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The Daily Bread

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The Daily Bread

01/06/26

Close, But Still Unchanged

When Familiarity Replaces Transformation

"You are not far from the kingdom of God."

Mark 12:28-34

Key Points

1

You can be theologically correct and spiritually incomplete. Right answers do not equal right allegiance.

2

Hearing without doing is self-deception. The longer conviction is delayed, the quieter it becomes.

3

Hard hearts don't always feel resistant—they often feel normal. Routine replaces reverence. Recognition replaces response.

4

Familiarity with His name is not the same as being formed by His authority.

5

Poiētēs (ποιητής) - Let the Word produce something visible in your life.

6

Sklērynō (σκληρύνω) - Don't let familiarity dull sensitivity to God's voice.

7

Ginōskō (γινώσκω) - Pursue intimate relationship with God, not mere recognition.

Additional Reading

Reflection

Q1

When God convicts you, do you respond or do you recognize and move on?

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Q2

Where in my life have I grown comfortable being 'near' the Kingdom without truly following Jesus?

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Q3

What is one area where I hear God's voice clearly but have delayed obedience?

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Q4

Am I pursuing relationship with God (ginōskō) or just religious recognition?

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Closing Word

This teaching is not meant to frighten you—it's meant to wake you up gently. Some of us are not far from the Kingdom, but we've grown comfortable standing near the door. Jesus does not expose to condemn. He exposes to invite. So don't promise change tonight. Don't explain conviction away. Just take the next step of obedience. Because familiarity may feel safe—but only transformation produces life.

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