“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things” (1 Corinthians 13:11).

Paul wrote these words to a very troubled group of Christians. Corinth was a city which was steeped in paganism. Most of the population lived a life of sin and debauchery which was acceptable to their pagan minds. The Christians who lived there were drawn out of that culture and they should have grown beyond participating in such worldly ways.

They should have grown in their Christian understanding to know what God views as sin, yet the Ekklesia at Corinth were allowing the evils of that culture to seep into their congregation. Paul’s letter was intended to correct the problems and encourage them to grow in God’s love rather than embracing the culture around them. In truth a similar letter could be written to the Ekklesia today. We live in a culture that embraces all forms of evil. Instead of standing firm on God’s Word many Christians have not grown in their knowledge of the Lord and embrace the same ungodly things the Corinthians embraced.

When babies are born there is much they have to learn. They enter this world only knowing how to be selfish. They get hungry, they cry. They have a dirty diaper, they cry. Their thoughts are only about their own well-being and comfort. Babies do have needs but they cannot stay in that beginning state of self-centeredness and be healthy…they need to grow. As a baby grows there comes understanding that more is expected of him.

He learns to walk instead of being carried. Instead of being fed he learns to feed himself. He moves from just drinking milk to eating meat. When a person accepts Christ and is born again the growth process starts again. It is through a study of Scripture that a babe in Christ learns to grow in their understanding and application of Scripture. Actions and words need to conform to Christ’s ways and not the ways of the world. Study of God’s Word will promote growth in Christian ways.

We represent Christ in all we do. When we are on our job or visiting with friends our love for Jesus should show. People notice. If we are acting in a way contrary the actions of someone who loves Christ, we need to study His Word and make changes in our ways. Our words and actions must be based on God’s Word. Is there a co-worker who gossips and undermines others in your workplace? If you have grown in your Christian walk you won’t join in and your life will teach Christ’s ways to others.

“For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” (Hebrews 5:12-14).

The writer of Hebrews points out that there comes a time when a babe must grow and be able to teach others in the ways of God. If a Christian has not grown past the infant stage of just drinking milk then their ways will be of the world, not of Christ. Christians who sit in a pew on Sunday but do not study God’s word during the week fall into that category of only feeding on milk. Most worship services are routine…sing, make announcements, collect money, listen to a quick sermon, sing again, and then go out into the pagan culture around us unarmed and only fed on milk. It’s easy to be taught erroneously from the pulpit if you don’t study on your own. God’s Word is the meat which causes healthy growth in a Christian.

Even though we have very good Bible translations available today many Christians don’t bother to read and grow beyond knowing that “Jesus loves you.” That is important to know, but dig deeper. Why did He need to be crucified? The answer to that is found in Genesis. Jesus loves us enough to pay the debt owed by Adam’s choice to sin. Do you understand why evolution is a lie? God’s word tells us that He created everything in six literal days but secular humanists say everything evolved and if there is no God then there is no sin and we all can live like the Corinthians.

If evolution were true then sin and death have always existed, and that takes you back to the first question of why did Jesus need to be crucified. How about the Rapture or prophecy? Most denominations don’t allow the congregation to grow from feeding on milk to feeding on meat. Answers to modern day issues are found in the Bible, but our modern preachers aren’t much different than the Corinthians. Instead of standing firm on God’s Word pagan practices creep in. Many of God’s truths are not taught because the man in the pulpit does not take a stand for Christ. The entirety of God’s word needs to be studied in order to apply it properly to our everyday living. That’s how we grow in our Christian walk.

Peter was also concerned about the growth of those Christians he wrote to, and by extension to us. His second letter encourages the reader to keep in mind the words of the prophets and the commandment of the apostles. He acknowledged the wisdom of Paul’s words. Paul’s words are meat not milk, and a babe in Christ cannot understand, nor can anyone who does not know Christ. Paul’s words, as well as those written by Peter, John, Matthew, Isaiah, Daniel, David, and so on are meant to help us know God better and grow.

“Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” ( 2 Peter 3:17-18).

It is easy to lead an unstudied person away from the truth, and many have been taught error. When Christian growth is stunted non-Christian lies sound plausible. Many are being led astray by the New Age movement and unstudied Christians embrace the teaching that we all worship the same God and all paths lead to Heaven. Well, you can only believe these false teachings if you have not studied for yourself and only listen to the ramblings of those who speak lies.

The problems in the Corinthian fellowship were very similar to the problems of today. They had not grown past drinking milk. Instead of following Christ the sinfulness around them seemed acceptable and they allowed it into the congregation. Paul pointed out a list of ungodly things that were a part of life in the pagan city of Corinth.

