Sometimes I gots nothing. No story, no words. But just over here dreaming about a platform where I can share some good news! Even if they aren’t my own words. Giving credit where credit is due, obvi. I pray that this little place will reach someone seeking hope.
I like to talk about what I learn at church. Maybe you don’t want to watch an entire service so here’s the cliff notes. Scott Wilson… what a funny guy. Thanks for helping people get ready for that face to face examination with Jesus. We have two tests:
- The first judgement (test): Great white throne- a judgment of sin resulting in heaven or hell.
Revelation 20:11-15. Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Oh, shoot. Ok, to me this is a little scary. I want my name to be found in the Book of Life. But like Scott emphasizes and makes everything a little more comforting…the good news ain’t so good unless we know the bad news. True story.
- The second judgement (test): judgement seat of Christ- a judgement of works resulting in reward or loss.
1 Corinthians 3:10-15- By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.
So don’t be confused. We don’t have to be perfect. I don’t even think I could try to be perfect. That’s just too hard. Let’s also go back and look at what Ephesians 2:8-10 says. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
When we are saved we have a calling. A kingdom purpose to live your life for the Lord. Our life will be tested- what did you live for? Things of this world? Or for eternal things of the Kingdom of God.
What has eternal value:
- God
- People
Matthew 22:37-40. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” So lets surrender our hearts, do things his way WITH him. Remember, he didn’t call us to be perfect. He called us to be faithful. Being faithful for whatever God wants.
Praise hands if you read all that!
Watch this inspiring message from Saddleback Church and be encouraged as you learn what the Bible says about God’s purpose for your life including your work, relationships, health, and more.