Date: Sunday, August 23, 2020
Series Description:
The book called Luke in the Bible, was written by a Gentile believer named Luke, who was a close associate of the Apostle Paul. He set out to carefully investigate the truth concerning Jesus Christ, using the eyewitness accounts of those who were with and knew Jesus and His ministry. His intent in writing this Gospel was so that his readers would know the truth regarding Jesus and what they have been taught concerning Him. It is our hope in studying this Gospel, that we too would better understand the truth concerning Jesus, so that we may better know Him and make Him known to others.
Sermon Description:
“Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. Once the head of the house gets up and shuts the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock on the door, saying, ‘Lord, open up to us!’ then He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from.’” (Luke 13:24-25)
This was Jesus' answer to the question posed to Him: “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?” Rather than giving a specific answer as to the number of people who will be saved (in the context, how many people will enter into the kingdom of God), Jesus explained who will be saved. Jesus made it clear that many will seek to enter the kingdom of God but will not be able. He also made it clear that there is a limited time frame in which to be able to enter the kingdom of God, and once God (the head of the house) shuts the door that is it. So, what is the exhortation to His listeners? To strive (literally to "agonize") to enter through the narrow door. Yes, the door is narrow. It's not easy to go through. The Good News is that we know how to enter through the narrow door, and we know the head of the house, and knowing is the key here. That is, an intimate relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” (John 17:3) Like any relationship that you value and want to nurture it takes effort. We need to tend to our relationship with God, which is proof that our faith in Jesus is genuine. We may not know what will happen tomorrow, or the next day, or a year from now. At the same time, God's word reminds us to be aware of and prepare for eternity.