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The Other Side Of Eternity



        Christ on one of His journeys to Jerusalem whilst teaching was asked by someone in the crowd: “Lord, someone asked Him, ‘are there few being saved?’” (Luke 13:23). One would have thought that the answer was quite obvious considering the multitudes that were always around Him: “Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan” (Matthew 4:25). Rather Christ replied “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand outside and knock on the door saying, ‘Lord, Open up for us!’ He will answer you, ‘I don’t know you or where you’re from!’” (Luke 13:24-25). This saying of Christ should cause us to pause and consider our walk with Him even as we consider the multitudes that were always around Him. This people listened to His teachings, had firsthand experience of His miracles, yet Christ said that many will be denied entry on that Day: “Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets!’ But He will say, ‘I tell you, I don’t know you or where you’re from. Get away from Me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’” (Luke 13:26-27). So many will be surprised on the other side of eternity! 
        Friend, a Day is coming, and is fast approaching. If you are discerning, you would notice that the days are shorter not because of weather conditions. It always looked as if the 24hours in a day has been shortened. No wonder the Bible warns us to make the most of the times because the days are evil, and I dare say, fast drawing to a close! What lessons do we then draw from the foregoing? So many at these times are not following Jesus Christ because of His life changing messages that has elicited loyalty, love and faithfulness in some but are following because of the many great things they have heard Him do and is still doing: “Then the news about Him spread throughout Syria. So they brought to Him all those who were afflicted, those suffering from various diseases and intense pains, the demon possessed the epileptics, and the paralytics. And He healed them” (Matthew 4:24). The crowds did not come to be saved from their sins but to be delivered from their sicknesses and problems. Today, the story has not changed much. As a result, most congregations have become “bless me clubs”, “social gatherings” where they can get spiritual highs and temporarily forget their problems. However, there are a few that saw beyond the acts of God and wanted God Himself! These ones are the ones that took the next steps and followed Him up the mountain. These are the ones He actually released the keys of the Kingdom to; these ones are given the manual on how to prepare for the other side of eternity: “When He saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain, and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him, then He began to teach them saying…” (Matthew 5:1-2). He taught them the attitude and character of being a true follower of Him. The people that were following Him in the valley because of what they will get cannot stomach nor retain these teachings. Even among the disciples, some had to leave along the line when they could not conform to His teachings (John 6:60). 
        Friend these are hard times with terrible delusional messages, when it is difficult to determine who actually a true child of God is. Do a check now: Are you a disciple of Christ seeking to enter through the narrow door or are you after the numerous promised blessings He is able to provide for you? Let it be clear in your mind today that those blessings will not leave this earth with you. What should be upper most in our hearts is what our fate would be on the other side of eternity. That can only be answered on this side with how well we walk in Him: Portraying His attitude and character. The Lord is warning us at this time, as He warned those that were around Him then to “make every effort to enter”. God is not going to push you in through the narrow door and move your feet for you! You are the one that must be determined to enter, remain and continue. Christ telling us to “make every effort”, presupposes that there are situations and circumstances positioned to stop you. Friend, the way is already opened for as many that desire to do this in Jesus Christ name. Don’t be sidetracked or carried away by the many blessings (for they are many) that are and will be added to us. We must make every effort; as that singular decision determines our destination on the other side of eternity! The grace to be focused to follow is released to you in Jesus Christ name. God bless you.

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