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Ekim Oro Charity Home, Ekim village, Udung L. G. A, Oron (2026)

29/04/2026

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗪𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗡 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗟𝗗 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗔 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗟𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗘𝗧 𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗜𝗧 (𝟭 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟯:𝟰)?

In his first letter, addressed to Jewish believers who were scattered around Asia Minor (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭:𝟭), Peter encourages women to have a gentle and quiet spirit. This is part of Peter’s exhortation to his readers to keep their behavior excellent among the Gentiles so that the Gentiles would observe their godly behavior and glorify God (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟭𝟮).

Part of the honorable behavior Peter promoted includes submitting to human authority or government (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟭𝟯). Believers were to live as those possessing freedom but not use that freedom as an excuse for wrongdoing (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟭𝟲). In that same spirit of concern for others expressed through submission, Peter suggests that his readers should honor everyone, love their brothers and sisters, fear God, and honor the king (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟭𝟳). In the same way, servants were to show Christlike behavior in humbling themselves toward those in authority over them (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟬). Jesus had provided our greatest example in demonstrating humility and enduring undeserved suffering for the benefit of others (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟭–𝟮𝟮). Jesus suffered and died as a substitute for us so that we would no longer be in bo***ge to sin but made alive in His righteousness (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟰). All believers are expected to show this kind of submission to one another—as Paul puts it in 𝗘𝗽𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟮𝟭, believers should submit to one another in the fear of Christ. Both Peter and Paul remind their readers of Jesus’ example and then challenge believers to show Christlikeness in all their relationships. It is within this context that Peter urges women to have a gentle and quiet spirit (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟰).

After reminding his readers of Jesus’ example of humility (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟭–𝟮𝟰), Peter instructs married women to show submission to their husbands (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟭). In this case, the purpose is so that even husbands who are not obedient to the Word might be won over by the purity of their wives’ attitude and behavior (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟮). Peter describes what that attitude and behavior looks like: the woman’s true adornment is not about external appearance, but true adornment is in the inner character and is of imperishable quality. It is “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit” (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟰).

The term gentle does not imply weakness, but rather self-restraint. If one is told to be gentle, the implication is that one has the ability to not be gentle. The woman has strength and expresses Christlike strength in meekness or gentleness toward her husband. Peter adds that the godly wife is not just gentle but also has a quiet spirit (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟰). She has a peaceful or well-ordered spirit, which would allow her to speak and behave in a peaceful and well-ordered way. Peter is not suggesting that low volume is necessary, but rather a character of peacefulness.

This character is “of great worth in God’s sight” (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟰) and is imperishable—it lasts and has value in every generation. Even in years past, this is how women who hoped in God demonstrated their true adornment (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟱)—Peter uses the example of Sarah (verse 6). It is by a gentle and quiet spirit that a godly woman expresses submission to her husband.

As for the husbands, they are instructed to live in consideration of their wives—also as an expression of submission (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟳). Peter’s instruction here is similar to Paul’s instruction in 𝗘𝗽𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟮𝟭 and 25—that all believers are to show Christlike submission to each other, and husbands express this toward their own wives by love and consideration. As Paul and Peter explain how believers can fulfill their roles, they both emphasize specific qualities that will be helpful in their particular relationships. While all believers are to be gentle—as it is part of the fruit the Holy Spirit bears in all of us (𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟮𝟮), and all believers should live well-ordered and peaceful lives (𝟭 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝟮:𝟮), Peter emphasizes in the context of husbands and wives that the particular characteristic of a gentle and quiet spirit will be of great benefit.

29/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝟭𝟴:𝟭𝟮 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻?

This verse captures Sarah's internal, incredulous reaction to hearing she would bear a son in her old age. Her reference to Abraham as 'my lord' is a detail Peter later highlights. While her laughter shows disbelief, her language reveals a customary respect for her husband's position as head of the family. It demonstrates that her deferential attitude was a natural part of her character, even in a private, unguarded moment.

