Historical Posts
Weeping and Gnashing of Teeth
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“There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
This is a phrase that describes a very unpleasant place. People who are unhappy and uncomfortable are there. Who will be there specifically and why? On five different occasions, Jesus describes different groups of people who will be in such a place as this:
- Sons of the kingdom without faith
- Not properly attired
- Evil servants
- Fearful and unprofitable
- Workers of iniquity, unknown by Jesus
Let’s look at each of these in more detail so that we may not be numbered among them.
1. Sons of the kingdom without faith – Matthew 8:5-13
a. Jesus commended a centurion for his faith (Matthew 8:10).
b. Jesus said many would come in the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 8:11).
c. The sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 8:12). Esau was a son, but sold his birthright (Genesis 25:29-34).
2. Not properly attired – Matthew 22:1-14
a. Jesus told a parable of a king who arranged a marriage feast for his son, and sent out servants to call those invited to the wedding (Matthew 22:1-4).
b. Some were disrespectful and unwilling to come, others went about their business, and still others killed the servants (Matthew 22:3-6).
c. The king destroyed the people and the city, and sent the servants to invite others (Matthew 22:7-10).
d. A man attended without a wedding garment, showing disrespect, and was cast into outer darkness, where there were weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 22:11-13; see Revelation 19:7-9; 3:4-5; 16:15).
3. Evil Servants – Matthew 24:45-51
a. Jesus praised the servant who is faithful (Matthew 24:45-47).
b. The evil servant, who says in his heart his master is coming, will be cut in two and abide with the hypocrites; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 24:48-51).
4. Fearful and Unprofitable- Matthew 25:14-30
a. Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven to a man who distributed talents among three servants (Matthew 25:14-15).
b. The servant who received five talents made another five talents; the one who received two talents received two more. The one who received one talent went and hid it (Matthew 25:16-18).
c. The man praised the servants who doubled their talents, but cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 25:19-30).
5. Workers of iniquity who Jesus does not know – Luke 13:22-30
a. As Jesus journeyed toward Jerusalem, one asked Him if few are saved (Luke 13:22-23).
b. Jesus explained that many will seek to enter the narrow gate, but will not be able to enter (Luke 13:24).
c. Those Jesus did not know, workers of iniquity, would depart from Him, where there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:25-28).
Who will be weeping and have gnashing of teeth? Jesus explained those that are:
- Sons of the kingdom (born into the kingdom but not abiding by the king’s laws)
- Individuals not properly attired (as the church is the bride of Christ)
- Evil servants who delay for the master’s coming
- Unprofitable servants, fearfully hiding their talent(s)
- Workers of iniquity crying “Lord, Lord”
These groups will all be weeping and gnashing their teeth. However, we do not have to be among them and weep or gnash our teeth; we can rejoice forever more by doing the Lord’s will and making sure we are not in those groups! As a result we will hear, “well done good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord (Matthew 25:21, 23).” Have you taken the steps to abide in God’s word and use your talents for Him?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Lies Ahead?
What lies ahead for us?
What is our ultimate fate? Is there anything beyond this realm? The answers depend on who is asked! Which are correct?
Some argue what lies ahead is reincarnation!
Buddhism and Hinduism teach that each of us had innumerable human or animal lives in the past and will be reborn into innumerable future lives unless we escape this vicious cycle through moral living and spiritual awakening.
Others profess belief what lies ahead is annihilation.
This is best summarized in the statement: “When we die we are like Rover, dead all over!” Some cling to the notion that only the unrighteous are annihilated! The righteous will live in a spiritual state of one kind or another.
Universalists believe in a spiritual afterlife for everyone.
They reason that God’s love is such that no one could possibly be lost.
Latter-day-Saints (Mormons) argue for three lives:
First, a pre-existence where each person acquired a spirit body as the literal offspring of the Father God and the Mother in Heaven. Second, our life on earth. Third, is a place in a four tiered future life determined by our performance in this life. (The end result is that men become gods!)
Then there is the Biblical teaching that we live this life in preparation for what lies beyond – Heaven or Hell!
