Everyone seems to have an opinion or idea what God requires for entering into His eternal kingdom. The water has been muddied with notions of trying to enter heaven trough self-effort, reputation, religious acts of piety, and even wealth.  Jesus explained what God requires for entrance into His kingdom and it is unpopular, unattractive and difficult. The entrance into God's kingdom is through the narrow way of Faith in Jesus Forgiveness of sins.    

The judgment of God is something everyone will face when they die, but Jesus desires everyone to receive mercy and forgiveness by receiving His grace by faith. Luke 13:1-21 Jesus reveals why he gives grace to sinful people, because Grace Gives the Guilty Access to God's Kingdom. 

Jesus was ready for the judgment to come for those who have directly, deliberately and unknowingly been disobedient through their sinfulness. Before the judgment can come for those who have sin Jesus himself must face the Father's judgment against sin by dying on the cross. Jesus encourages everyone to pay attention and see the offer of mercy and grace and respond for themselves before judgment comes, Now is the time to Believe!

When the world seems to rob us of our joy because of violence, rampant sinfulness, endless corruption and covering up sexual abuse we are tempted to want to shut the door turn out the lights and wait for Jesus to return. Jesus tells us in Luke 12:35-48 he expects us to remain ready and faithful serving and sharing the gospel until he returns.