25/04/2026

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗜𝗧 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗡 𝗧𝗢 𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 (𝟭 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟮:𝟮𝟰)?

People live their lives for many things: happiness, pleasure, wealth, relationships. Yet these things do not fully satisfy apart from a relationship with Christ. What good is it for anyone to gain all these things yet to lose his soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for his soul? (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟭𝟲:𝟮𝟲). God’s people have been saved from sin and death and are called to live for righteousness (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟰). In doing so, they look forward to an eternal reward that moths cannot destroy and thieves cannot steal (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟲:𝟭𝟵–𝟮𝟬).

Jesus bore our sin on the cross and died to pay its penalty: “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (𝟮 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟮𝟭). Those who trust in Jesus are freed from the consequence of sin and from the power of sin to dictate their lives. Jesus took their sin upon Himself. Those who are born again through faith in Christ have righteous standing before God. Thanks to Christ’s suffering, we do not have to live in sin. Instead, we can live for righteousness.

Righteousness can be defined broadly as “morally acceptable behavior.” Biblically, those who are righteous are acceptable to God, as made possible by God. Righteousness conveys a sense of justice, justness, or divine holiness. God is the standard of righteousness. To be righteous is to be right with God. The righteousness of Christ is imputed to us when we are saved, yet it is also something we are called to pursue. We are called to live for righteousness.

To live for righteousness means we wholeheartedly realize that sin does not please God. Because of this, we pursue holiness instead of sinfulness in our thoughts, words, and actions. When we live for righteousness, we submit even our thought life to what is righteous: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟰:𝟴). To live for righteousness means to desire God to transform our minds (𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟭𝟮:𝟮) and conform us “to the image of His Son” (𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟴:𝟮𝟵).

When believers live for righteousness, they also submit their words to Christ’s lordship. We no longer speak carelessly, realizing that our words have power to reflect Christ well or poorly. Our words should demonstrate the power of God’s grace. For this reason, we are called to “not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (𝗘𝗽𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟰:𝟮𝟵). What God has done in our hearts should be reflected in what comes out of our mouths (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟭𝟮:𝟯𝟱).

Likewise, believers who live for righteousness reveal the Holy Spirit within them and give evidence of the work God is doing in their lives. We no longer live for selfish pleasures, but we desire to live for the things of God. We live for righteousness when we humbly ask God to create in us a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within us (𝗣𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝟱𝟭:𝟭𝟬). We spend time in God’s Word and pursue the character of Christ. We want our actions and our entire lives to be molded by Christ alone.

When we place faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit indwells us and empowers us to live for righteousness (𝗔𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝟮:𝟮𝟴). As we “walk in the Spirit” (𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟭𝟲, 𝟮𝟱), He produces fruit in our lives that reflects His character. We are “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God” (𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟭:𝟵–𝟭𝟭). God’s people are called and enabled to live for righteousness, which brings glory and praise to God. As 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟭𝟱:𝟵 says, “The LORD detests the way of the wicked, but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”

25/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟮𝟰 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻?

This verse encapsulates the dual effect of Christ's sacrifice. He not only took the penalty for our sins upon Himself (atonement), but He also broke sin's power over us (liberation). His suffering makes it possible for believers to turn away from a life dominated by sin and instead pursue a new life of holiness and moral uprightness that honors God.

25/04/2026

𝗪𝗛𝗔𝗧 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗨𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗢𝗗 (𝟭 𝗣𝗘𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝟯:𝟰)?

In a teaching to Christian wives, the apostle Peter highlights qualities that are considered of great worth to God: “Do not let your adornment be merely outward—arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel—rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God” (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟯–𝟰, 𝗡𝗞𝗝𝗩).

This passage is part of a much broader teaching (𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟮:𝟭—3:12) in which Peter instructs all believers to exhibit distinctive, godly conduct so that they might serve as effective witnesses of their faith. Peter encourages them to practice this behavior toward government authorities, earthly masters, family members, and fellow believers. The emphasis is on demonstrating respect, submission, and self-discipline in all relationships.

