Young People's Group

HAVING REAL FAITH IN THE LORD

by Pastor Mitch
March 04, 2007

Having A False Sense Of Entering The Kingdom Of Heaven

Is there such a thing as being born a Christian? Some people think that if they were brought up in a Christian home, it would suffice in earning a place in the kingdom of God. This is totally not true. The Lord Jesus confronted the fallacious understanding of Jews that if they were of the stock of Israel, they were included into God’s kingdom.

“And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 
Matthew 8:11-12

The “sons of the kingdom” were a reference to the Jews. They may be considered the people of God. And yet, since they had rejected the Lord Jesus as the Messiah, they would be judged. They would be thrown into utter darkness and experience extreme anguish and despair. On the other hand, Gentiles from the east and west have the privilege of joining God’s kingdom. They would have the great privilege of sitting together with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in heaven. Young people, let’s not be deceived by the idea that since we grew up in Church, we are saved. That’s not true.

The Challenge To Have Real Faith

“Assuredly… I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!” 
Matthew 8:10

To be truly part of the kingdom of God, we need to have the right kind of faith.

1. The Prospect Of Having Genuine Faith In Christ

A centurion came to Jesus and showed his genuine faith. Even though he did not have much knowledge of the Scriptures, he still had faith. He recognised Jesus as his Lord. He humbled himself before him. Young people, the key thing to have in order to enter the kingdom of God is to have genuine faith. This prospect of faith is available to all. All of us can come to believe in the Lord in a most concrete and real way.

2. The Potential Of Having Great Faith

This genuine faith has also the potential to be great. The centurion understood what it meant to see the Lord Jesus as a God of authority and power. All the Lord needed to do was to say the word and it was as good as done. He understood and appreciated this even more because he was a man in authority. The Lord marvelled at his faith. Young people, the faith that we have has the potential to be great. This year’s family camp is focused on having “Such Great Faith”. Let’s plan to go for the family camp that we may learn how to have a great faith.

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