SERMON: WAKE UP AND CHOOSE HOLINESS — OR MISS ETERNAL LIFE Text: Hebrews 12:14 — "Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord." Text 2: Matthew 7:21 — "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father." INTRODUCTION: Church, we love to say "I am saved, I believe." True, we are saved by grace through faith Ephesians 2:8. But Bible says believe without obedience, without living pure life, earns no eternal life. James 2:17,26 — Faith without works is dead. Dead faith cannot save. This is a warning to church that has got GREEN 7 vision on the wall — calling for spiritual revival, repentance, awakening, rebirth. Get prepared now or you will miss eternal life and be cast in eternal fire. For eternal life God gives it to righteous only. PART 1: BELIEVING ALONE IS NOT ENOUGH — OBEDIENCE IS PROOF Romans 6:16 — "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" You say you believe, but you still obey jealousy, gossiping, quarreling, fornication, lies — you are still slave to sin leading to death. Luke 6:46 — Jesus says "Why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do things which I say?" 1 John 2:3-4 — "Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says I know Him and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and truth is not in him." Titus 1:16 — They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him. Many in church are saved but living flesh mindset — that is compromise of truth. PART 2: WHAT IS COMPROMISE OF TRUTH? — THE FLESH MINDSET You must wake up and choose holiness above all else — above prosperity gospel, above money, above fame. Compromise = Choosing prosperity gospel over holiness. Choosing flesh mindset. Galatians 5:19-21 — "Now works of flesh are evident: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries... those who practice such things will not inherit kingdom of God." Look: Jealous, gossiping, quarreling = will NOT inherit kingdom. That is what you wrote. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 — Neither fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, thieves, covetous, drunkards, revilers, extortioners will inherit kingdom. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 — In last days men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient — having form of godliness but denying its power. Church, if you still live like this, your salvation is not finished. PART 3: THOUGH YOU ARE SAVED, YOU MUST RUN A CLEAN RACE TO END Philippians 2:12 — "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling." Hebrews 12:1 — "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, laying aside every weight and sin which so easily ensnares us." 2 Timothy 4:7-8 — Paul says "I have fought good fight, I have finished race, I have kept faith. Finally there is laid up for me crown of righteousness, which Lord, righteous Judge, will give to me." Not starting race — finishing clean race. 1 Corinthians 9:27 — Paul says "I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified." Matthew 24:13 — "He who endures to end shall be saved." Your final salvation is at end, not at beginning. 1 Peter 1:9 — receiving end of your faith — salvation of your souls. PART 4: GREEN 7 VISION ON WALL — CALL FOR REVIVAL, REPENTANCE, AWAKENING, REBIRTH You asked what is Green 7 on wall. This is what God showed me, Reagan, His servant witness. Proverbs 29:18 — Where there is no vision, people perish. GREEN = Mercy, life, green pastures Psalm 23:2, revival, Holy Spirit life. Psalm 52:8 — I am like green olive tree in house of God. 7 = Completion, perfection Genesis 2:2-3, fullness of God. GREEN 7 ON WALL = Final fullness of God's mercy calling for: Spiritual Revival: Habakkuk 3:2 — "O LORD, revive Your work in midst of years." Psalm 85:6 — Will You not revive us again? Repentance: Acts 3:19 — "Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come." Awakening: Ephesians 5:14 — "Awake, you who sleep, arise from dead, and Christ will give you light." Romans 13:11 — Now it is high time to awake out of sleep. Rebirth: John 3:3,5 — Unless one is born again, born of water and Spirit, cannot enter kingdom. This vision was given so you don't miss eternal life. Wall means it is written before you — warning is posted. PART 5: ETERNAL LIFE GOD GIVES TO RIGHTEOUS ONLY — OR ETERNAL FIRE Revelation 21:8 — "But cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death." Matthew 25:46 — These will go away into everlasting punishment, but righteous into eternal life. Romans 2:6-8 — God "will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey truth, but obey unrighteousness — indignation and wrath." Psalm 11:7 — For the LORD is righteous, He loves righteousness. God is righteous Judge 2 Timothy 4:8 — He cannot give eternal life to unrighteous. Must be righteous — washed by blood AND living pure Revelation 7:14, 14:4-5. 144,000 are seen as pure before God Rev14:4-5 — blameless. That is righteousness. CONCLUSION: CHOOSE NOW Joshua 24:15 — Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. Deuteronomy 30:19 — I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life. Saved, church — wake up! Stop prosperity gospel lie that says "once saved always saved while living in sin." Stop flesh mindset — jealous, gossiping, quarreling. Green 7 is last mercy. Next is RED 7 — blood, judgment complete. And skeleton vision — dead bones without Spirit. Pray: In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD, I repent! I turn from compromise of truth! I choose holiness above all else Heb 12:14! I will run clean race to end Heb 12:1! I receive Green 7 revival, awakening, rebirth John 3:3! Make me righteous by blood and obedience Rom 6:16, pure, blameless Rev14:5, so I miss not eternal life! Amen!