Godly behaviors, while observable externally, flow from the hidden person of the heart. The inner character or spiritual life of a believer, rather than her outward appearance, is what truly matters and is precious in God’s eyes. God “does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (𝟭 𝗦𝗮𝗺𝘂𝗲𝗹 𝟭𝟲:𝟳, 𝗡𝗟𝗧). God values what is within us—our true inner self—over external adornment or physical beauty.

The specific internal quality Peter mentions is “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God” (𝟭 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟯:𝟰, 𝗡𝗟𝗧). A “gentle” (praeōs in Greek) “spirit” (pneumatos) implies an inner disposition or inclination toward meekness, mildness, and humility and a willingness to yield to others without being harsh or aggressive. It is the opposite of being argumentative or domineering.

A “quiet” (hēsychiou) spirit refers to a peaceful, calm, and tranquil attitude. It does not imply silence but rather describes an inward peace, stillness, and steadiness, undisturbed by circumstances.

Why is a gentle and quiet spirit precious in the sight of God?

These qualities reflect the character of Christ, who prayed, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟭𝟭:𝟮𝟴–𝟮𝟵, 𝗡𝗟𝗧).

God values the inner character of a person. He is pleased when we possess the Christlike qualities of gentleness, true inner strength, peace, and trust in Him. These traits are “incorruptible” (aphthartō), meaning they do not fade or decay with time, unlike external beauty, fancy hairstyles, expensive clothes, and fine jewelry. In the sight of God, inner virtues have value far beyond this life. They are eternal. “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” (𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟱:𝟱).

A gentle and quiet spirit is precious in the sight of God because it is evidence that a person possesses the wisdom of God. Solomon observed, “Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back” (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘀 𝟮𝟵:𝟭𝟭, 𝗡𝗟𝗧). James affirmed, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. . . . But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. . . . And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness” (𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀 𝟯:𝟭𝟯, 𝟭𝟳–𝟭𝟴, 𝗡𝗟𝗧).

Gentleness and peace are fruits of the Spirit (𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝟱:𝟮𝟮–𝟮𝟯). They demonstrate that we are living by the power of the Holy Spirit. We are submitting our selfish, fleshly desires to the Holy Spirit and letting Him guide our lives. As the Spirit works to change the inner person of the heart, these virtues flow outward in demonstrations of humility, quietness, trust, and Christlikeness, which are all precious in the sight of God.

24/04/2026

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘄 𝟭𝟭:𝟮𝟴–𝟮𝟵 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻?

This is Jesus' open invitation to all who are exhausted by life's struggles and the burden of trying to earn righteousness. The 'rest' He offers is not inactivity, but spiritual peace found in a relationship with Him. By taking His 'yoke'—a metaphor for discipleship and submission to His will—we learn from His own nature, which is 'humble and gentle.' True soul-rest comes from emulating Christ's gentle character, not from our own striving.

04/02/2026

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04/12/2024

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗗𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗛𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘?
______
The Bible provides several insights into how false prophets operate, warning believers to be vigilant and discerning. Here are some key characteristics and behaviors of false prophets according to Scripture:

They Say What People Want to Hear:
False prophets often tell people what they want to hear rather than the truth. This is highlighted in *2 Timothy 4:3*, which warns that people will gather around teachers who say what their “itching ears” want to hear.

They Teach Doctrines Contrary to Christ:
False prophets introduce destructive heresies and deny the sovereign Lord. *2 Peter 2:1-3* describes how they secretly bring in false teachings that lead people astray.

They Perform Deceptive Signs and Wonders:
Jesus warned that false prophets would perform great signs and wonders to deceive, even the elect, if possible *(Matthew 24:24)*. These acts are meant to mislead and create a false sense of legitimacy.

