It’s my prayer you’ve benefited from our trek through Jesus’ mountain sermon in Matthew 5,6 & 7. The concluding remarks Jesus shares with us are stark. He alludes to various factors which will come into play. Although Christians need not fear that day, 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds us that “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” NIV Everyone who has chosen not to have a personal relationship with Jesus will suffer terrible loss and eternal separation from God. Remember Jesus tells us that only those who do the will of His Father will receive heaven as their home! John 6:39-40 “And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father's will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." NIV Not only do Christians get to make heaven their eternal home, they’ll receive rewards as well. I’m sure there will have been things we’ve done which weren’t in accordance with God’s will. These things will be burned up, but we will be saved (1 Cor. 3: 10-15). Because Jesus is righteous, His judgments will be good and fair. Believers’ obedient deeds will result in eternal rewards. However, for those who don’t have a relationship with God, all deeds—good and bad—are viewed as actions of a rebellious people, and punishment will be ordered (Romans 6:23). Are you seeking to know Christ Jesus? Do you long to see Him? Imagine how incredible that day will be! Those who love Him easily say, “Yes, come, Lord Jesus!”

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin

And, welcome to the Whitehall Church of Christ! We’re thrilled you’ve joined us today. Sunday has always been a special day to me. Sunday is a day when brothers and sisters united in the blood of Jesus Christ come together all around the world. They come together to join heart and hand to celebrate what our Savior did at the cross. He took our place. He died a horrid death so we wouldn’t have to. Sin had separated us from our Creator and that sin problem needed to have a remedy. Although Jesus is the answer for every question we have, the recent events in our world tend to leave us feeling uneasy. Corruption, violence, terror, fear, loneliness all have a way of making us question whether or not God is still in control. Just as our homes offer protection and security in time of storm, so too does our God offer solace, care and comfort in the midst of chaos. Let’s suppose I’ve got a problem that has me fretting. My stomach is in knots. Friends and family try to be understanding, but they’re growing weary of me taking my heartache out on them. I’m so focused on this issue that it feels as if I’m carrying a load on my shoulders. God offers a liberating alternative: “Cast your burden upon [Me] and [I] will sustain you” (Ps. 55:22). He does not erase the ills that invade this life. Instead, He shields us from the weight of worry by taking situations into His own hands. Such is the beauty of having a loving, caring Heavenly Father! We must remember, however, that the call to a free and peaceful life goes unheeded unless we place our trust firmly in the Lord. Trust is built through relationship. Relationship is built through praying during daily trials and triumphs, seeking biblical guidance for decisions, and testing God’s Word to see that it is true and practical for our life. Even in the midst of all the trouble existent in our world today, you can have peace! A believer who trusts in God receives a peace that Philippians 4: 7 promises. This is the kind of peace the world can never offer. It only comes from above. Seek that peace, pray for it and then wait for it. A lifestyle of dependence on our God is the key to weathering any storm which comes our way. We’re glad you’re here. Please, come downstairs after our worship and let us get to know you better!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin

As with any group of people there will always be those who consider it a privilege to serve in ways which benefit those around them. These are the folks who willingly take it on themselves to make sure all the bases are covered. These are the folks who see a need and address it; the ones who most generally arrive early and stay late. Unfortunately, these folks also have a tendency to overextend themselves. Often they will sacrifice their own expenses, their own resources and their own time to see kingdom projects accomplished. These folks often have the same resources and the same amount of time their counterparts do, but for some reason they see the need and fill it whereas others do not. What’s most important to you? What occupies the most of your time? Whatever it is I’ll bet you see it as something very precious! We will devote our time to what we see as being most important. It might be our vocation, our home, our vehicles, a hobby or even a significant other. It’s important for us to remember, however, that were it not for God none of these things would even exist. It’s always amazed me how quickly we become masters over our ‘own’ kingdom; how we’ll so easily sacrifice our time, talents and efforts for our own betterment without so much as considering how our efforts could greatly benefit the lives of others. If a project comes up and you have a tendency to say, “it’s okay, somebody else will do it”, know this: somebody else will do it…just as they have numerous times before, but it would be such a blessing if from time to time YOU would be the somebody else!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin

What does Jesus mean to you? Each of us must answer that question. By refusing to answer, you automatically reveal your response. Our choosing to remain neutral places us in the same class as those of who choose to ignore the Christ all together. If we do recognize Him as Lord we must believe the words He says. Believing His words brings us to a point of confidence. I go beyond an intellectual belief; I accept the fact that my sins were pardoned on Calvary. Once that truth sinks deeply into my heart I surrender my own will, my own way and my own desires for His. Once He wins our heart our actions follow suit. Either He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords or He’s a madman who fabricated stories to benefit his narasistic ways. You cannot have Him both ways. Either you accept Him as Lord or you accept Him as lunatic. He cannot be both! Because we have historical proof and God’s Word readily available to us, this leaves us no excuse for ignorance regarding the person of Jesus Christ. Once we know who He is, we must decide whether or not we’ll surrender our lives to Him. He comes to the door of our heart and knocks. He’ll not force His way in…He stands waiting, patiently. Why not let Him in today? Why not make Him the Lord of your life? I can assure you the best life to be lived is the one to which He’s residing in the midst of!

Have a blessed day and remember the One who gave it to you!

Kevin