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

Are You Growing in Christ or Drifting? Spiritual life is never static. You are either growing or drifting. There is no middle ground. Just as a boat left unattended will slowly move away from its original position, so also a believer who neglects spiritual disciplines will silently drift from Christ. Hebrews 2:1, 2 Peter 3:18, John 15:4–5 The dangerous part of drifting is that it often happens quietly — without noise, without alarms, without sudden rebellion — just slow compromise, gradual coldness, and fading passion. Scripture warns us: “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” – Hebrews 2:1 This message is a divine call to self-examination: Are you growing in Christ or drifting from Him? 1. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO GROW IN CHRIST? Spiritual growth is becoming more like Jesus in character, obedience, faith, love, and holiness. “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 3:18 Growth shows in: * Increased hunger for God’s Word * Stronger prayer life * Deepening love for holiness * Greater fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) * Obedience even when it is uncomfortable Jesus said: “Abide in Me, and I in you... he who abides in Me bears much fruit.” – John 15:4–5 If you remain connected to Christ, growth is inevitable. 2. WHAT IS SPIRITUAL DRIFTING? Drifting is moving away from Christ slowly due to neglect, distraction, or compromise. Signs of drifting include: - Loss of passion for prayer and the Word of God - Irregular church attendance - Justifying sin - Spiritual laziness - Worldly desires replacing godly hunger Samson is a tragic example. He did not fall suddenly; he drifted through compromise until the Spirit left him (Judges 16:20). “They forsook the Lord… and the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel.” – Judges 2:12–14 Drifting always begins when devotion becomes optional. 3. WHY DO BELIEVERS DRIFT? a. Neglect of spiritual disciplines “Man shall not live by bread alone...” – Matthew 4:4 b. Love for the world “If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” – 1 John 2:15 c. Unaddressed sin “Your sins have hidden His face from you.” – Isaiah 59:2 d. Spiritual pride “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.” – 1 Corinthians 10:12 4. HOW TO KNOW IF YOU ARE GROWING OR DRIFTING Ask yourself honestly: * Do I desire God more than before? * Is repentance still easy for me? * Do I obey God even when it costs me? * Is Christ still my first love? Jesus warned the Ephesian church: “You have left your first love.” – Revelation 2:4 External activity cannot replace inward devotion. 5. HOW TO RETURN FROM DRIFTING AND GROW AGAIN a. Repent sincerely “Return to Me, and I will return to you.” – Malachi 3:7 b. Rebuild spiritual habits Daily prayer, Word, fasting, worship. c. Reconnect with fellowship “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together…” – Hebrews 10:25 d. Renew your devotion “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” – Psalm 51:10 God specializes in restoration. No drift is too far for His mercy. CONCLUSION Spiritual drifting is subtle but deadly. Growth is intentional and deliberate. The difference between a mature believer and a powerless one is not talent — it is consistency. Today, the Holy Spirit asks: Are you growing in Christ or drifting? If you are drifting, return now. If you are growing, press deeper. Eternity depends on your direction. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith.” – 2 Corinthians 13:5 ALTAR CALL Lord, search our hearts. Rekindle our fire. Restore our hunger. Bring us back to the path of growth and intimacy with Christ. Let us not drift but pursue You passionately, in Jesus’ Name, Amen. Pastor Abiodun Kadri #GrowingInChrist #SpiritualGrowth #ExamineYourFaith #NoMoreDrifting #RemainInChrist #DeepRootedInHim #ChristianMaturity #ReturnToFirstLove #FaithWalk #LivingForJesus