Becoming Like Little Children to Enter the Kingdom

 

Becoming Like Little Children to Enter the Kingdom

Matthew 18:3 (NIV): “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18:4 (NKJV): “Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Mark 10:15 (NASB): “Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all.” Luke 18:17 (NIV): “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

I also like looking at what the book of John says. I explain why in my post, “Why the Gospel of John Is Essential to Study.”

John’s Perspective on Entering the Kingdom

John mentions the “kingdom of God” explicitly only twice, both in Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus:

John 3:3 — You cannot see the kingdom of God unless you are born again (or “born from above”). John 3:5 — You cannot enter the kingdom of God unless you are born of water and the Spirit.

These verses parallel the “childlike” theme in a different way:

• The Synoptic Gospels emphasize childlike humility and trust.

• John emphasizes new birth, becoming spiritually like a newborn.

So while John doesn’t use the phrase “as a child,” he does use the image of spiritual rebirth, which carries a similar idea: entering God’s kingdom requires becoming new, dependent, receptive, and transformed.

Key qualities of being “like a child” spiritually include:

• Total Dependence: Like infants who rely completely on a caregiver, we must rely entirely on God’s grace.

• Childlike Trust: A confident, unself-conscious reliance on God’s promises.

• Humility: Setting aside pride and self-sufficiency, as children had no status in Jesus’ day.

• Teachability: Remaining open, curious, and willing to be led and corrected by God.

• Innocence and Sincerity: Coming to God with honesty and purity of heart.

• Quickness to Forgive: Children often resolve conflicts quickly — a picture of kingdom forgiveness.

Why This Becomes Harder as We Grow Older

The older we get, the harder it becomes to “become like a child.” We become set in our ways and beliefs. It’s not impossible — but it isn’t as easy as it is when we’re young.

A Parallel in the Wilderness Story

This reminds me of the Israelites wandering in the desert for 40 years. If you’ve been in church, you’re probably familiar with the Exodus story.

Exodus 1–15 describes Moses at the burning bush, his confrontation with Pharaoh, the ten plagues, the Passover, the departure from Egypt, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the song of Moses after their deliverance.

God was leading them to the promised land — the land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 15–40). When they reached the border, spies went in to explore it. They found the land just as God promised, but they also saw giants. All but two believed it would be too difficult to enter.

Because of their unbelief, God led them through the desert for 40 years, caring for them the entire time. Even though they witnessed miracle after miracle, the older generation longed for Egypt. They remembered what they thought were the “better things” they had there and forgot how hard their slavery truly was. Many complained to Moses, asking why he brought them into the desert at all.

I bring this up because it mirrors the challenge of entering the kingdom of God. The older generation was conditioned by a certain way of life. They couldn’t see the blessings God was giving them. It took 40 years for that generation to pass away. The younger generation, who grew up seeing God’s provision, was ready. It was finally time to enter the land.

I won’t go into the “promised land” right now — that’s a very contentious subject — but the parallel stands.

God Is Constantly Drawing Us to Himself

 

God Is Constantly Drawing Us to Himself

There is a beautiful truth woven throughout the entire Bible: God is not distant, passive, or waiting for us to make the first move. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals a God who is continually reaching, calling, inviting, and drawing people to Himself.

His heart has always been turned toward humanity. Even when we wander, He pursues. Even when we resist, He calls. Even when we fail, He draws us back with love that refuses to let go.

Let’s look at the powerful ways Scripture shows this ongoing, relentless pursuit.

🌿 Drawn by Everlasting Love

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with lovingkindness.” — Jeremiah 31:3

God’s drawing begins with love — not judgment, not pressure, not fear. His love is everlasting, which means His drawing is continual. He doesn’t stop reaching for us because His love doesn’t stop.

✝️ Drawn to Christ Through the Cross

Jesus made this promise:

“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.” — John 6:44

And again:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” — John 12:32

The cross is not just a historical event — it is a present‑tense invitation. Christ is still drawing hearts today, pulling people toward hope, forgiveness, and eternal life.

🔥 The Spirit Is Always Calling

The final chapter of the Bible ends with an open invitation:

“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’” — Revelation 22:17

This is not a one‑time call. It is the ongoing voice of God’s Spirit echoing through every generation.

