Called ‘Lord’ on Earth, But Rejected in Eternity ! “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV) INTRODUCTION One of the most frightening statements ever spoken by Jesus is found in Matthew 7. It reveals a shocking truth: it is possible to call Jesus “Lord” on earth and still be rejected by Him in eternity. This sermon is not directed at unbelievers alone, but at churchgoers, workers, ministers, and those who outwardly appear spiritual. Titles, activities, and public confessions do not automatically guarantee eternal acceptance. What truly matters is relationship, obedience, and transformed living. 1. Calling Him “Lord” Is Not the Same as Knowing Him Matthew 7:23 – “I never knew you…” John 17:3 – Eternal life is knowing God and Jesus Christ. Matthew 15:8 – “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth… but their heart is far from me.” Many people confess Christ with their lips but deny Him with their lives. Christianity becomes a language they speak, not a life they live. Jesus is not impressed by religious vocabulary; He looks for a genuine, personal relationship. Familiarity with Jesus is not the same as intimacy with Jesus. 2. Religious Works Without Obedience Are Empty. Matthew 7:21 – “…but he that doeth the will of my Father…” 1 Samuel 15:22 – “To obey is better than sacrifice.” James 1:22 – Be doers of the word, not hearers only. Those rejected in eternity listed impressive achievements: prophecy, miracles, and deliverance. Yet Jesus called them workers of iniquity. Why? Their actions were not aligned with God’s will. God values obedience above activities, and submission above performance. 3. Ministry Success Does Not Equal Eternal Approval 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 – Gifts without love profit nothing. Romans 11:29 – Gifts are given without repentance. Matthew 23:27–28 – Outward righteousness, inward corruption. It is possible to be used by God publicly and still be lost privately. Spiritual gifts can operate even when character is compromised. God can use a vessel without endorsing the vessel’s lifestyle. Being used by God is not the same as being approved by God. 4. Hidden Sin Leads to Eternal Rejection Psalm 66:18 – If I regard iniquity in my heart… Hebrews 12:14 – Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord. Galatians 6:7 – God is not mocked. The people Jesus rejected practiced lawlessness while professing lordship. Secret sin, unrepentant lifestyles, and deliberate disobedience will eventually expose a false profession. A hidden life on earth will be revealed in eternity. 5. A True Lordship Produces a Changed Life Luke 6:46 – “Why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” 2 Corinthians 5:17 – If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature. Romans 8:1 – No condemnation to those who walk after the Spirit. When Jesus is truly Lord, He governs decisions, habits, relationships, and priorities. Salvation is not perfection, but it is direction—a continual submission to Christ. CONCLUSION The greatest tragedy is not dying without calling Jesus “Lord,” but calling Him “Lord” and hearing Him say, “I never knew you.” This message is a call to self-examination, repentance, and authentic faith. Eternity will not be based on what we claimed, but on who we truly followed. 2 Corinthians 13:5 – Examine yourselves whether ye be in the faith. ALTAR CALL / CALL TO RESPONSE Today, Jesus is asking: Is He your Lord in truth, not just in name? Are you doing the will of the Father, not just religious works? Is your heart aligned with your confession? Now is the time to repent, surrender, and renew your relationship with Christ. PRAYER Lord Jesus, I repent of empty religion and self-deception. I surrender my heart, my will, and my life to You. Let my confession match my conduct, and my faith produce obedience. Help me to live approved on earth and accepted in eternity. In Jesus’ name, Amen. Pastor Abiodun Kadri #LordButRejected #Matthew721 #ExamineYourFaith #TrueChristianity #ObedienceOverReligion #PrepareForEternity #NotEveryLord #HolinessMatters #CalledButChosen #HeavenIsReal

Does God Know You? 🔹 In our world today, many people claim to know God — they pray, go to church, and even serve in ministries. But the more important question is: Does God know you? It is not enough for you to say, “I know God”; what matters most is if your name is written in His Book of Life and if you are known by Him as His child. 📖 Matthew 7:21–23 (KJV) “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” 1️⃣ Knowing God vs Being Known by God. Many profess Christ with their lips, but their hearts are far from Him. 📖 Isaiah 29:13 — “This people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me.” To be known by God means to have a personal relationship with Him, to walk in obedience and holiness. 2️⃣ God Knows His Own 📖 2 Timothy 2:19 — “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” God recognizes His children by their obedience, humility, and holiness. If you still live in sin and rebellion, you may know about God — but you are not yet known by Him. 3️⃣ Your Relationship Determines His Recognition. It’s not your title, position, or religious activity that makes God know you. 📖 John 10:14 — “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.” Jesus knows His sheep by their voice, their heart, and their obedience. If you are not following His Word, then you are not part of His flock. 4️⃣ How Does God Know You? * When you are born again (📖 John 3:3). * When you live in obedience to His Word (📖 John 14:21). * When you walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh (📖 Romans 8:14). * When your name is written in the Book of Life (📖 Revelation 20:15). 5️⃣ The Danger of Being Unknown by God. Imagine standing before Jesus, expecting a “Well done,” only to hear, “I never knew you.” That will be the most painful statement anyone can hear on Judgment Day. Don’t live your life impressing men while ignoring the One who will judge all men. 🔹 Beloved, the question today is not “Do you go to church?” or “Do you serve in ministry?” but rather “Does God know you?” To be known by God, you must have a personal relationship with Jesus, live a life of repentance, and walk daily in His righteousness. 📖 Galatians 4:9 — “But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God...” Make sure your relationship with Him is genuine and not just religious. 🔹 PRAY THIS PRAYER * Lord, have mercy on me wherever I have walked in hypocrisy. * Father, let my name be written and remain in the Book of Life. * Holy Spirit, help me to live in truth and obedience. * Lord Jesus, know me and make me know You more deeply. * Father, on the last day, let me not hear “I never knew you,” in Jesus’ name. #DoesGodKnowYou #KnowingGod #TrueChristianity #JesusKnowsHisOwn #Repentance #Holiness #FaithInChrist #SermonOfTruth #BornAgainLife #WalkingWithGod