We, not God, make the determination in this life as to what lies ahead and where we will be for eternity! Man is depicted in the Bible as a dual creature with a body and spirit (Hebrews 4:12). The body is destined to return to dust and the spirit returns to God who gave it (Ecclesiastes 12:7). The spirit, being eternal, will either enjoy eternal bliss or eternal damnation, dependent on the choices made in this life (John 5:28-29). This is completely consistent with what we learn about the nature of God in the Scriptures (Romans 11:22)!
What lies ahead is up to us. The choices are heaven or hell. Yes, only two choices. Which one we chose is determined by our response to Jesus Christ and the life we live as His disciples. Those who are at His side in heaven will be those who have walked in His steps here. Have you made the right choice? What lies ahead for you based on your life and choices? You can change if you don’t like the answer.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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And He Died…
He died…
“And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died” (Genesis 5:5).
Seven times in the fifth chapter of Genesis we read the words “and he died.” Someday the same will be said of each of us. Therefore, some observations are in order.
Death is certain.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away” (1 Peter 1:24). One man reportedly had these words inscribed on his tomb stone: “Remember this as you pass by, where you are now so once was I. Where I am now so soon you’ll be. Prepare for death and follow me!” The man was right. We will all die.
Death is uncertain.
As Isaac said to Esau, “I know not the day of my death” (Genesis 27:2). None of us know when we will die. Nothing in life is more certain than death, and nothing more uncertain than the time of dying. Life can end in an instant. Borrowing from the words of King David, “there is but a step between us and death” (1 Samuel 20:3). In that regard, I would remind you that it is not how long we live, but how we live that really matters. Are you prepared for death? If not, it’s time to get ready (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Death is no respecter of persons.
Of the grave Job said, “The small and the great are there” (Job 3:19). “One event happeneth to them all…one event to the righteous, and to the wicked…” (Ecclesiastes 2:14; 9:2). There is no escape. “It is appointed unto me once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Death is final.
Jesus said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4). This life offers the only opportunity we will have to prepare for death and judgment. We cannot afford to face death unprepared.
Someday it will be said of each of us “and he died!” Are you ready for that day?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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A Time to Die?
There will be a time to die for each of us.
None of us like to think about it, but we know there is no escape. Someday we are all going to die, and we have no way of knowing when that day will come. Death is both certain and uncertain. In a way, I am glad that is the case.
The Bible simply states: “It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Regarding the brevity of life the Psalmist wrote: “…we spend our years as a tale that is told. The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away” (Psalm 90:9-10). We will all come to our time to die.
I enjoy life. It’s great to be alive. But, as a Christian, I should not be afraid of my time to die. Death is not foreboding, frightening, or final. Paul wrote near the end of his life, “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me in that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:6-8). In another of his letters he observed, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21). No, for the Christian, death is not the end, but the beginning of eternity with God. The time to die offers release from the shackles of the body and freedom to soar into the presence of the Almighty. Heaven awaits the redeemed.
But, if we are not Christians, death and not knowing our time to die are the most frightening thoughts our minds can entertain. Apart from Christ there is no hope beyond the grave, only the certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation (Hebrews 10:26-31).
The good news is that Jesus died for all men. We can all be prepared for death and eternity. We can be ready when it is time to die. We can escape hell and enjoy heaven, but we must prepare. It matters little whether our life is long or short as men measure things. What matters is whether or not we have made preparation for death and judgment. Have you accepted salvation in Christ? Are you ready to face your time to die?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Preaching to the Dead
Have you heard of preaching to the dead?
Huh? How can someone hear a sermon if they’re dead? If you have read this far, you must be thinking this by now. The answer is relatively simple: one who is dead physically cannot hear, but one who is spiritually dead can still hear and learn. The church in Sardis was described as follows: “…I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead (Revelation 3:1).” The church in Sardis was encouraged to repent and hear the Spirit’s message to the churches (Revelation 3:3, 6).
There are many people today who are spiritually dead! Peter tells us that: “They will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit (1 Peter 4:5-6).”
God is ready to judge us all! If we have obeyed the gospel message and lived faithfully, we will enter into life; if we have not obeyed it, or lived unfaithfully, we will enter into damnation. This is why the gospel must be preached to those that are spiritually dead; they need a chance to live! In order to live, one must put to death the deeds of the body and live according to the Spirit (Romans 8:9, 13).
