Matthew 16: The Keys Of The Kingdom
I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…
Matthew 16:19 (NKJV)
To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.
Matthew 13:11 (ESV)
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 7:21 (ESV)
Jesus Christ is called The Gate and The Door. His saints are called servants and doorkeepers.* We're entrusted with the keys to The Door, both allowing and denying entry to the Lord's home: the kingdom of heaven.**
Back then, Peter and the first apostles worked ceaselessly within the early church to use these keys as Jesus directed.
And yet, Letters to them reveal problems. Halfhearted followers entered the church, and some tried to pervert the cause of Christ.
Now consider just a few of the ways modern churches still misuse kingdom keys.
Poverty-stricken people are not fed, although Jesus gave His Life to serve them.
Homeless alcoholics are not noticed, although Living Water could revive them.
Desperate refugees are not sheltered, although God's Word instructs us otherwise.
Scantily dressed women are not welcomed, although love should be their first covering.
Bed-bound invalids are not visited, although this pain should be shared by their friends.
Hopeless prisoners are not regarded, although their real chains can come off through Christ.
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
A bright window of opportunity in the fortresses of entertainment is now open FOR YOU to bring the Light! You’re called to enter, rise, shine, and rep Him.
You’re equipped to tend, mend, and guide your fans. Through you, lost lambs and sheep can see Christ’s Heart. Through Him, they can find their true life’s purpose.***
Being part of a church without walls,
A spiritual church led by Jesus,
A church of believers rooted in love…
Allows you to bypass misplaced values,
And offer the keys found only in love…
Which will open the Door to His kingdom for all the seeking, hurting souls you meet.****
Matthew 16: The Keys Of The Kingdom (Part 15)
* The Parable of The Faithful Servant and the Evil Servant: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat24%3A45-51&version=NKJV
* The Doorkeeper: Mark 13:33-37 NKJV - Take heed, watch and pray; for you do - Bible Gateway
** 'When the Saviour says, therefore, he will give to Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven, He means that He will make him the instrument of opening the door of faith to the world, the first to preach The Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles' (Barnes Notes on the Bible): Matthew 16 Barnes' Notes
** Additional short article: What are the keys of the kingdom? | GotQuestions.org
*** Pilgrims and Strangers | Bible Topics
**** See Matthew 25:31-46: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=mat+25%3A31-46&version=NKJV
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!