They Are Dishonest About Their Intentions:
False prophets often masquerade as servants of righteousness, but their true intentions are deceitful. *2 Corinthians 11:13-15* compares them to Satan, who masquerades as an angel of light.

They Cause Division:
False prophets create divisions within the church. *Romans 16:17-18* advises believers to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in the way of sound teaching.

They Ignore the Need for Repentance:
*Lamentations 2:14* criticizes false prophets for giving false and misleading visions that do not expose sin or call for repentance, leading people into captivity.

They Produce Bad Fruit:
Jesus taught that false prophets could be recognized by their fruits. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit *(Matthew 7:15-20)*. Their actions and the outcomes of their teachings reveal their true nature.

They Exploit People for Personal Gain:
False prophets often exploit people with fabricated stories for their own gain. *2 Peter 2:3* warns that in their greed, they will exploit believers with false words.

They Use Divination and Sorcery:
Some false prophets use divination, fortune-telling, or sorcery to deliver their messages, which are not from God *(Deuteronomy 18:10-12*). These practices are condemned in the Bible.

They Speak Presumptuously:
*Deuteronomy 18:22* states that if a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord and the prophecy does not come to pass, that prophet has spoken presumptuously and should not be feared.

In conclusion, by understanding these characteristics, believers can better discern and avoid the influence of false prophets. Staying grounded in Scripture and seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit are essential in recognizing and resisting false teachings.

02/12/2024

What does Luke 9:26 mean?
Strangely, although John does not record this story, he does record the words of Jesus that caused many to be ashamed of Him. First, they balked because Jesus called Himself "the bread that came down from heaven." They know he is the son of Joseph, thus seemingly not from heaven (John 6:41–42). Then they objected when Jesus said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:51). At the thought of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking His blood (John 6:56), many from the larger group of disciples left (John 6:66). Jesus asked the Twelve if they wanted to leave, as well. Peter responded, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68–69).

To be "ashamed" of Jesus' words means to refuse to publicly align with Him and what He teaches. The ultimate test of this for the disciples is to face rejection by the Jewish religious leaders to the point of crucifixion (Luke 9:22–23). Peter fails this test during Jesus' trials (Luke 22:56–62), but once indwelt by the Spirit (Acts 2:1–3), he boldly and bravely rejoices at the opportunity to join in experiencing persecutions as did Jesus (Acts 5:40–41).

To be "ashamed" means to experience humiliation, regret, and embarrassment because of something. In this chapter, the Twelve are the furthest from ashamed of Jesus they can be. They have used His power to heal the sick, cast out demons, and raise the dead (Luke 9:1–6, 10; Matthew 10:8). Peter has declared Jesus to be "The Christ of God" (Luke 9:20). They mistakenly attempt to defend Jesus' honor from an exorcist (Luke 9:49–50) and an inhospitable Samaritan village (Luke 9:51–55). They have paid personal costs (Luke 9:57–62). But they have yet to see Jesus arrested, beaten, and crucified. When they do, they will find themselves locked in a room, afraid for their lives (John 20:19).

Jesus calls Himself the "Son of Man" many times during His earthly ministry. Here, shortly before the transfiguration displays His glory, the term is especially relevant. Daniel 7:13–14 describes the Son of Man:

I saw in the night visions,
and behold, with the clouds of heaven
there came one like a son of man,
and he came to the Ancient of Days
and was presented before him.
And to Him was given dominion
and glory and a kingdom,
that all peoples, nations, and languages
should serve him;
his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which shall not pass away,
and his kingdom one
that shall not be destroyed.

Matthew includes, "…and then he will repay each person according to what he has done" (Matthew 16:27b). Bible scholar Darrell Bock explains that the combination of the "Son of Man" and "[coming] in his glory" refers to Jesus' authority at the final judgment. The disciples think this judgment is coming very soon. They don't realize it will be thousands of years before the Great White Throne.

