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INTRODUCTION
ILLUS: Today is a great day - Graduation C-M, PCM, Newton. You are embarking into a
new world - you begin to be on your own. Make your own decisions. The next few years
WILL define you for the rest of your life. The next year will the most.
Psalm 90:12 “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to You a
heart of wisdom.”
We are will be held accountable to God for the choices we make in life.
There will be a day of reckoning. In the future there are two judgments that will take place -
you and I will be at one of the them. TITLE...
THEME: Timely Truths that Transform Us. (Statement 10 of 16)
We believe in FUTURE LIFE, BODILY RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL JUDGMENT: that the spirits
of the saved at death go immediately to be with Christ in Heaven, that their works
shall be brought before the Judgment Seat of Christ for the determination of rewards
which will take place at the time when Christ comes for His own; that the spirits of
the unsaved at death descend immediately into Hades where they are kept under
punishment until the final day of judgment, at which time their bodies shall be raised
from the grave, that they shall be judged and cast into Hell, the place of final and
everlasting punishment. 1 Cor. 15:12-58; 2 Cor. 5:8-10; Luke 16:19-23; Rev. 20:11-15.
Two major judgments for all human beings yet for the future. You will be at one of them, which
one? Will it be...?
1. The Judgment Seat of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:6-10
- This event is for believers in Christ, takes place after the rapture in heaven at
the same time as the earth is experiencing the tribulation.
- Romans 14:10-12; 1 Cor. 3:11-15; 2 Cor. 5:6-10
- Anything done by the Christian will be judged. Some works we do are worthless they
will be burned with fire, some works we do are valuable.
- All works must be with the right attitude and motivation Matt. 6:2; 22:37
QUOTE: “The two greatest enemies of Christian service, selfishness and
laziness, have robbed many of God’s children of rewards they should have
received.” (Charting, 54) We need a heart of love...
ILLUS: This judgment is School Awards Night and Graduation combined. C-M
Awards night last Wednesday - not all senior received awards. But Sunday all
will graduate Those awards help with scholarships, placement in college. If
you didn’t receive any, you still graduate.
- Not all Christians will receive awards, and few receive all awards, this is not
judgment determining salvation (gift), only recognition for service.
QUOTE: “Christians are earning their position of service for Christ
during the Millennium. Knowing this should give us incentive to pursue better
and more lasting heights of Christian service here on earth.”
(Charting, 54)
- It is believed that at the Judgment Seat of Christ 5 crowns will be given:
- Incorruptible Crown. 1 Cor. 9:27 - “The
runners crown.” For those who sacrificed earthly pleasures to be
profitable in service for Christ. We think of foreign missionaries, but
any sacrifice honored.
- Crown of Life. Rev. 2:10 - “The martyrs’
crown,” We think of the people who died because of their testimony.
ILLUS: 2002 Gracia Burnham. In area. Her husband killed 2002
- Crown of Glory. 1 Peter 5:1,4 - “The
shepherds crown,” those who have given their life to teaching the
word of God.
ILLUS: I hope get this one, so in Kingdom I can be a teacher. Not like
McArthur or Swindoll. Who knows, teach a class on Old Testament
Genealogies, workshop on how to pronounce OT names? Look Dr. Phil.
- Crown of Righteousness. Titus 2:12-14; 1 John 3:2-3 -
“The watchers crown” Those who are looking forward to the
return of Christ, inspires to live a righteous and holy life. I hope we
all receive.
- Crown of Rejoicing. 1 Thess. 2:19 - “The
soul winner’s crown.” I sure want this one, do you? Have you
help lead someone to Christ?
- Work smart and sacrificially for the Lord. Finish well. So many just get their
fire insurance and do not serve the Lord. Others may have served well only to fall
into sin at the end of their life and forfeit their rewards.
- Jack Van Impe talks about this judgment, reminds us of 1 John 2:28
don’t be ashamed because haven't served Lord. (11:59 and Counting)
- Judgment is Awards and Graduation service to heaven. Heaven will rejoice, so will
you. “Congratulations, Well done, good and faithful servant”
- I sure want you at the judgment, otherwise you will be forced to attend...
2. The Great White Throne Judgment. Rev. 20:11-15
- Takes place after 1000 year reign. The time of judgment for all unbelievers. The
“dead” those dead in their trespasses and sins.
- This is not a Graduation Service, but a Criminal Trial Sentencing Day. You will be
a convicted criminal standing before The Almighty Judge being sentenced to life in
the prison of hell with no possibility of parole.
- Many believe that when they stand before God, if there is one, that if their good
deeds outweigh their bad deeds, they are Ok. Titus 3:5
makes it clear our good works don’t save us.
- God has a set of very important books. The Books that record
man’s works, the Book of Life which records all who have
been born, but a persons name is removed by their sin (Exod. 32:33). Then
the Lamb’s Book of Life, those whose names are listed
because they belong to the Lamb of God Rev. 21:27
- No one at the Great White Throne will have their name in the Lamb’s book of
life. The books of works will only show that their works do not save them from
judgment. Works are never good enough, only Christ.
- You will attend this one if you are unsaved, never invited Christ,
- This is a criminal sentencing judgment. The gavel will fall “Guilty!
Depart from me I never knew you.” I can’t image gut wrenching
feeling
- If you are an unrepentant sinner you are now living under the wrath of God and
each day you live is one day closer to being sentenced to eternal death in
heaven. Is you name written in the Lamb’s book of Life?
INVITATION Closing Prayer
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