We must all believe and obey the gospel of Christ, “for we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… (2 Corinthians 5:10)” Have you done so, or are you still spiritually dead?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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What Precedes Your Judgment?
Judgment is coming. Prepare now and be ready.
The Bible clearly gives us all a warning: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many (Hebrews 9:27-28).” Unless the Lord should come back first, we are all going to die. After death, we will all be judged based on the things done in the body, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10).
Paul tells Timothy, “some men’s sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden (1 Timothy 5:24-25).” He says there are two main categories, sin and good works.
Sin is something that we have all done, we have all committed (Romans 3:23). Some sins are evident to men, and others are not. Paul described the works of the flesh in Galatians 5:19-21, noting that those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, even what man does not see God sees. The hidden sins will follow us to the Day of Judgment.
On the other hand, God prepares us for every good work through the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There are many good works that men may see, and they all should glorify our Father in Heaven (Matthew 5:16). However, there are also things that may be done in secret; God will reward us for them openly (Matthew 6:6).
Whether in secret, or out in the open, God sees. Are you walking in sin, or are you doing good works? Either will precede your judgment. Let us choose to “do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased (Hebrews 13:16).” Have you accepted Christ as Saviour?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Commit to Righteous Judgment – audio
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Have you ever wanted to set something straight? Perhaps someone has an impression of you that is distorted. Some things may be true, but others may not be. You feel that you need to prove yourself in some way, so everyone will know who you truly are. Then you pause and reflect: what would be the benefits, or what would be the consequences?
God already knows who we are. We prove it every day by our thoughts, words, and actions. When it comes to people, they may not know what we are thinking. They may not always hear what we say, and may not always see what we do. What would happen if we were to truly express what we think, say, and do? Would it help us or hurt us?
Consider what Jesus did when He was questioned by Pilate. Pilate asked Him, “’Are You the King of the Jews?’ He answered and said to Him, ‘It is as you say.’ And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. Then Pilate asked Him again, saying, ‘Do you answer nothing? See how many things they testify against You!’ But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled (Mark 15:1-5).”
Why didn’t Jesus answer all the accusations against Him? How many of the accusations were true? Did Jesus really have to prove anything to anyone, other than what He already had? He certainly could have set the record straight right then and there, but He didn’t. He had a good reason. Peter says of Him “who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).”
Jesus completely committed Himself to God. God judges with righteous judgment! Jesus did the will of God, and as a result will spend an eternity in Heaven (less the time to return to receive the faithful).
What about you?
Are you doing the will of God? How will God judge you? Are you committing yourself to Him who judges righteously?
Content by Richard Dillon
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Hell, Fire and Brimstone
Because the LORD could not find ten righteous people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, He destroyed them. He did so by raining brimstone and fire on them from out of the heavens (Genesis 19:24). Imagine how wicked the people were, and how severe their punishment was. One might hope that over time, other people would learn from the examples of those who preceded them; realistically, things have not changed all that much.
Jesus said: “And as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be also in the days of the Son of Man… Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed (Luke 17:26-30).”
People are still living wickedly! Even though times have changed, God has not. He still punishes those who continue to live in sin. However, God still gives man a chance to repent and return to Him. Jesus said, “for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them (Luke 9:56).”
If one chooses to follow Christ, he will save his eternal soul! On the other hand, if he does not, he will lose it. John heard these words from heaven: “He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death (Revelation 21:3,7-8).”
Let us follow Christ to Heaven, not Satan to Hell. Have you taken steps to follow Jesus?
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
Content by Richard Dillon
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Anointing at Bethany
Text: Mark 14:3-9.
Jesus entered the town of Bethany, and was encountered by a woman who poured costly oil on his head. Some people thought she had done a foolish thing; after all, the costly oil could have been sold for a lot of money and given to the poor. However, Jesus taught us a few lessons that we need to bear in mind.
1. She did a good work! This shows us that she had faith. James wrote, “…show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works (James 2:18).” God expects us to do good works also! Today His word prepares us for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2. They would always have the poor, but not always have Jesus, with them. Soon Jesus was going to return to His Father who sent Him (John 7:33). At other times, it is good to give to the poor (Matthew 19:21).