02/12/2024

What does James 4:2 mean?
James continues making the case to his Christian readers that they are living according to the world's wisdom. They are not trusting God to provide while serving others, which is the wisdom of heaven.

Driven by bitter envy to get what they want, and a deep ambition to serve themselves, James's readers continue to kill, quarrel, and fight. This is not necessarily a direct accusation of murder or mayhem. A major point of James's words are the effects which worldly wisdom leads to. We have no way of knowing how violent this conflict had become. Had someone actually been murdered, or was James equating their hatred of each other to murder? Perhaps, but regardless of the severity, it's clear these religious people are off track.

At the heart of the problems is their response to not getting what they want out of life. In those moments when we realize that what we want is still out of our grasp, we always have a choice. The world's wisdom tells us to sacrifice everything to get what we want, including the welfare of others. The world will tell us to fight, to scratch, to wound, if that's what it takes. Driven by envy for what they want, James's readers are frustrated when they keep coming up empty. So they fight.

James identifies their root problem: These believers in God refused to trust Him to provide what they needed. They refused to even ask God for what they wanted. God might say no, after all. They were not willing to trust that if God would not give it to them, it was something they could live without for now. They would rather hurt someone else in attempting to provide it for themselves.

01/12/2024

What does Matthew 7:21 mean?
This verse is deeply challenging, and the subject of many debates. Scripture is clear that salvation is entirely by grace through faith, and not earned by good deeds (Titus 3:5; Galatians 2:16; Romans 11:6; John 6:28–29). The Bible also strongly reminds believers that all people—even those who are born again—have sin which needs to be addressed (1 John 1:9–10; Hebrews 4:14–16). However, God's Word also indicates that those who are truly born again will see that salvation reflected in their attitudes and actions (James 2:14–17; John 14:15). A similar tension exists in this passage—emphasizing that Christ, not deeds, is what saves (John 14:6), and yet submission to Christ is an expected result of salvation (Luke 6:46).

While this verse is commonly mis-applied by those who claim that good works are required to be saved, the very next statement Jesus makes destroys that interpretation. In fact, those who primarily define their faith by what they've done for God have placed their faith in something other than Christ (Matthew 7:22–23). In these few verses, Jesus explicitly explains that to do the will of God means something more than mere action—it requires genuine faith.

Having warned His listeners to beware of false prophets, Jesus made it clear that it's possible for other people to "put on" a show of faith and fool us. Christians should be aware of false leaders, and other people who claim to represent God when they do not (Matthew 7:15–20). Here, He offers the other side of this two-part alert: beware of false followers. Specifically, Christ is warning those who hear Him not to fool themselves into thinking they are true believers, when in fact they are not.

Jesus declares that not everyone who refers to Him as "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven. The title of "Lord" implies a master, a leader, and someone to whom the speaker submits. In prior teaching, Jesus indicated that mere words and actions are not enough—they must be motivated by sincerity and truth (Matthew 6:1, 5, 16). In that same way, Jesus states in no uncertain terms that merely referring to Him as Lord is not enough. Neither are acts of supposed righteousness. Entrance to the kingdom of heaven is limited to those who truly, fully do the will of His Father in heaven (2 Corinthians 13:5). That starts with sincere faith in Christ (John 6:28–29) and extends to humility in how we live our lives (John 14:15).

For the first time in this sermon, Jesus refers to God as "my Father." Jesus Himself did the will of His Father in heaven. Those who truly follow Him will do the same.

Both John the Baptist and Jesus taught that Jesus' arrival on earth meant that the kingdom of heaven was near (Matthew 3:1–2; 4:17). This is Christ's eternal kingdom, which will begin in the hearts of all who are truly His (Jeremiah 31:31–33; Hebrews 8:6–7). This will eventually become a true and political kingdom where God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven (Revelation 20:4–6). Only those who come to the Father through true faith in Christ will become citizens of that kingdom forever.

Ekim Oro Charity Home

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