STRIVE TO ENTER THE GRACE OF 144,000 Rev14:1-5 — THIS LAST AGE. Christians, pray to God to have a way for you into this grace. Because this grace is protective to your faith — to remain unshakable against sin, Satan, and this evil world 1 John 5:18, Rev 14:4. Why? Many say believe in Christ and be saved, have eternal life. True — Ephesians 2:8 — saved by grace through faith. But those shown in final salvation are seen as PURE before God. 144,000 Rev14, Great Multitude Rev7:9 — What is difference in them? Their secret is this: Faithfulness = Obedience to Word to be pure = 144,000 Rev14:4-5 — blameless, not defiled, no lie. Repentance (turn away from sin you did) = Washed by blood = Great Multitude Rev7:14 — "Washed their robes and made them white in blood of Lamb." Dead in Christ who will be resurrected in first resurrection Rev20:6 = Repented & got washed in blood = Died in purity. Christ says: Unless you repent you will die in your sins John 8:24, Luke 13:3. Believe without obedience, living pure life, earns no eternal life. Romans 6:16 — To whom you obey, you are his servant — whether sin unto death, or obedience unto righteousness. Hebrews 12:14 — Without holiness no man shall see Lord. Revelation 14:4-5 — They follow Lamb wherever He goes, pure, blameless. Saved, Church, WAKE UP and choose holiness above all else! Above prosperity gospel, above flesh mindset — jealous, gossiping, quarreling, fornication, lying — that is compromise of truth Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Cor 6:9-10. Though you are saved, you must run a clean race up to end of your final salvation 2 Timothy 4:7-8, Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 2:12 — work out your salvation with fear. This is a warning to church that has got GREEN 7 vision — Green is mercy, life, last chance for revival Psalm 23:2, 7 is completion. God is giving last age full mercy to repent and be pure. Choose holiness now — so you be counted among 144,000 sealed blameless firstfruits alive with Lamb on Mt Zion Rev14:1, not just saved but PURE. In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD — Amen!

SERMON for last age — which l the appointed witness of Jesus Reagan l give you— centered on 2 Corinthians 4:3-4. that l have Preached to you in Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD. acts26:16, Heb1:1-2 --- SERMON: WHY THEY REFUSE THE GOSPEL — THE VEIL OF THE god OF THIS WORLD Text: 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 "But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them." Key: Proverbs 29:18 — "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." INTRODUCTION: Church, Gospel is not weak. Gospel is power Romans 1:16. But many hear and refuse. Sinners, unbelievers — Muslims, idolaters, lukewarm — they mock, they persecute, they compromise truth. Why? Paul answers: Gospel is veiled. Not because preacher failed. Because god of this age — Satan — has blinded their minds 2 Cor 4:4. In this last age, God has appointed me Reagan, His servant witness, to testify what He showed me after they vanished — RED 7 vision in sky, Green 7 on wall, skeleton vision — visions of warning, spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival, repentance — so that you of this last age don't perish Proverbs 29:18. PART 1: 4 PROOFS THAT REFUSAL IS SATAN'S INFLUENCE — NOT JUST HUMAN 1. MOCKING — Spirit of Scoffer 2 Peter 3:3-4 — "Scoffers will come in last days, walking according to own lusts, saying Where is promise of His coming?" When you preach Jesus is way, they laugh: "You Christians are brainwashed, Jesus is not Son." That mocking is not intellect — it is veil. Acts 17:32 — Some mocked when they heard resurrection. Satan uses mocking to hide glory 2 Cor 4:4 — "lest light of gospel of glory should shine." 2. PERSECUTION — Spirit of Murderer John 8:44 — Satan was murderer from beginning. John 16:2 — "Whoever kills you will think he offers God service." When sinners persecute preachers, stone, jail, insult — that is god of this age fighting through them. Matthew 5:11-12 — Blessed are you when persecuted for My sake. Why they persecute? Veil. Blind mind cannot see you bring life. 3. UNBELIEF — Spirit of Blindness 2 Cor 4:4 — minds blinded. John 12:40 — He has blinded their eyes and hardened hearts. Muslim, sinner, unbeliever says "I cannot believe Jesus is only way, all ways lead to God." That is not logic — that is blindfold by Satan. Ephesians 4:18 — understanding darkened, alienated from life of God because of blindness of heart. They read same Bible, hear same preaching, but veil remains. 