3. She did what she could! James wrote, “If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to him, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead (James 2:15-17).” Similarly, the poor widow put in the treasury all she had; Jesus commended her (Mark 12:41-44). Peter and John did not have silver and gold to help the lame man, but gave him the ability to walk again in the name of Christ (Acts 3:1-7).
4. Wherever the gospel is to be preached (in all the world), this woman’s action is a testimonial to her. Luke records the words of Jesus: “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem (Luke 24:46-47).” Remember how she did this for His burial (Mark 14:8)? It was important!
Just as this woman’s action is a testimonial to her, our actions are a testimonial to us. What will others say about us? More importantly, what will God say as we appear before Him in the Day of Judgment?
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them (Revelation 14:13).”
“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 (Revelation 20:12-13).”
Content by Richard Dillon
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Are You Afraid?
Fear can be good or bad. It is foolhardy to have no fear. It is debilitating to fear everything. I think I have met some folks at both ends of the spectrum. I’ve known a few people who, at least on the surface, seemed to have no fear. They drove recklessly, lived dangerously, and usually died suddenly. And then, there are those folks who are so frightened of everything that they almost never leave their homes. They create their own little fortress (prison) and never leave it. They are prisoners at home held by fear.
We seem to enter this world with at least a little fear. The fear of falling and the fear of loud noises are with us from the start. But, other things, like the fear of flying, or the fear of snakes and spiders are acquired. Often, our fears are not justified. Flying is far safer than driving. But, because plane crashes always makes the news, and fatalities almost always occur when a plane goes down, we associate flying with disaster. Yet, crashes are very rare. Automobile accidents, on the other hand, are quite common, but we get in our cars without a second thought. And, not many snakes and spiders are poisonous. But, because a few are, we fear them all.
Maybe our fears are misplaced. On the subject of fear, Jesus offered these words of warning: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28). The one thing that should frighten us most is the prospect of being lost eternally. And, it seems to be the one thing that many people never even consider.
Jesus, however, has removed the fear of death for His disciples. As Christians, we can say with the Psalmist, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…” (Psalm 23:4). We can live in hope, not fear, for He has said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Hebrews 13:5, 6).
Are you afraid? More importantly, are you afraid of the right things? The one thing that should frighten us most is the thought of facing eternity unprepared. That doesn’t have to happen. We can face death and judgment without fear because of Jesus Christ. Are you prepared?
Content by Roger Rush
Visit Roger at the 6th and Washington Street Church of Christ in Marietta OH.
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Isaiah 01:18 Jesus Paid It All – audio
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Text: Isaiah 1:18
Based on the Hymn, “Jesus Paid It All”
Introduction
A. What did Jesus pay? What was the cost?
B. It has been stated that all religious systems can be spelled with just two letters—D O. The gospel of Christ, however, is spelled with four letters—D O N E!
1. According to author K. W. Osbeck in, “Amazing grace: 366 inspiring hymn stories for daily devotions” this hymn text, written by a woman named Elvina Hall, speaks pointedly to this basic truth, which is the very basis of our Christian faith.
2. Mrs. Hall wrote these words one Sunday morning while seated in the choir loft of the Monument Street Methodist Church in Baltimore, Maryland, supposedly listening to the sermon by her pastor, the Revelation George Schrick. The pastor recalled that the church organist, John Grape, had just previously given him a copy of a new tune that he had composed, which he had titled “All to Christ I Owe.” To the amazement of all, they soon discovered that John Grape’s tune fit perfectly with Elvina Hall’s words scribbled on the flyleaf page of the hymnal.
3. Since its first published appearance in 1874, this hymn has been widely used in churches, especially for the communion services.