“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

We see the same sins everywhere today, and they are infiltrating our congregations. Many preachers tickle the ears of the congregation by not teaching these as sin. To grow in your Christian walk you need to understand this list and if any of those lifestyles are a part of your life you need to move away from them.

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God” (1 Corinthians 6:11).

Christians are to grow in understanding of what God desires. Understand His love, study His word, and strive to live to please Him. It is a lifelong process of learning and growing. We were justified in God’s eyes when we truly accept Christ as our Savior, then the process of sanctification begins – that is growing from milk to meat. As we study His word we get the meat that helps us turn from the sin that holds us back from growing. We come to know Jesus and grow to be like Him.

Here is an exercise you can do to strengthen your walk with Him. We know from the entirety of Scripture that God is love. John says it this way:

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).

Study your Bible and learn about God’s love. Now, let’s go back to 1 Corinthians chapter 13:

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8).

The word “charity” in these verses comes from the Greek word “agapē” and is more often translated “love.” It is used in the above verse from 1 John. “God is agapē [love].” Now for the exercise. Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-9 again but replace the word “charity” with God…Jesus. Now read it again and put your name in place of charity.

Do you suffer long, or are you quick to anger? Are you kind or do you gossip and hurt others? Sink your teeth into God’s word and learn what it means to not envy or puff yourself up. Apply this to your life and grow in your walk with Jesus.

Wean yourself off of milk and move from being a babe in Christ to being strong in your faith. Now is the time to grow.

God bless you all,

Nathele Graham

Ron Graham was called home on March 14, 2013. He began writing this commentary before his death and had asked me, Nathele Graham, to continue his service to our Lord by finishing what he began.

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Have you ever questioned your salvation? Have you ever thought that even though you say that you have accepted Christ for your salvation there is a chance you didn’t mean it and He hasn’t accepted you? If so, the following words can be very disturbing.

“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” (Matthew 7:21).

This verse can and should cause us to ask some serious questions about our salvation. There will be some who have said the right words and do wonderful things, but their commitment to Christ isn’t sincere. That is just lip service. These words recorded in Matthew 7:21 are a warning to those who think they’re justified (saved), but in reality are just going through the motions.

Their faith in Jesus isn’t real and their salvation is just imagined. At one time I was one of those who thought I was a Christian and had nothing to worry about. I know now that I was on the broad road to an eternity in hell and only a right relationship with Christ has given me the promise of eternal life with Him.

Too often we place a high value on works. How often have you tried to talk to someone about Jesus and they tell you that they are a good person and they do lots of nice things for others, so of course they think they will go to heaven when they die. Do you also feel that way?

“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 7:22-23).

These words are from Jesus Himself. He doesn’t argue with these folks and deny that they have done good works and even do them in His name, but still He says that He never knew them. Why? Because; they never did accept His death, burial, and resurrection as the basis for their salvation. They think that salvation is up to their own doings and is based on works not faith. Jesus very clearly said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Works won’t save anyone, only faith in Jesus.

In biblical times there were only two people groups. First there were the Gentiles. This group was made up of all nations. Most were idol-worshiping pagans. The second group was called out from the first group when God called Abraham to follow Him instead of the pagan ways. Eventually this group of chosen people became known as Jews. They were given the Law through Moses and were required to do the works of the Law in order to try to stay right with God, which was impossible to do perfectly. These two groups still exist today, but there is a third group, which is made up of people from the first two groups. The Ekklesia—the body of Christ—Christians.

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby” (Ephesians 2:14-16).
Jesus broke down “the middle wall of partition” and it is only faith in Him that brings salvation to those who are now known as born again Christians. The works of the Law will not save anyone, nor will any other type of works.

There are many people today who profess to be Christians and even do many good works in the name of Jesus Christ, but when it comes to being in a loving relationship with Him the evidence just isn’t there. “I never knew you” spoken by our Creator will be sad words to hear at the end of a life filled with good works, but ignorant of Christ.

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Do you boast of all the wonderful things you do for others? Think about your motive for doing good things. Are you trying to earn your way into heaven? I’m sure we all have had Mormons or Jehovah Witnesses knock on our door and try to convince us that they have the way to be saved, or so they hope. Both of these groups are very deceived and they do not know Jesus. They are trying to work their way to God, but the god they worship is not God as described in the Bible. Sadly, the lip service of these deceived people will be among those who hear “I never knew you.”

Is it wrong for a person to do good works if they are Christians? No. It is incumbent upon Christians to do good works. Not to earn salvation, but because we love Jesus. James has a lot to say about faith and works.

