Matthew 7:21-29 | Kingdom Now: No Turning Back

In this sobering conclusion to the "Kingdom Now" series on the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Karl closes Matthew 7:21–29 with Jesus' urgent call to authentic, obedient faith. He recaps the narrow gate—Jesus Himself as the exclusive way to the Father (John 10:9)—requiring self-denial and kingdom priority, a path few find because truth is non-negotiable. The terrifying warning follows: Not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom—only those who do the Father's will. Even miracle-workers may hear, "I never knew you; depart from me," underscoring that salvation demands an intimate, mutual relationship: truly knowing Jesus and being known by Him, not superficial confession or religious activity without heart surrender and obedience.
Pastor Karl illustrates this with the parable of the wise and foolish builders: Everyone hears Jesus' words, but only doers build on the rock. Storms are certain—far beyond our strength—and they reveal the unseen foundation. Lives built on anything else crumble with great destruction. Hearing or studying the Word isn't enough; we must be doers (James 1:22) for transformed, fruitful lives. He shares the powerful story behind "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus," born from Nokseng's martyrdom in India, declaring unwavering commitment amid tragedy: "No turning back… though none go with me… the cross before me, the world behind me."
The message ends with Jesus' astonishing authority as the Word incarnate and a solemn challenge: Will you follow—not with lip service, but with total devotion through the narrow gate? As the congregation is invited to stand and sing the hymn only if they can declare it personally, Pastor Karl urges genuine surrender, heart examination, and reaching out for prayer to confirm a true decision to follow Christ. A grace-filled, convicting call to move from profession to possession, building on the only foundation that endures the storm.

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