what you do professionally, then five years really is not that long. In order to be an expert, there’s no substitute for time. It takes dedication, discipline and focus. Becoming an expert requires a sincere, genuine desire to do the work. If you aren’t passionate about something, you won’t become an expert at it.

Never Stop Learning: You would think at some point experts will have learned everything they could learn to be, well, experts. Wrong. Experts never stop learning. As a matter of fact, most people once they become an expert, will commit to learning more. You see, once you are an expert and begin to enjoy the benefits of being an expert, you will want to stay an expert. So experts read more, continue to educate themselves through courses and workshops, regularly gather knowledge from other experts and so on.

A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke 9:51–13:35. The Departure from Galilee and First Period of the Journey

ζητήσουσιν εἰσελθεῖν καὶ οὐκ ἰσχυίσουσιν. The futures are most important, whether we place a comma or a full stop after the second. Jesus does not say that there are many who strive in vain to enter, but that there will be many who will seek in vain to enter, after the time of salvation is past. Those who continue to strive now, succeed. The change from “strive” to “seek” must also be noted. Mere ζητεῖν is very different from ἀγωνίζεσθαι (1 Tim. 6:12). Comp. Jn. 7:34.

Luke 13:30 NIV84

30 Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.”

Common saying of Jesus used in other places.

Research. Some commentators believe that the gospels are written to give context to some memorable sayings that Jesus taught. Not all agree on that context. (Kind of like why Isaac was called Isaac and several narratives about that.)

A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke 9:51–13:35. The Departure from Galilee and First Period of the Journey

30. εἰσὶν ἔσχατοι … εἰσὶν πρῶτοι. There are some of each class who will be transferred to the other. Mt. 20:16 we have ἔσονται οἱ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι καὶ οἱ πρῶτοι ἔσχατοι. From that passage coupled with Mt. 19:30 = Mk. 10:31 we infer that this was a saying which Jesus uttered more than once. But here only is it introduced with καὶ ἰδού, of which Lk. is so fond (1:20, 31, 36, 5:12, 7:12, 37, etc.), and for which Mt. and Mk. have πολλοὶ δέ. The practical answer to the question in ver. 23 remains, “Whatever be the number of those who are in the way of salvation, that which concerns you is, that you should without delay secure a place among them.”

Lexham Context Commentary: New Testament The Way into the Kingdom (13:22–30)

13:24–25 Jesus does not give an exact answer to the man’s question, but that he says the door is narrow shows that salvation is not something into which people stumble. A person must “strive,” or be spiritually focused, to enter while the door is open. If one does not strive to enter while the door is open, one will find one is shut out from salvation.

13:26–27 To explain what he has just said, Jesus shows that one must strive to enter the narrow door because simply being in the presence of the Jesus or hearing his teaching does not mean that one is in a relationship with him that will result in final salvation.

Luke Jesus Teaches About Entering the Kingdom / 13:22–30 / 153

FINDING SALVATION

Many people react negatively to the concept of a narrow door or of Jesus being the only way. Behind their reaction may be the desire that the door of their choosing be the right way to God. The point of Jesus’ story was not to keep people out or to make it difficult to enter but to stress that the narrow door was still open for a short time. God opens the door, not people. He makes salvation available. People do not custom-design their own salvation. All people must come to God on his terms, not their own.

It’s difficult to submit and surrender to God. It’s difficult to accept someone else’s terms, even God’s. It’s difficult to give up control.

Don’t let your ego keep you from God.

Luke Jesus Teaches About Entering the Kingdom / 13:22–30 / 153

Finding salvation requires concentrated effort. Obviously people cannot save themselves—there is no way to “work” into God’s favor. This “striving” means earnestly desiring to know Christ and diligently following him whatever the cost. Jesus did not explain “the narrow” door, but the picture is of a way that one must seek out and then enter into while it is still open. Keeping the law or simply being Jewish will not earn salvation; only by entering the door through faith can anyone be saved. At other times, Jesus said, “I am the gate” (John 10:9 NRSV) and “I am the way” (John 14:6). Jesus explained that although many people know something about God, only a few have acknowledged their sins and accepted his forgiveness. Just listening to Jesus’ words or admiring his miracles is not enough—all must turn from sin and trust in God for salvation. Regardless of how many would be saved, Jesus said that many … will try to enter and will not be able. The time for decision would pass them by, and it would be too late, as Jesus described in the following parable.