4. COMPROMISE FROM TRUTH — Spirit of Deceiver 1 Timothy 4:1 — In latter times some will depart from faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits. They say "We believe but we can also do our old ways — fornication, lying, drinking, small compromises." Romans 6:16 — "Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness?" Compromise is veil — makes Gospel look like not serious. PART 2: WHY SATAN DOES THIS — HE IS ALREADY JUDGED AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO ALONE 1. Satan Already Judged John 16:11 — "The ruler of this world is judged." John 12:31 — "Now is judgment of this world, now ruler of this world will be cast out." Colossians 2:15 — He disarmed principalities, triumphed over them by cross. Satan knows his time short Revelation 12:12. Lake of fire prepared not for man, but for devil and his angels Matthew 25:41. 2. He Wants Company in Eternal Fire — Not Go Alone Revelation 20:10 — Devil cast into lake of fire. Revelation 21:8 — "But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is second death." Satan's mission John 10:10 — steal, kill, destroy — wants to take all evildoers who did not accept Gospel and repent with him to fire. That is why he blinds 2 Cor 4:4 — so they don't accept Gospel and repent — so they perish with him. PART 3: ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL — JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY 1. Eternal Life and Eternal Fire Are Real Revelation 21:8 — second death is real. Not story. Not symbolic. Skeleton vision God showed me — after flesh vanished, bones remained — sign of death without Christ — perish. Daniel 12:2 — "Some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt." 2. Jesus Is The Way To Escape Through Faith AND Obedience John 14:6 — "I am the way, truth, and life. No one comes to Father except through Me." Acts 4:12 — No other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Romans 6:16 — Faith without obedience is slavery to sin. You become slave to whom you obey. Obey sin — death. Obey Jesus teaching — righteousness leading to eternal life. John 3:36 — He who believes in Son has everlasting life; he who does not believe shall not see life. Not just believe — obey His teaching. Matthew 7:21 — Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter, but he who does will of Father. PART 4: VISIONS FOR THIS LAST AGE — SO YOU DON'T PERISH Prov 29:18 God did not leave this last age without witness. He appointed me Reagan, servant witness, to testify what I saw after they vanished. 1. RED 7 Vision in Sky After it vanished, Lord showed me: RED is blood Leviticus 17:11, 7 is completion Genesis 2:2. Judgment complete by blood. Either blood of Jesus covers you, or your own blood required in fire Hebrews 9:22. Warning to repent before blood required. 2. Green 7 On The Wall Green is life, mercy, revival Psalm 23:2 green pastures. 7 is perfection. After it vanished — message: God still giving last chance for spiritual awakening, rebirth, revival John 3:3 — You must be born again — awakening in last age. Green 7 — fullness of mercy before RED 7 judgment. 3. Skeleton Vision After flesh vanished, skeleton remained — Ezekiel 37:1-4 — valley of dry bones — without Spirit, man is dead bones, even while walking. Many in church are skeletons — religious but dead. Need breath of Holy Ghost to live. Proverbs 29:18 — Where no vision, people perish. These visions are given so you don't perish — but repent, rebirth, revival. CONCLUSION: ALTAR CALL FOR AWAKENING 2 Corinthians 6:2 — Now is day of salvation. Satan has blinded you with mocking, persecution, unbelief, compromise — but Jesus came to open blind eyes Luke 4:18. Today if you are sinner, unbeliever — Muslim, drunkard, fornicator, liar — veil can be removed 2 Corinthians 3:16 — "When one turns to Lord, veil taken away." PRAYER OF REPENTANCE: In Name of JESUS THE LAMB OF GOD — god of this age, I renounce your veil! 2 Cor 4:4 — I turn to Jesus! I believe Gospel! I accept Jesus as only way to eternal life John 14:6! I repent of sin, unbelief, mocking, compromise! Romans 6:16 — I choose to obey Jesus teaching, not sin! By blood of Jesus I escape Rev 21:8 second death and receive eternal life! Remove blindness, give me rebirth, revival, awakening — like RED 7 blood covering me, Green 7 mercy reviving me, skeleton becoming living man by Spirit! In Jesus Name Amen!