Body
I. LET US HEAR WHAT THE SAVIOR SAYS TO US.
A. He tells us that our strength indeed is small.
1. Paul says that when we were yet without strength Christ died for us – Romans 5:6
2. We are unable to stand against sin without God on our side – 1 Corinthians 10:12-13
a. We can do all things with Christ – Philippians 4:13
b. However we can do nothing without Christ – John 15:1-6
c. We have no hope without Christ – Ephesians 2:12
B. We are children of weakness, but we need to watch and pray.
1. This refers to the child of God.
a. We are to watch for the second coming – Matthew 25:13
b. We are to pray for forgiveness of our sins – Matthew 6:12
c. We are to pray that others will come to Christ – 1 John 5:16
2. Though the flesh is weak, our spirit is to be strong – Matthew 26:41
C. We are to find everything we need in Christ.
1. We do that by studying his word – 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Peter 1:3
2. He word makes us complete and thoroughly furnishes us – 2 Timothy 3:17
D. Most people look in all the wrong places – Matthew 7:13, 14
1. Some look to the wisdom of the world – 1 Corinthians 1:19-21
2. Some look to themselves for answers – Jeremiah 10:23
3. We all need to look to Christ – Hebrew 12:2
II. LET US NOTICE THAT WE HAVE NOTHING GOOD TO OFFER CHRIST.
A. We are saved by God’s grace Ephesians 2:8, 9
1. This does not mean that we are saved by grace alone – James 2:24, 26
2. This does mean that God has given us an opportunity to come to him and without that opportunity we would be lost – Romans 6:17
B. Salvation is free and cannot be bought – Romans 6:23
C. We must wash ourselves in the blood of the lamb – Revelation 7:14
III. LET US NOTICE THAT WHEN WE STAND BEFORE THE THRONE.
A. We shall all appear before the throne – 2 Corinthians 5:10
1. Every tongue shall confess – Romans 14:10-12
2. Every eye shall see him – Revelation 1:7
B. We shall stand in him complete.
1. If we live as he commands we will be complete and will have salvation – 1 John 5:13
2. We won’t have to wonder where we will spend eternity – Matthew 25:34
Conclusion
A. We have seen that
1. The Savior tells us that our strength indeed is small, that we are to watch and pray and find in Him our all in all.
2. Nothing good have we that would buy his grace, we will wash our garments white in the blood of the lamb.
3. When before the throne, we will stand in Him complete; Jesus died our souls to save and our lips shall still repeat.
B. Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow
Content by Donald W. Treadway
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1 Peter 04:17-19 What Shall Be The End of Them?
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(What shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God?)
Text: Peter 4:17-19
Introduction
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, the Bible teaches judgment must begin at the House of God, and if it begins at the church, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of Christ? Where shall the ungodly & sinner appear, if the righteous are scarcely saved? 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9
- This means, Christians friends, to pass the great judgment bar and enter in God’s eternal kingdom, you must be prepared and be willing to endure sufferings in the flesh and in your life, as Christ suffered in the flesh for us – 1 Peter 4:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-13.
- Members of the church must be willing to go through the fire of the sufferings, persecutions, sacrifices, and heartaches of being Christ disciple and being tried, and come out as pure gold – Matthew 5:10-12; Revelations 2:9-11.
Jesus is Coming Back Again to Judge the Quick and the Dead
- Jesus was crucified and He died. God, with His power, raised Him from the dead, and Jesus ascended back in heaven. The Bible reveals to us that the same manner in which He was taken up, He will also return – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3.
- Jesus is coming back again for the purpose of judging the world – 2 Corinthains 5:10. The standard of our accountability will be the Word of God – John 12:48. When Jesus comes back in judgment, there will be a great separation into either eternal blessing with God, or eternal punishment, separated from God which will be based on our works – Matthew 13:47-51.
- In Revelation 20:11-15, John sees a vision of the great white throne, where the small & great are standing before God to be judged (The books), the dead came from the sea, along with the souls in Hades to be judged according to their works. Those not found in the book of Life were cast into the lake of fire.
Sober, Watchful and Prayerful Living is Required
- Since judgment begins at God’s house, we must be sober, and watchful unto prayer – 1 Peter 4:7. Therefore, let us be mindful and watchful of the temptations Satan sets before us, so that we will always be ready, because the Son of man will come in an hour we do not expect – Matthew 24:36-44.
- We must not be forgetful to show love towards each other – 1 Peter 4:8-11. And let us make sure we keep God’s will first in our lives – Matthew 6:33.
- Let us be sure to devote our lives in serving the Creator no matter the circumstances whether their good, bad, indifferent, so we will be ready for judgment when it comes – 1 Peter 4:19.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
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Matthew 25:31-46 Judgment Is Coming, Will You Be Ready?