Concept is not that there are a limited number of tickets, but that the time to purchase those tickets will expire — once the event has occurred.

Like it or not, the NFL season is fast approaching. Over the year I have made references in sermons to football (never NASCAR or hockey of which I have not concern or interest). But I do admit that I will refer to football from time to time.

So bear with me.

Our text today is Jesus’ response to a scholastic question bantered about by theologians and teachers of the law. How many people will be saved? “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Jehovah’s Witnesses limit one special group to 144,000. On the other extreme there are those that believe that all will be saved.

Jesus does not answer the question directly. Instead, he teaches his students that instead of wondering how many will be saved, they should make it their priority to be included in the number of people who are saved.

Illustration. A similar example would be, “How many people will be allowed to watch an NFL game in person?”

Lambeau Field capacity: 81,441.

COVID: 0% --25%

When was the last time Lambeau Field was not sold out? Nov. 22, 1959 On Nov. 22, 1959, however, in an official league game against the Washington Redskins, just 297 tickets went unsold, so it was a little more difficult to notice even at the reduced capacity of 32,150 at the time.

It can be difficult to attend a Packers game in Green Bay because . . .

1) limited capacity

2) expense

3) persona schedule

4) you don’t really car

Difficult, but not impossible. Tickets are often available through brokers or those with season tickets selling off some for a game or two.

Of course, you could play or coach for the Packers and then you could watch from sidelines.

But it is impossible to go to a game after the game is over.

Jesus would have known nothing about attending football games. But he did know about going to crowded events such as wedding banquets and does refer to that in this topic. He also knows about deadlines. (Work while it is day).

And that is what he is teaching about here. Striving to be saved isn’t because only the best of the best are considered worthy to enter heaven (He teaches the opposite). Striving to be saved is important because . . .

There is only one way to be saved (In spite of what other religions teach or even misinformed Christians teach).

There is only a limited opportunity to be included. “Seek the Lord, while he may be found, call on him while he is near.” “Now is the hour of salvation.”

Caution against “deathbed confessions”. There were to thieves on the crosses and only one believed.

Although God is gracious enough to grant clemency to someone who finally confesses Jesus with his/her last breath (cannot limit the grace of God), does not Jesus’ teaching here emphasize a determined, meaningful, life long pursuit of one’s relationship with Jesus? Cite other passages.

TRUE FAITH

How could those who have known Jesus be rejected by him? Jesus makes clear that the way of salvation is open to all. No one is excluded by birth or background (13:29). Yet salvation does not happen merely because of loose association with Jesus. Jesus said in 5:32, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (NIV). We must come to Jesus on his terms, not our own. Jesus requires action, namely repentance, from those who desire to be his followers. As we present Christ to others, we must stress the importance of repentance. As we deal with those who have been in the church for many years, we must help them see that associating with Christians will not substitute for true faith and repentance.

Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke (p. 347). Tyndale House Publishers.

13:29–30 “People will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of God. Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” God’s kingdom will include people from every part of the world. Israel’s rejection of Jesus as Messiah would not stop God’s plan. True Israel includes all people who believe in God. Jesus promised that people will come from east and west and north and south, and will take their places at the feast (see Isaiah 49:12). The inclusion of Gentiles in God’s kingdom had been prophesied, but it still would have astounded Jesus’ Jewish audience to hear of the Gentiles’ being involved in God’s kingdom at all. This was an important fact for Luke to stress because he was directing his Gospel to a Gentile audience (see also Romans 4:16–25; Galatians 3:6–9). Even worse for these Jews, however, was the statement that some of them might not have places at the feast.

In addition, there will be many surprises in God’s kingdom. Some who are despised now will be greatly honored then; some influential people here will be left outside the gates. Many “great” people on this earth (in God’s eyes) are virtually ignored by the rest of the world. What matters to God is not a person’s earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage, or power, but his or her commitment to Christ. How do your values match what the Bible tells you to value? Put God in first place, and you will join people from all over the world who will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.

Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., Taylor, L. C., & Osborne, G. R. (1997). Luke (p. 348). Tyndale House Publishers.

Story

We once did an Easter egg hunt and decided to have the children line up at the door before letting them go out to search. Only about a dozen children but one narrow door. It was an effort for those in the back to get through over those who had fallen. Much worse is when a crowd of people is trapped in a burning building and the exits are too small to accommodate them all striving to escape. Point is not how narrow the gate is but how much effort is needed.