This week's message focuses on verses found in the book of the apostle Matthew, when Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit. Early in His ministry, Jesus acknowledged the fact those who believed because of physical miracles were likely spiritual skeptics and that upon judgment day, they would suffer for their unbelief.

Though Jesus chose Capernaum as the headquarters of His ministry, the city located on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee would be judged harshly for seeing the Messiah then rejecting Him.

"Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you." (Matthew 11:20-24)

Familiarity with Jesus would come as a disadvantage to those who knew Him before the days of His ministry. Dwelling in unbelief, people who had known Jesus a while failed to recognize Jesus was the Messiah.

"Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. "Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?" they asked. "Isn't this the carpenter's son? Isn't his mother's name Mary, and aren't his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren't all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?" And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown and in his own house is a prophet without honor." And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith." (Matthew 13:53-58)

I have experienced the same denial with those who knew me before I was saved. People familiar with me continue to display unbelief, resentment and even blasphemy as a result of my testimony and my preaching the the word of God. Some so called friends have attacked this ministry and gone out of their way to shut down this website. It comes as no surprise God allows this word driven ministry to continue to grow exponentially reaching a worldwide audience.

Applying the above scripture to modern times, we can easily compare those who knew Jesus then to those who know Jesus now. To know Jesus and to be familiar with the word of God clearly is insufficient in the eyes of the Lord. Much like the people of Capernaum, those who know Jesus but do not faithfully believe He is the Christ are in grave danger of being cast out to "the depth's".

One good example of people that know Jesus involves individuals that claim they have been Christians their entire lives. Raised by Christian parents, surrounded by other believers or immersed in the body of Christ, people without a testimony, without repentance or deeds that prove their faith will surely be among those who's name is scratched from the book of life.

"Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:1-2)

Are you among those who know the word and believe in the truth but have no faith? What are you waiting for? If you know the word, you also know one day every knee will bow. Bow faithfully rather than forcefully. "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God." (Romans 14:10-11)

Have you repented of your sins and proven your repentance through works? Watch out! Confession is not enough - God is watching! "Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent." (Revelation 2:5)

Are you ready to answer the call to ministry? God is calling you to spread the truth. "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves." (Luke 10:2-3)

Many among you have faith, live in repentance and serve the body. Praise God for the works of your hands! Those struggling with faith, repentance and ministry are invited to call on this ministry for prayer and assistance with these critical issues that are at the root of salvation. Let's pray!