Sermon On The Mount: Lord, Lord
Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in Heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your Name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV)
Actors, models, and talent for Christ: I believe you have a double casting: as witnesses of truth in Hollywood and in ‘HOLY wood,’ a.k.a. the church.
Because in many popular churches, the truth is rearranged into sound bites; they're easy to swallow and go down fast. Add some jokes by entertaining pastors… and VOILA!
The Bible begins to look like a cross between a children’s bedtime storybook and Cliff Notes for Christian professionals.
But what about the real Cross of Jesus? The one that nailed Him with our filthy sins?
If we remake it into necklaces or chisel it down to pretty verses (so that it fits our personal desires), the penalties we face may be severe. God won't overlook man’s cuts and edits.
'You shall not add to the Word which I command you, nor take from It' (Deuteronomy 4:2).*
Has your pastor preached a 'Lord, Lord' sermon? This wholly uncomfortable message might send congregants (and their tithes) elsewhere. Who wants to uncover a stinking mess? (Much less if you’re the one who cooked it up!)
But God’s actors must uncover the truth… including among misleading churches. Paul puts it this way:
‘We are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ, among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the Word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ, we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God’ (2 Corinthians 2:15-17).
Better to know now than be shocked later!
Because while we're still here, God offers hope--even redemption. ' 'Come now, and let us reason together,' says the Lord, 'Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be as white as snow' ' (Isaiah 1:18).
Sermon On The Mount: Lord, Lord (Part 30)
* Adding or editing the Word of God: http://www.letusreason.org/Biblexp117.htm
NOTE: This is a 2023 update of a 2013 Carey Lewis Devotion. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players. Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.