When you think of “sinners” who might be excluded from God’s kingdom, does anyone come to mind? If so, you may be entering dangerous territory. The Pharisees were certain of their own seat at God’s table, convinced that the tax collectors and prostitutes had no such place. But Jesus came precisely for the people the religious crowd wrote off. He welcomes the broken, the fallen, the forgotten with open arms the moment they repent and turn to Him. God’s grace reaches farther than our judgments, and we may be surprised by those who are on heaven’s guest list!

A True Disciple is Saved and Surrendered
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The first mark of a true disciple is that he is saved. Jesus said there are many people doing religious things in His name, yet they will be turned away from heaven because they were never really born again. But salvation is just the first step. Once we’re saved, we cannot continue to run our own lives. We must turn over the throne of our heart to Him, surrendering everything to His leadership. It is difficult to give up control, but the truth is, our lives will never make sense or be fulfilling until the One who made us is completely in charge.


