The name of the video is “Entrance into His Kingdom” and it is presented by livingStone Church. The video is focused on Luke 18:15-17 and addresses committed Christians who attend church on Memorial Day weekend. The speaker encourages the audience to turn to Luke 18 and emphasizes the importance of approaching God with humility, confessing our sin, and obeying His commands. The video also explores the concept of the kingdom of God and challenges the belief that only the righteous and religious will be part of it. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of having a childlike faith and complete dependence on God to be part of His kingdom. The speaker also invites those who have not yet made the decision to place their faith in Jesus Christ to seek guidance and make that decision. Overall, the video provides insights on how to approach God, seeking His blessings, and the simplicity of the gospel.
Entrance into His Kingdom
Introduction and Context
Welcome, committed Christians! Today, we will be discussing an important topic: entrance into His Kingdom. This topic is based on Luke 18:15-17, which explores how people approach God and the kind of people that will populate the kingdom. The video by livingStone Church will guide us through this discussion, and it includes foreign music and applause to enhance the atmosphere. This message is specifically tailored to those who attend church on Memorial Day weekend, as it holds significance in honoring the sacrifices made for our freedom. Let us begin our journey into understanding entrance into God’s Kingdom.
Understanding Luke 18:15-17
In Luke 18:15-17, we witness an interaction between Jesus and the disciples when parents bring their children to Jesus. Initially, the disciples rebuke the parents, thinking that the children are not important enough to receive Jesus’ attention. However, Jesus corrects the disciples and invites the children to come to Him, emphasizing that the kingdom of God belongs to those who approach Him with childlike faith. This passage highlights the importance of approaching God with humility and recognizing our dependence on Him.
Approaching God with Humility
To approach God, we must recognize our position before Him. Approaching God with humility means acknowledging that we are finite beings in need of His infinite wisdom and guidance. Just as children depend on their parents, we must understand that we are dependent on God for our well-being and spiritual growth. Learning from the example of children, who trust and rely on their parents for everything, teaches us the value of humility in our approach to God.
Confessing Our Sins and Obedience
Approaching God with humility also entails confessing our sins and demonstrating obedience to His commands. Confession and repentance play a crucial role in our relationship with God. When we confess our sins, we acknowledge our need for His forgiveness and rely on His mercy and grace. Obedience to God’s commands reflects our love and reverence for Him, demonstrating that we trust His guidance for our lives. It is important to reflect on our own confession and obedience, ensuring that we align our actions with God’s will.
Seeking God’s Blessing and Following His Instructions
As we approach God, it is essential to understand the importance of seeking His blessing and following His instructions. Seeking God’s blessing involves recognizing that any success or growth in our lives is ultimately attributed to Him. We should actively seek His guidance and presence in all areas of our lives, trusting that His plans are far greater than our own. Following God’s instructions is closely tied to seeking His blessing, as it involves aligning our lives with His will and purpose. By examining and implementing His instructions, we position ourselves to see His transformative work in our lives.
Overcoming Doubts and Feelings of Unworthiness
Sometimes, doubts and feelings of unworthiness hinder our approach to God. We may question whether we are deserving of His love and forgiveness. However, the passage reminds us that Jesus welcomes and blesses those who come to Him with humility. Despite our doubts, we can approach God confidently, knowing that He desires a relationship with us. It is essential to overcome these doubts and believe in the unconditional love and acceptance that Jesus offers.
Extending Love and Acceptance to Others
As recipients of God’s love and acceptance, we are called to extend the same to others. We must avoid judgment based on appearances or behaviors and embrace the love and acceptance of Christ. Practical ways to extend love and acceptance include showing kindness, listening with empathy, and offering forgiveness. By embodying Christ’s love, we become agents of His kingdom, reflecting His character and inviting others to experience His grace.
The Concept of the Kingdom of God
The concept of the kingdom of God is essential in Christian belief. It refers to the reign of God in the hearts of believers and the fulfillment of His purposes on earth. Understanding the significance of the kingdom of God allows us to align our lives with His plans and actively participate in building His kingdom. It challenges our previous beliefs that only the righteous and religious people would be part of the kingdom, expanding the invitation to all who approach God with childlike faith.
The Representation of a Child
Jesus intentionally chooses a child to represent those who will be part of His kingdom. This representation challenges the notion that only the knowledgeable or the spiritually mature are eligible for the kingdom. Instead, Jesus highlights the key to being part of the kingdom: having a childlike faith and complete dependence on God. This childlike faith involves trust, humility, and a willingness to learn and grow in our relationship with God. By embracing this childlike faith, we position ourselves to experience the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Challenging Previous Beliefs
The representation of a child challenges our previous beliefs and preconceived notions about who can be part of God’s kingdom. It reminds us that God’s grace extends to all people, regardless of their background or past. This challenges our tendency to judge others based on external characteristics and instead calls us to look at the heart. By embracing this inclusive perspective, we create a space where everyone feels welcome and valued, ultimately reflecting the love and acceptance of Christ.
The Key to Being Part of the Kingdom
As discussed earlier, the key to being part of God’s kingdom lies in having a childlike faith and complete dependence on Him. This simplicity of the gospel can sometimes be challenging for people to accept, as we often feel the need to earn or prove our worthiness. However, Jesus emphasizes that it is through faith, not our works, that we enter His kingdom. By surrendering our lives to Him and relying on His grace, we experience the true freedom and abundance found in His kingdom.
The Simplicity of the Gospel
The simplicity of the gospel can be difficult for some to accept, as we often complicate it with our own expectations and preconceived ideas. The gospel message is simple: God loves us unconditionally, and through faith in Jesus Christ, we are forgiven and restored to a right relationship with Him. It is not about earning our salvation, but about receiving His grace and allowing it to transform our lives. Embracing the simplicity of the gospel leads to a deeper understanding of God’s love and a greater desire to live according to His teachings.
Making a Decision to Place Faith in Jesus Christ
The message of entrance into God’s kingdom calls us to make a decision to place our faith in Jesus Christ. It is not enough to simply understand the concepts and teachings; we must personally respond and surrender our lives to Him. This decision marks the beginning of our journey as followers of Christ and opens the door to experience the fullness of His kingdom. If you have not made this decision, I encourage you to seek guidance and take the necessary steps to place your faith in Jesus Christ.
Opportunities to Connect with the Church
For those who have made the decision to follow Christ, there are many opportunities to connect with the church. Joining small groups, attending services, and serving in various ministries are ways to deepen our faith and build meaningful relationships with fellow believers. The church provides a supportive and nurturing environment where we can grow together in our understanding of God’s kingdom and how to represent it in our daily lives. I invite you to explore these opportunities and experience the vibrant community within the church.
The Church’s Seven-Year Anniversary and Building Fund
Next week, livingStone Church will be celebrating its seven-year anniversary. This milestone represents the faithfulness and growth that we have experienced as a community. As part of this celebration, we have initiated a building fund for an upcoming building project. This project will allow us to expand our ministry and further impact our community with the message of God’s kingdom. Your support and contribution to this fund will be greatly appreciated as we continue to seek God’s guidance and direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, entrance into God’s kingdom requires approaching Him with humility, confessing our sins, and obeying His commands. We are called to seek God’s blessing, follow His instructions, and overcome doubts and feelings of unworthiness. Furthermore, we are to extend love and acceptance to others, understanding the concept of the kingdom of God and embracing the representation of a child. The simplicity of the gospel invites us to make a personal decision to place our faith in Jesus Christ and provides opportunities to connect with the church. As we reflect on these teachings, let us be encouraged and inspired to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, embodying His love and grace in all that we do.
Luke 18:15-17