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Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Introduction
- Jesus Christ came into this world for the express purpose of saving sinners like you and me, so we would not experience the wrath of God on the children of disobedience – 1 Timothy 1:15; John 3:16. Jesus accomplished this when He went to the cross and bore the transgressions the people – John 19:30 (It is finished) [burial and resurrection].
- After God had resurrected Jesus from the grave to life, He appeared to his Apostles and proved to them of His bodily resurrection – Acts 1:1-3. Jesus ascended to heaven. The Bible reveals to us the same manner in which He was taken up, shall so He come in like manner – Acts 1:9-11; John 14:1-3 .
- Jesus is coming back again to judge the world in righteousness, He is coming to separate the just from the unjust for eternity (Heaven / Hell) – Acts 17:30-31. Therefore, let us prepare ourselves, that we may be found in Him without spot or wrinkle, when Jesus comes back again.
Judgment Day is Coming. Will You Be Ready?
Don’t Delay! Now is the Time to Get Ready for Jesus!
- It’s urgent to prepare for Jesus return because, it is not known the time, hour, day, or year when Jesus Christ will return – Matthew 24:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Therefore, you cannot afford to procrastinate, or remain in sin because you don’t know when Jesus is coming back – Matthew 24:44. Look what happened to the unprepared in the days of Noah – Matthew 24:37-39.
- You should prepare yourself for the great Day of Judgment because it’s an appointment everybody has with Jesus to give account of your life to God – Romans 14:12; Matthew 12:36-37. This appointment with Jesus you cannot postpone, even if you try – Hebrews 9:27. That’s why it’s best to be prepared to appear before the judgment seat of Christ – 2 Corinthians 5:10.
- In 1 Peter 4:17-18, we learn that judgment must begin at the house of God. Therefore it’s imperative that members of Jesus body take heed to themselves and the doctrine of Christ that we might be saved in that great Day – 1 Timothy 4:16.
What Can You Expect to Happen at the Day of Judgment?
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect Jesus to descend from heaven with a shout and triumph of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first to meet the Lord in the air to be with Him forevermore – 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Jesus will change the bodies of those that are dead in Christ to be like His – 1 Corinthians 15:50-57; Philippians 3:20-21.
- On the Day of Judgment you can expect Jesus Christ to separate the sheep on His right hand, and the goats on His left for eternity – Matthew 25:31-34, 41, 46. As Jesus expounds on the parable of the wheat and tares (Matthew 13:24-30), you get the “big picture” about this great day of separation – Matthew 13:40-43.
- On the Day of Judgment, you can expect the atmosphere around the earth, and the earth itself to be burned up with fire – 2 Peter 3:3-13.
- If you have examined yourself today, and have found yourself unprepared for the Day of Judgment, God is extending His everlasting arms of love to you to come to Him today in obedience. Why not, respond to the Savior’s invitation today and prepare yourself for the Day of Judgment? Ecclesiastes 12:13-14.
Salvation: Hear - Believe - Repent - Confess - Be Baptized - Live Faithfully
“It’s Gonna Rain”
It’s gonna rain, It’s gonna rain, You better get ready and bare this in mind
God showed Noah, the rainbow sign, it won’t be water but fire next time.
Way back in the bible days, God told Noah it’s gonna rain, but when Noah told the people they paid him no mind and when it happen they were left behind,
They tell me when the water begin to pour, they knocked on the windows, they
knocked on the doors. They did know exactly what to do now you don’t want this to happen to you
Noah told the people, I’m sorry my friends God’s got the keys and you can’t get in if
something don’t happen to the hearts of man the same thing is gonna happen again.
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Comfort One Another With These Words
Comfort One Another With These Words – 1 Thessalonians 3:18
What hope is there for us, when last day comes?
People who don’t have a proper relationship with the Lord dread the coming of the end of the world, and rightfully so. But, those who are faithful members of the Lord’s church ought not to be afraid of the second coming of Christ. For them, the end of the world will mean the end of suffering and the beginning of eternal joy (Revelation 21: 1-4).
Our only hope is to obey gospel plan of salvation.
