“CLOSING THE GATES OF HEAVEN”

Text-Matt. 23: 13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

I.                   CHURCH MEMBERS WHO USE LIP SERVICE ONLY

A-Jesus said that these religious people were guilty of lip service; Matthew 23:3

B-They did not back up what they said by their service and their works.

C-By big talk and small living the gates of Heaven are shut against people who actually want to be saved.

Illustration—Someone saying, “I love the Lord, with all my heart. I really love this church “ and cannot even be faithful to the church in which they are a member.

II.                CHURCH MEMBERS WHO ARE INDIFFERENT TO HUMAN NEEDS

A-Jesus said, “These leaders, these professing Christians, are not interested in the burdens of human beings.” Matthew 23:4

B-Jesus said to these religious leaders, “ When you see the heavy burdens on the hearts of God’s people and you do not put one little finger under the load, you are guilty of shutting the gates of Heaven against people who would enter in.”

C-The sin of indifference did not die with the generation of Jesus. The church members of this generation are guilty of it as well.

Illustration—Someone who knows a need in the community, and has the means to help them and says, “ OH, I really hated to hear about your circumstances. I will pray for you. “ What good would the prayer be if they do not help the needy cause.

III.               CHURCH MEMBERS WHO ARE UNSCRIPTURAL IN THEIR GIVING

A-Some people say that there is no place in the New Testament that Jesus put his hand of approval on tithing. That is not true. Matthew 23:23

B-More is said in the Bible about giving than nearly any other subject.

C-Church Members shut the gates of Heaven against men when they do not give.

Illustration—People who give to every organization except the local church (TV preachers, Lions Club, Red Feather Drive, Etc.) I can’t afford to give to the church.

IV.              CHURCH MEMBERS WHO LIVE AN INCONSISTENT LIFE

A-Jesus said, You are meticulous about some things and careless about others; Matthew 23:24

B-There are too many church members that will strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.

C-Inconsistent living, Jesus said, shuts the gates of Heaven against Men.

Illustration—People who go to church on Sunday, Pray very oratorical prayers, and sing in the choir, and on their job they will laugh at dirty jokes and flirt with all the men or women. Step out on their spouse and live it up. Back to church on Sunday.

V.                 CHURCH MEMBERS WHO PROFESS TO BE CHRISTIANS BUT HAVE MADE A FALSE PROFESSION

A-Here were religious people that were lost, that were going to Hell, and they did not even know their condition.

B-How could a person who is lost, and does not know it keep from closing the gates of Heaven in the face of others.

Illustration—People who think that keeping all the laws, and doing good deeds every day