Hebrews reminds us:

“Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:7–8

Today — meaning right now. God is speaking. God is calling. God is drawing.

🐑 God Seeks the Lost

Jesus described His mission this way:

“The Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” — Luke 19:10

Seeking is active. It is intentional. It is ongoing.

The parables of the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son (Luke 15) show a God who searches, watches, waits, and runs toward anyone who turns even slightly in His direction.

🌤️ God’s Goodness Leads Us Back

Paul writes:

“God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance.” — Romans 2:4

Every blessing, every moment of mercy, every breath of life is part of God’s gentle pull on the human heart.

🌎 God Reveals Himself Continually

Creation itself is a constant invitation:

“The heavens declare the glory of God… day after day they pour forth speech.” — Psalm 19:1–2

And Paul says God arranged the world so that:

“…they would seek Him… though He is not far from any one of us.” — Acts 17:27

God is always near. Always revealing. Always drawing.

✋ God Holds Out His Hands All Day Long

One of the most tender images in Scripture is this:

“All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people.” — Isaiah 65:2

Even toward those who resist Him, God’s posture is open, patient, and inviting.

🐑 His Sheep Hear His Voice

Jesus said:

“My sheep hear My voice… and they follow Me.” — John 10:27

Hearing implies ongoing communication. God doesn’t speak once and fall silent. He continually calls His people by name.

❤️ The Heart of God Toward You

When you put all these Scriptures together, a clear picture emerges:

• God is always reaching.

• God is always calling.

• God is always drawing.

• God is always inviting.

• God is always seeking.

His love is not occasional. His pursuit is not seasonal. His invitation is not temporary.

God’s heart is always leaning toward you.

No matter where you are in life — in joy, in fear, in doubt, in sin, in confusion — God is drawing you closer. Not to condemn you, but to heal you. Not to shame you, but to restore you. Not to burden you, but to give you life.

Can we Trust that God will protect us no matter what we are going through?

Can we trust that God will protect us no matter what we’re going through? I believe we absolutely can.

Many people are facing moments that feel uncertain and frightening. We worry about our future, our children, our neighbors, our nation, and even the world around us. But when we belong to God, we don’t face these fears alone. We stand under the care of a Father who sees, knows, and guards His own.

Think about what it truly means to be God’s children. He is our Father—steadfast, present, and unchanging. No matter how old we become or how complicated life feels, His role as our Father never shifts. And because He is our Father, His protection is not fragile or occasional; it is rooted in His character, His promises, and His love.

God’s Protection in Acts: A Foundation of Certainty

These passages don’t just show isolated miracles—they reveal a pattern of God safeguarding His people so His purpose continues. 🕊️ The Spirit as Ongoing Protection Acts 1:8 Protection through empowerment and guidance. Acts 16:6–10 — The Spirit forbids Paul from entering certain regions, protecting him through redirection. 🔓 Protection From Human Threats Acts 4:29–31 — God answers threats with boldness and presence. Acts 5:17–20— Angelic deliverance from prison. Acts 12:1–11 — Peter rescued from Herod’s execution plan. 🛡️ Protection Through Community Acts 9:23–25 — Believers lower Saul in a basket to escape a murder plot. Acts 17:10 — The brothers send Paul and Silas away by night to avoid danger. 🌩️ Protection Through Divine Intervention Acts 18:9–11 — God promises Paul: “No one will attack or harm you.” Acts 23:11 — Jesus appears to Paul: “Take courage… you must testify in Rome.” Acts 27:21–26 — An angel guarantees the safety of everyone on Paul’s ship. 🐍 Protection From Natural Danger Acts 28:3–6 — Paul survives the viper bite unharmed. These passages show a God who protects through power, presence, warning, community, angels, and even circumstances. Broader Biblical Witness: God’s Protection Is Sure 🏔️ God’s Protection in the Old Testament Psalm 91 — The most comprehensive promise of God’s protection. Psalm 121 — “The LORD will keep you from all harm.” Isaiah 41:10 — “Fear not… I will uphold you.” Isaiah 54:17 — “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” Exodus 14:13–14 — “The LORD will fight for you.” Daniel 3 — Protection in the fire. Daniel 6 — Protection in the lions’ den. 2 Kings 6:15–17 — Angelic armies surrounding Elisha. 🕊️ God’s Protection in the Gospels John 10:28–29 — No one can snatch His sheep from His hand. Luke 10:19 — Authority over serpents and scorpions. Matthew 28:20 — “I am with you always.” ✝️ God’s Protection in the Epistles 2 Thessalonians 3:3 — “The Lord is faithful… He will guard you.” 1 Peter 1:5 — We are “shielded by God’s power.” Romans 8:31–39 — Nothing can separate us from His love. Philippians 4:7 — His peace guards our hearts and minds. What These Scriptures Reveal About God’s Protection Across the whole Bible, God protects in five consistent ways: By His presence — He is with His people in danger. By His power — He intervenes supernaturally when needed. By His wisdom — He redirects, warns, and guides. By His people — Community becomes a shield. By His promises — His word becomes a fortress. Protection is not always escape from hardship, but it is always God’s active involvement ensuring His purpose and your life remain in His hands.