The Bible does warn that the outlook is grim for those who are not prepared to meet the Lord, on judgment day. In 2 Thessalonians 1:8 and 9, the Bible warns us that, when Jesus returns, He shall come “in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.” People who know nothing about God, as well as people who know Him but will not obey Him shall be irretrievably lost on the day of judgment. Their only hope—our only hope—is to obey gospel plan of salvation, as it is revealed in God’s Holy Word.
Begin by opening up the Bible.
The process begins, when we open up our Bibles and read for ourselves what God’s will is for all of us (Romans 10:17). If we believe what we read, then faith will take root and grow in our hearts (Hebrews 11: 6). When our faith is strong enough, it will motivate us to repent of our sins (Luke 13: 3-5). Then we shall have the incentive we need to confess our faith in Jesus Christ (Matthew 10:32-33) and be baptized for the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38). At that point, the Lord shall add us to His church, and we shall be saved from our sins (Acts 2:47).
The judgment of our Lord ought to be comforting to every member of the family of God.
Once we have obeyed the gospel, we shall not have to be afraid of the judgment of our Lord. As long as we are faithful to Him, we may look forward to the end of the world, as a day when we shall finally be united with the One whom we adore. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the idea of resurrection from the dead and the judgment of our Lord ought to be a comforting thought to every member of the family of God.
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first – 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 16
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The Heavens Shall Pass Away
The Heavens Shall Pass Away – 2 Peter 3:10
What will happen to the world, when it finally meets its end?
Actually, there is a great deal of disagreement about the answer to this question, among religious thinkers. Some propose that the world will not really come to an end, but will be the eternal home of God’s faithful children. Others suggest that the world will be decimated by war, famine, disease and natural calamity before the Lord comes to pass judgment upon humanity. But, what does the Bible say about the end of the world? In fact, it has a great deal to say about the subject.
The world shall not survive the day of judgment.
The day in which Jesus Christ returns to judge the world in righteousness shall be the last day in Earth’s history. 2 Peter 3:5-7 teaches us that God destroyed the world once with a global flood, in days of Noah and that He shall destroy it again with fire, on the day of judgment. 2 Peter 3:10 says that, on the day of judgment, “the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” The world shall not survive the day of judgment. That is why the Bible teaches us to “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15).
God made the world to be temporary. Heaven is infinitely better!
As good as life can be in this world, life in Heaven is infinitely better! That is why God made the world to be temporary, in its nature. Our bodies can last for a very long time, but we are not designed to live on Earth forever (Psalm 90:10). Our souls long for Heaven and are looking forward to the day when we will no longer be burdened with life here (2 Corinthians 5:1-4). The end of the world is coming (2 Peter 3:9). Let’s be ready for it, when it gets here.
…by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished: But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the judgment … – 2 Peter 3:5-7
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As a Thief in the Night
As a Thief in the Night – 2 Peter 3:10
When will the world come to an end?
This question has preoccupied the minds of men for centuries. Some have sought the answer in the night sky. Others have tried to divine such knowledge from the spirit world, itself. Still, others have believed that they could figure it out with an imaginative interpretation of the Bible. But, in spite of man’s best efforts, no one has yet succeeded in predicting when the end of the world will be.
Of that day and hour knoweth no man.
Of course, the reason for humanity’s lack of progress in cracking this conundrum is stated in the Word of God. In Matthew 24:36, Jesus said, “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” The day and the hour when Jesus comes again is privileged information that no human being may know. All of these people who are trying to frighten us with dire warnings of the impending end of the world are absolutely wrong! They cannot possibly know when the end will be.
His coming will be a complete surprise.
That is why the apostle Peter wrote what he did in his second epistle, “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up” (2 Peter 3:10). When a thief comes in the middle of the night to rob someone’s house, he does not phone ahead of time to say when he will drop by. His coming is a complete surprise—and so shall the second coming of Christ be to the whole world.
Be ready for the Lord to come.