“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone” (James 2:1).

Our love for Jesus and what He has done for us should instill in us a need to serve Him well and do good works.

“Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works” (James 2:18).
These works are not for our own glory nor are the merely lip service. They are sincerely done for Christ and other people can see Christ living in us.

“For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also” (James 2:26).
According to Jesus Himself, it isn’t what we do for Him it’s our relationship with Him that matters. He wants us to know Him personally and include Him in all that we do.

“Behold I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

These words were written to those living in the end-times. That is our generation. Jesus wants each one of us to have a personal relationship with Him right now. The more we trust Him the deeper our relationship with Him will be; the deeper our relationship the more we will love Him. By placing our lives, our trust, and our hope in His hands we will be a part of the type of relationship that He wants and expects, one that we should desire as much as He does.

When we say yes to Jesus Christ changes happen in our life; we become born-again, which will be an obvious sign that something about us is different. Our friendships will change, our language will improve and our love for Him will be obvious. We will desire to do good works for Christ, but our faith is what brings salvation. Those who are truly born-again will never hear those heartbreaking words, “I never knew you.” If one’s works do not come from a love of Christ, those works are works of inequity. Jesus says so.

Who did Jesus have in mind when He spoke the words, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:23b)? These workers of iniquity are those who have not been forgiven because there was no real acceptance of Christ’s finished work on the cross. That means they are not a part of Christ’s Ekklesia. They do not trust Christ alone for salvation. These words will be spoken to those who haven’t truly accepted Jesus.

An actor on the stage can read a script and say, “Lord, Lord” but unless those words come from his heart they mean nothing. Conversion comes when we first decide to place our faith, trust, and hope in Christ alone for salvation; this new relationship is sealed by the Holy Spirit who is now living inside the new believer. Our faith in Jesus Christ is the key. We no longer try to work our way to heaven, but understand that it is faith alone that has brought salvation. Lip service has been replaced by a desire to serve our Lord.

On the other hand, Satan, the father of all lies, wants to see that no relationship between God and His creation is ever established. He’s got one agenda and that is to confuse, disrupt, corrupt, and to lead astray all who will accept his lies rather than believe the truth given to us by our Creator. Could the words of Jesus be any clearer?

“Not everyone who saith unto me Lord, Lord…” (Matthew 7:21a).
Search the Scriptures for yourself to be sure that what you are being taught and what you believe about the Creator of the universe is true. All roads don’t lead to salvation and works won’t save you. Jesus is the Son of God (fully human), but He is also God Almighty (fully God). If you don’t believe this truth about who Jesus Christ is, you’re headed down the wrong path. Satan would have you believe that you are “good enough” and “works will save you” and that it doesn’t matter what you believe about Jesus. Satan is a liar.

Many people try seeking the truth but end up in a fully apostate congregation or false religion. Jesus is kept on the outside knocking to be invited in. His words, “I never knew you” are a sad commentary on our times because the real truth of the gospel has been ignored by many. False teachers abound who try to water down the gospel in order to give everyone a warm fuzzy feeling about themselves. Sin is not confronted and people are allowed to continue in sin in order that they aren’t made to feel bad or feel they have to change a lifestyle.

God’s Word is very clear that homosexuality is an abomination, as is other sexual sin. But false teachings of many of our mainstream denominations teach the lie that God didn’t really mean what He says in His Word, or that times have changed. All a person has to do is say “Lord, Lord” and that’s acceptable. Just give lip service. This false teaching allows many people to think they’re in good shape for eternity, but according to Jesus Himself, that just isn’t the case.

Apostate doctrines are being preached from too many pulpits. The congregation is being fed, that’s true, but if poison is mixed with food it is still deadly. Many Christian worship services are led by pastors, who are not, grounded in God’s Word, and they water down the gospel. Being politically correct has no place among Christians and we need to study God’s Word in order to be able to stand firmly upon it and not just give lip service to our King.

When it comes to our relationship with Jesus Christ—God our Savior—nothing is more important. “Going to church” won’t save you. You may have memorized hundreds of Scripture verses, but still don’t understand who Jesus is. Reading your Bible through in a year won’t bring salvation. Not eating pork or only attending worship services on a certain day isn’t what Jesus wants.

All of these actions are based on works. The question is do you know Jesus the Christ, and just as important is the question does He know you? Is your salvation based on faith alone or do you just give lip service? Commit yourself to establishing a personal relationship with Jesus. You won’t be sorry, as you’ll avoid hearing these heartbreaking words “I never knew you.”

God bless you all,

Ron Graham