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Jeremiah 9:23-24 New American Standard Bible 23 This is what the Lord says: “Let no wise man boast of his wisdom, nor let the mighty man boast of his might, nor a rich man boast of his riches; 24 but let the one who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises mercy, justice, and righteousness on the earth; for I delight in these things,” declares the Lord.

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Lying Is a Sin

Lying is a sin!

I was thinking about this this morning. Actually, I've been thinking about this a lot lately; how rampant lying is today. I was thinking about the Epstein files. This is all about a very big powerful sex trafficking ring for rich and powerful people. Very young girls were lured in by lying to them. At a certain point they couldn't get out. I believe strongly that all of this needs to be exposed.

The Bible calls lying an "abomination to the Lord" (Proverbs 12:22)

Proverbs 12:22

New International Version

22 The Lord detests lying lips,

    but he delights in people who are trustworthy.

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There may be some exceptions in extreme cases, such as to save lives (e.g., hiding people during wartime). However, traditional teaching emphasizes that God cannot lie, and scripture discourages all forms of dishonesty.

Think about what lying does. It damages trust, attacks divine sovereignty, and separates us from God. 

The book of Acts in the Bible is all about the first church. These people were in God's kingdom. They had received the Holy Spirit. 

There is a story in this book that talks about a couple who lied. Ananias and his wife Sapphira sold property but deceitfully kept part of the proceeds, pretending to give the full amount to the early church. We don't know what affects their lies had on the church, or even if others knew, but Peter confronted Ananias about lying to the Holy Spirit.

Acts 5:1-11

Ananias and Sapphira

5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

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Is not God the best judge? He knows all things. He knows what is true and what are lies. This couple did not fall dead by the hands of man. God judged them and they fell dead by his judgement.

We Are All Sinners.

What is sin? It is disobeying God's precepts. 

God gave mankind ten commandments or principles for us to live by.

Exodus 20

New International Reader's Version

God Gives His People the Ten Commandments

20 Here are all the words God spoke. He said,

2 “I am the Lord your God. I brought you out of Egypt. That is the land where you were slaves.

3 “Do not put any other gods in place of me.

4 “Do not make for yourself statues of gods that look like anything in the sky. They may not look like anything on the earth or in the waters either. 5 Do not bow down to them or worship them. I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God. I cause the sins of the parents to affect their children. I will cause the sins of those who hate me to affect even their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 6 But for all time to come I show love to all those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 “Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will find guilty anyone who misuses his name.

8 “Remember to keep the Sabbath day holy. 9 Do all your work in six days. 10 But the seventh day is a sabbath to honor the Lord your God. Do not do any work on that day. The same command applies to your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, and your animals. It also applies to any outsiders who live in your towns. 11 In six days the Lord made the heavens, the earth, the sea and everything in them. But he rested on the seventh day. So the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.

12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long time in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

13 “Do not murder.

14 “Do not commit adultery.

15 “Do not steal.

16 “Do not be a false witness against your neighbor.

