KEY SCRIPTURE: Matthew 23:13. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

We continue with our walk with Jesus, through the gospels. The Lord addressed the scribes and Pharisees as hypocrites who would not allow others to enter into the Kingdon of Heaven. How did they do that? Their attitude towards God and lifestyle gave others nothing to be challenged about. There are a number of Christians in our days whose lifestyle has become a stumbling block to others, from knowing the Lord. Our lives according to 2nd Corinth.3:2 should letters read by all: “Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:” The Bible cannot be made practical by many around us, until they see it demonstrated through us who profess to know Christ.

If the Pharisees failed to influence others into the kingdom of heaven, we must be real ambassadors of Christ. The Pharisees failed because they were full of themselves. They said so much about God, yet their actions were the very opposite to their words. Apostle Paul, did the very opposite 1 Corinthians 9:19″. For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more”. God our father expects fruits from us. Selflessness is one of the means to satisfy our heavenly father ‘s desire to win men unto Him.

The Pharisees did not know God in the first place, and therefore could not understand the heartbeat of God. What is God’s heartbeat? To win men from sin unto righteousness. John 15:16″. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” God desires fruit from us, fruits that would remain. Jesus said bearing much fruits makes us his disciples John 15:8.

What must you do.?

1. Repent from every pride, hypocrisy and self centeredness.

2. Commit yourself to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and live to please Him

3. Use every opportunity to talk about Jesus and win others to Him.

4. BE a spiritual parent to such a person and help the one stay in the faith.

THOUGHT: A MEANINGFUL LIFE IS A FRUITFUL LIFE

FURTHER STUDIES

Acts 26:18 ” To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. “

John 15:8. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.