Parables are EARTHLY stories with HEAVENLY meanings.
We don’t get to DECIDE what a DISCIPLE of Jesus DOES.
We are commanded to follow Jesus’ WILL, WAYS and WORDS.
Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT)
“You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.
Matthew 7:21-23 (NLT)
“Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. 22 On judgment day many will say to me, ‘Lord! Lord! We prophesied in your name and cast out demons in your name and performed many miracles in your name.’ 23 But I will reply, ‘I never knew you. Get away from me, you who break God’s laws.’
Is Jesus the LORD of your LIPS or the LORD of your LIFE?
BELIEF must change the way we BEHAVE.
It’s not what we KNOW it’s what we DO that matters most.
Matthew 7:24-28 (NIV)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
OBEDIENCE is what makes the DIFFERENCE.
We aren’t SPARED from STORMS, but we are guaranteed to SURVIVE them.
Following Jesus at Adventure Church:
– INVOLVED (IN a GROUP & ON a TEAM)
– INVITE (EVERYONE can reach SOMEONE)
– INVEST (You can’t OUT-GIVE God)
Colossians 2:6-7 (NLT)
And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.