the ultimate test
DESCRIPTION
Using the illustration of assessments and tests, we look forward with reverent fear and joyful hope to God's final judgment of the world in justice and mercy. Because of what Christ Jesus has accomplished on the cross, we can be sure of eternal life and have nothing to worry about. He has taken care of everything - only let us make sure our faith is firmly rooted in the Unchanging One.TRANSCRIPT
The Ultimate TestWhat exams have you sat
so far?
Pants!• Driving test – first proper failure
• Teacher training – “not yet satisfactory”
God’s Judgment• Christ’s verdict matters most…
• “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ… Each of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12)
• God sees & knows all things
• Perfect justice for victims of mass murderers, heartless bullies…
Jesus’ words• “For it is from within, out of a
person’s heart, that evil thoughts come – sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.” (Mark 7)
• I.E. envy = wanting what others have; malice = bullying or gossiping to deliberately hurt another person…
arrogance
Greed• It’s all about “Me, Myself and I”
• We all fall short of God’s perfect standard…
Is there any hope?• We all fall short of God’s perfection
• “If we confess our sins, Jesus is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
• Christ’s amazing grace on the cross
• Mercy undeserved
How can I be sure?• “Dear children, let us not love with
words or speech but with actions and in truth. This is how we know that we belong to the truth and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence” (1 John 3:18-19)
• Objective test of ‘subjective’ faith is real, active, transforming love
Come to Christ• “If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus
is Lord” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
• If you want to change and get right with God, then stay behind with us
• Most wonderful friendship available• Don’t delay – today may be your last