Now, you might be thinking, “Doesn’t the Bible talk about ‘signs,’ which indicate that the coming of the Lord is near?” While that may be popular fodder for sermons in denominational churches, it is without basis in the Bible. In Matthew 24:4-35, Jesus talked about “signs,” which would indicate that the destruction of Jerusalem was coming (and it did, in A.D. 70). But, the Lord never indicated that we would be able to tell when He will come again. As a matter of fact, in Matthew 24:37-41, Jesus indicated that the day of His coming would be an ordinary day, just like any other. Also, in Luke 12:40, He said that His coming would be at a time when humanity is not expecting Him. Let’s all get ready for the Lord to come—for so He shall—sooner or later.
…the Son of Man cometh at an hour when ye think not. – Luke 12:40
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My Words Shall Judge Him in the Last Day
My Words… Shall Judge Him in the Last Day – John 12:48
It is intimidating to appear in court.
Have you ever stood before a judge, in a court of law? I have, and I can tell you from my own understanding that it is an intimidating experience, even if you have not broken the law. But, as intimidating as it is to appear in an earthly court of the laws of men, think of how much more intimidating it will be to appear before the court of divine judgment.
All humanity shall be judged by the Lord.
The Bible speaks very plainly of a day in which all of humanity shall be judged by the Lord (Matthew 25:31-46). It is the same day in which Jesus shall return, all the dead shall be resurrected, and the world in which we now live shall be destroyed (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; John 5:28-29; 2 Peter 3:10). It is a day from which we shall not be able to escape, or to excuse ourselves (Romans 14:12).
God hath appointed a day when will judge the world.
This is why the imperative to repent and obey the Lord is so strong, in the Bible (Acts 17:30-31). Paul preached that “all men everywhere” ought to repent, because God “hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” In reference to the future judgment of all mankind, Paul wrote, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). When we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we will not want to find out that we are unprepared. For those who are not ready to meet their maker, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31).
We shall all be judged by His Words.
Fortunately for us, Jesus said that we shall all be judged by His Words, on the Day of Judgment. According to Revelation 20:11-15, the books of the Bible shall serve as the standard by which all humanity shall be judged. It is not the case that some will judged by one standard and some by another. God’s impartiality will not allow it (Romans 2:11). We will not be judged by the words of the Koran, or the Book of Mormon, or any of the creeds, disciplines, or confessions of faith found in the denominations. The Bible is our only standard, in religion!
We must all appear before the judgment seat.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. – 2 Corinthians 5:10
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Decision Tree – Judgment in a Safe Condition
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
You arrived here because you died before reaching an age of accountability (see Adulthood).
Your body is dead, but your spirit is alive!
See how Jesus looks upon a child in Matthew 18:2-5. Because you died physically without knowing sin, you are pure and acceptable before God.
Now the decision is God’s, not yours.
When you face the judgement (Hebrews 9:27), you are pure and acceptable before God. He has only one answer:
- Heaven
It is comforting to know that children who have not had an opportunity to live a full life on earth die with the best result. However, you are still living and this does not apply to you. You are, after all, reading this and thinking about it.
Go back, make your decisions and face the consequences.
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Decision Tree – Judgment in a Saved Condition
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Your physical life is over and you now face the benefit of the decisions you made while you were alive. You are spiritually alive before God. You have:
- Lived your life believing in Jesus. Eternal life is the result (John 3:15-17).
- Searched the scriptures and found eternal life (John 5:39)
- Gone to the Word of God to find eternal life (John 6:68)
- Been willing to lose your life for Christ, and found it (John 12:25-26)
- Believed the things that were written and lead to life (John 20:30-31)
- Confessed Christ before men, now he will confess you before His Father (Luke 12:8).
All Decisions are Now in God’s Hands
Content by Zachary Van Tassel
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Decision Tree – Judgment in a Lost Condition
(Did you jump into the middle of this? Please start at the beginning of the decision tree.)
Your life is over. You can’t change the decisions you made while you were alive.
Many are familiar with “God so loved the world…” (John 3:14-16). But read the rest of the chapter and you will find that though the offer is open to all, there must be acceptance (John 3:17-21).
By refusing to accept and believe in Jesus while you were alive you have condemned yourself. You are like the rich man in Luke 16:19-31. He was not in a good place in Luke 16:23-24. And he could not cross to a better place in Luke 16:26.
All Decisions are Now in God’s Hands
He has told us how he will decide. – John 12:48
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