Tag: every effort
Make every effort!
Scripture reading for November 17th: 2nd Peter 3
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Peter 3:11-14 “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”
God is the only one who knows the future and He has revealed the final judgment of this present heavens and earth through the prophets and apostles and His own Son, Jesus Christ. These prophetic truths should motivate God’s people to live in a state of readiness and anticipation. No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s return, but the fate of the earth, the wicked, and His people is clearly foretold!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers make every preparation and effort to be ready for Christ’s return and the final judgment! “But at that time Your people–everyone whose name is found written in the book–will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:1-3)
The Narrow Door!
Scripture reading for April 10th: Luke 13:23-14:6
“Someone asked Him, “Lord, are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, you will stand outside knocking and pleading, ‘Sir, open the door for us.’ “But He will answer I don’t know you or where you come from.” “ (Luke 13:23-25)
A popular topic of discussion among the religious people of Jesus’ day was how many people would make it through the ‘pearly gates’! Speculation about who would be saved and not saved often revolved around having Jewish blood in the veins. Just descending from Abraham was thought to guarantee salvation. Attending the synagogue regularly and going to the feasts was a part of being ‘Jewish’. Many, including the religious leaders, were under this delusion. Jesus tried to jar their thinking to a personal level!
“What about you?” Jesus was asking them. Have you been saved yourself? Have you entered through the ‘narrow door’? Are you striving now to enter while it is open? Jesus was helping them to see that the ‘narrow door’ would not always be open. Those that thought they could enter at any time would be left outside, looking in at Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the prophets enjoying the feast. (Luke 13:28-30)
Jesus had taught them that He alone was this ‘door’. “I am the gate, whoever enters through Me will be saved.” (John 10:9) “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) Jesus is that door and these people had Him right there with them. Many religious leaders were looking to get rid of Him instead of find salvation through Him. Jesus was concerned for their souls. They should be the first to enter because of the Scriptures they had and the Word of God delivered to them, but many would be left outside where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth!
Have you entered through the narrow door of faith in Jesus Christ? Have you repented of your sins, embracing what Jesus did on the cross for you? Today the door is still open! Tomorrow may be too late!