17 “Do not want to have anything your neighbor owns. Do not want to have your neighbor’s house, wife, male or female servant, ox or donkey.”

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Romans 3:19-20

19 What the law says, it says to those who are ruled by the law. Its purpose is to shut every mouth and make the whole world accountable to God. 20 So no one will be considered right with God by obeying the law. Instead, the law makes us more aware of our sin.

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Romans 3

God Is Faithful

3 Is there any advantage in being a Jew? Is there any value in being circumcised? 2 There is great value in every way! First of all, the Jews have been given the very words of God. (This is not saying that if you are a Gentile, you should become a Jew. It simple states that God's words came through the Jews, that he interacted with mankind through the Jews first)

3 What if some Jews were not faithful? Will the fact that they weren’t faithful keep God from being faithful? 4 Not at all! God is true, even if every human being is a liar. It is written,

Psalm 51:4

New International Reader's Version

4 You are the one I’ve really sinned against.

    I’ve done what is evil in your sight.

So you are right when you sentence me.

    You are fair when you judge me.

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Romans 3:21-26

Becoming Right With God by Faith

21 But now God has shown us his saving power without the help of the law. But the Law and the Prophets tell us about this. 22 We are made right with God by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. This happens to all who believe. It is no different for the Jews than for the Gentiles. 23 Everyone has sinned. No one measures up to God’s glory. 24 The free gift of God’s grace makes us right with him. Christ Jesus paid the price to set us free. 25 God gave Christ as a sacrifice to pay for sins through the spilling of his blood. So God forgives the sins of those who have faith. God did all this to prove that he does what is right. He is a God of mercy. So he did not punish for their sins the people who lived before Jesus lived. 26 God did all this to prove in our own time that he does what is right. He also makes right with himself those who believe in Jesus.

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Romans 3:27-31

27 So who can brag? No one! Are people saved by the law that requires them to obey? Not at all! They are saved because of the law that requires faith. 28 We firmly believe that a person is made right with God because of their faith. They are not saved by obeying the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of Gentiles? Yes, he is their God too. 30 There is only one God. When those who are circumcised believe in him, he makes them right with himself. Suppose those who are not circumcised believe in him. Then God also will make them right with himself. 31 Does faith make the law useless? Not at all! We agree with the law.

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The faith in Jesus should affect us somehow. This is where entering the Kingdom of God comes in. When we see that our actions have worked against God's principles and how much that has hurt others and God, shouldn't that make us want to change, make us want to become a better person? If we truly want this, then we repent, and ask Jesus for help. Jesus becomes our teacher and the Holy Spirit our helper. We enter into Father God's kingdom. We become one, one with each other, one with Yeshua (Jesus), one with Father God. 

Personally, I do not think joining a church is necessarily the way. Take a look at Quaker beliefs.  

One last thing, THE MOST IMPORTANT THING, LET US NOT FORGET JESUS' GREAT SACRIFICE FOR US ALL. HE DID THAT BECAUSE HE LOVES US. FATHER GOD SENT HIS SON BECAUSE HE LOVES US. 

The Acts Church: A Spirit-Led Model for Today’s Believers (Edited 1/2/2026)

Edited 1/2/2026

I have been thinking about this post. I am getting lazy and have been looking for AI to create my final post, correct my mistakes, and make it look pretty, but I am noticing that it is taking me away from my original thoughts. 

Back to my original thoughts: 

I think we can glean important concepts from the Acts church that we can use in our communities, but I think some things should be different. 

When the Acts church started, it consisted of the apostles and followers of Jesus during his public ministry of about three to three and a half years. They heard his teachings, saw with their own eyes' the miracles he performed. They were all witnesses to the prophecies, verifying that he WAS/IS the Messiah. They were, in essence, all in the kingdom of God, Father God's kingdom. 

We no longer have these people with us, but their stories were passed on in writings and by word of mouth. The Bible is a collection of sacred texts for Christianity and Judaism. The original texts no longer exist. Archaeologists keep finding new things that gets us closer to the originals. Every text found has to be deciphered, and man's interpretations may not always be correct. I no longer like Christian religions. There are thousands of different denominations with differing interpretations of scripture. I am not saying to forsake gathering with others. We all need fellowship and community. But all should be in Father God's kingdom, being as one with each other, Jesus, and Father God.

