Saying So Isn’t Enough? A Word from THE WORD!!! #457

Just saying so, isn’t enough!  We live in a culture that thinks just saying the “right” words is enough, but that which isn’t genuine is fake or, if you would, basically a lie.  Jesus made some amazing statements that we need to consider, and while it’s a lengthy passage, it’s one that I feel is important for us to revisit!

“Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate,

and broad is the way,

that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:

14 Because strait is the gate,

and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

15 Beware of false prophets,

which come to you in sheep’s clothing,

but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

16 Ye shall know them by their fruits.

Do men gather grapes of thorns,

or figs of thistles?

17 Even so every good tree

bringeth forth good fruit;

but a corrupt tree

bringeth forth evil fruit.

18 A good tree

cannot bring forth evil fruit,

neither can a corrupt tree

bring forth good fruit.

19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit

is hewn down,

and cast into the fire.

20 Wherefore by their fruits

ye shall know them.

21 Not every one that saith unto me,

Lord, Lord,

shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

but he that doeth

the will of my Father which is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me in that day,

Lord, Lord,

have we not prophesied in thy name?

and in thy name have cast out devils?

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them,

I never knew you:

depart from me,

ye that work iniquity.”  Matthew 7:13-23

Jesus made it clear that just talking about Him isn’t enough, we must have a relationship with God through Jesus’ saving blood, and when we do it should be evident in how we live!  Paul calls us to live a transformed life—transformed by the saving grace of Jesus’ substitutionary, atoning sacrifice. Paul has some wise words for us.

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,

by the mercies of God,

that ye present your bodies

a living sacrifice,

holy, acceptable unto God,

which is your reasonable service.

2 And be not conformed to this world:

but be ye transformed

by the renewing of your mind,

that ye may prove

what is that

good,

and acceptable,

and perfect,

will of God.”  Romans 12:1-2

 As I’ve heard all my life, “You can fool some of the people, all of the time; and all of the people some of the time; but you can’t fool God.”  God says so, not just old adages.

“Nevertheless the foundation of God

standeth sure,

having this seal,

The Lord knoweth them that are his.

And, Let every one

that nameth the name of Christ

depart from iniquity.”  2 Timothy 2:19

I pray that this will be helpful to you today.  May we truly keep our eyes on Jesus, not the world!

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about

with so great a cloud of witnesses,

let us lay aside every weight,

and the sin which doth so easily

beset us,

and let us run with patience

the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus

the author and finisher of our faith;

who for the joy that was set before him

endured the cross,

despising the shame,

and is set down

at the right hand of the throne of God.”  Hebrews 12:1-2

May we determine that our lives will point others to Jesus!!!

Amen and Amen!!!