Central Truth

We should live our lives with a sense of "urgency" to live for and tell others about salvation through Jesus Christ. The day is coming when it will be too late. That is a terrifying thought.

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Reflections

God welcomes anyone into His Kingdom who confesses with his mouth and believes in his heart that Jesus Christ is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). But one day, the Scriptures tell us, the door to His Kingdom will close. 

Sometime ago, I attended a prestigious golf tournament held at an exclusive, private country club. I had come because a close friend was playing in the tournament. The course was open to the public, but the clubhouse was strictly "off limits" to the masses. Only members or those with a special pass were permitted inside. At the end of the day, I decided to go into the clubhouse to see my friends, even though I knew I didn't have a pass. I was dressed in my finest golf attire, I knew one of the top players and his family personally, and I knew members of the club. Admittance would not be a problem.

I opened the heavy oak door and strode into the beautiful clubhouse, packed with people. I could see my friends laughing and having a great time. I had gone only three feet when I walked into a clubhouse guard and a member whom I'd met. The member acted as if he'd never seen me before and frankly didn't care to. Their icy stares said, "Who do you think you are? You are not invited." It was very clear . . . . I had no pass and wasn't welcome in that clubhouse. I looked the part, acted the part, and knew some important people in the game, but I was not a member and had no pass. Access denied.

Heaven is God's clubhouse. But, unlike an earthly clubhouse, God doesn't want anyone left out. He sent His only Son to die on a cross so that anyone who trusts in and believes in Him will have a pass to eternity and His paradise. If we know someone who acts the part and looks the part but doesn't have a pass into God's clubhouse, we should act urgently to help them get one.

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Discussion Questions

1. Have you memorized the five easy verses of The Romans Road so that sharing the message of salvation will never again be a struggle for you (Romans 3:23, 6:23, 5:8, 10:13, and 8:1)?

2. Be honest with yourself: Do you confidently and gladly share the good news about Jesus Christ with others, or are you slightly afraid or embarrassed to bring it up?

3. Luke 13:25 says the head of the house will shut the door. When might this occur, and what does this mean to you, your friends, and your loved ones?

4.  How will this devotional and these verses change what you do today?

FAMILY DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What did the master of the house say to the people who were on the outside of the house (verse 25)?

2. If he did not know the people who were on the outside of the house, what does that mean about the people who were inside the house?

3. What can you do to make sure you are not on the outside knocking (verses 24-25)? (Read John 14:6, John 3:16, and Romans 10:9-10.)

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