Being in the Kingdom of God is the only way to know what is true. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." (John 14:6

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I have been thinking a lot about the Acts church in the Bible. Could we do something like that in today's world, in the communities we live in?

The Acts Church: A Spirit-Led Model for Today’s Believers

1. Spirit-Filled and United

After Pentecost (Acts 2), the outpouring of the Holy Spirit wasn’t just a moment of empowerment — it was a divine recalibration of community. Believers were knit together in supernatural unity, transcending personal agendas and cultural divides.

• “Of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32) wasn’t just poetic — it was a lived reality of shared mission and mutual love.

• Their unity was rooted not in uniformity, but in shared surrender to Christ.

• Today, this challenges us to ask: Are we united by the Spirit or divided by preference?

2. Devoted to the Apostles’ Teaching -- Edited 1/2/2026: I don't agree with this philosophy of being devoted to someone's teachings in todays' times. Enter Father God's kingdom and get the true teachings from the source.

Acts 2:42 highlights a rhythm of devotion — not casual interest, but intentional immersion.

• The apostles’ teaching centered on Jesus as Messiah, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the call to repentance and new life.

• This wasn’t just theological — it was transformational. Their worldview shifted from law to grace, from temple to indwelling Spirit.

• In our time, devotion to sound teaching guards against false doctrine and fuels spiritual maturity.

3. Sharing and Caring for One Another

Acts 2:44–45 and 4:34 reveal a radical generosity that defied economic norms.

• Their giving wasn’t transactional — it was sacrificial and Spirit-led.

• They didn’t just meet needs; they dismantled poverty within their community.

• This models a theology of stewardship: trusting God enough to release resources for the good of others.

4. Worship and Fellowship

Their worship was both vertical (praising God) and horizontal (breaking bread together).

• Communion was not only remembrance but reaffirmation — a shared identity in Christ.

• “Glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46–47) reflect joy that flowed from grace, not circumstance.

• Fellowship wasn’t an event — it was a lifestyle of presence, vulnerability, and celebration.

5. Evangelistic and Mission-Oriented

Evangelism wasn’t a program — it was the natural overflow of transformed lives.

• The gospel spread organically and intentionally, through testimony and sending.

• Acts 2:47 shows that salvation was a daily reality, not a rare occurrence.

• The church didn’t wait for people to come — they went out, crossing borders and barriers.

6. Diverse but Equal

The inclusion of Gentiles, women, and the marginalized was revolutionary.

• Acts 10 (Peter and Cornelius) marks a theological earthquake: God shows no partiality.

• This wasn’t just social reform — it was divine revelation.

• The early church embodied Galatians 3:28 before it was written: “There is neither Jew nor Greek… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

7. Guided by Prayer and the Holy Spirit

Prayer wasn’t a ritual — it was their operating system.

• Acts 13:2–3 shows that decisions were birthed in worship and fasting, not strategy alone.

• The Spirit’s guidance was active, specific, and trusted.

• This invites today’s church to return to dependence — not on charisma or planning, but on divine direction.

Final Reflection:

The Acts community was:

A Spirit-empowered, Christ-centered, radically generous, and mission-driven fellowship — diverse in background, united in purpose, and devoted to truth, worship, and one another.

How do we know we are listening to the Right LORD?

 

How Can You Know You're Listening to the Right Lord?

As I reflect on this question, it becomes clear that true discernment begins with being part of God's kingdom. According to John 17:2, entrance into that kingdom comes through eternal life—a gift given by Jesus Christ.

But what is eternal life? Jesus defines it in John 17:3: it is the sure and intimate knowledge of the Father, the one true God, and of Jesus Christ, whom the Father sent. This isn't just intellectual assent; it's relational certainty.

So how can you know you're in the kingdom of God—and thus listening to the right Lord? Your life will reflect the character and example of Jesus. The way He lived on earth becomes the blueprint for those who truly follow Him. His compassion, truth, humility, and obedience to the Father are not just admirable traits—they're signs of kingdom citizenship.