*TODAY'S PROPHETIC DECLARATION - SUNDAY, 30TH AUGUST, 2026.* 🌟*LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY*🌟 13th Sunday after Trinity | 5th Sunday & Last Sunday in August 📖 Scripture: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” — Colossians 3:16 (KJV) 🔥*Reflection – Let God's Word Fill Your Life* As we come to the last Sunday of August, Colossians 3:16 gives us a beautiful instruction: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” God's Word should not merely visit our hearts during Sunday worship or morning devotion. It should dwell in us—becoming deeply rooted in our thoughts, decisions, character, conversations, relationships, and daily living. Paul also connects God's Word with wisdom, teaching, encouragement, worship, and thanksgiving. When the Word of Christ fills our hearts, it should overflow into the way we treat others and the way we worship God. As August comes to an end, this is an opportunity to reflect: What has filled my heart this month? Have I allowed God's Word to occupy my heart, or have fear, anxiety, disappointment, anger, and worldly distractions taken too much space? Today, let us make room for Christ's Word again. Let His Word correct you. Let His Word encourage you. Let His Word teach you. Let His Word strengthen you. Let His Word give you wisdom. Let His Word produce worship in you. And as you enter September, don't merely carry memories from August—carry God's Word with you. 🔊*Prophetic Declaration:* Today, I declare that the Word of Christ shall dwell richly in me. God's Word shall become deeply rooted in my heart, mind, character, decisions, and daily life. I declare that the Word of God shall give me wisdom beyond my natural understanding. I shall receive divine guidance for every decision and discernment for every circumstance. I proclaim that my mind shall be filled with truth rather than fear, faith rather than doubt, hope rather than discouragement, and gratitude rather than complaining. Today, I declare that every negative influence competing for control of my heart shall lose its power. I choose to make room for God's Word and allow Christ to shape my thoughts and attitudes. I declare that God's Word shall guide my family, ministry, work, business, studies, relationships, and destiny. Every area of my life shall increasingly come under the influence of His truth. I proclaim that my mouth shall become a source of wisdom, encouragement, correction, comfort, and grace. The words I speak shall build people up rather than tear them down. I declare that God will use me to teach, encourage, counsel, and strengthen others. May the wisdom He gives me become a blessing to my family, church, community, and generation. Today, I receive grace to worship God not only with my lips but with my life. May psalms, hymns, spiritual songs, thanksgiving, and genuine praise continually flow from my heart. I declare that the grace of God shall replace heaviness in my heart with songs of praise. Where there has been sorrow, may God give me renewed strength to worship Him. As this month comes to an end, I declare that I will not carry unnecessary burdens, bitterness, disappointment, or fear into the new month. I release them to God and receive His peace. I proclaim that everything good God has started in my life during August shall continue to grow and produce fruit according to His will. I declare that September shall meet me prepared, spiritually strengthened, wiser, more focused, and more deeply rooted in God's Word. The Word of Christ dwells richly in me. Wisdom fills my heart. Praise fills my mouth. Grace fills my relationships. Faith fills my spirit. And Christ is glorified through my life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen! 🙏🔥 ✅*Action Steps for today:* 1️⃣ Begin with thanksgiving: Thank God for bringing you safely to the last Sunday of August. 2️⃣ Read Colossians 3:12–17: Meditate especially on verse 16 and ask God to make His Word deeply rooted in you. 3️⃣ Declare: “The Word of Christ dwells richly in me; I am filled with wisdom, grace, faith, and praise.” 4️⃣ Review August: Think about what God has taught you, where He helped you, and what areas of your life still need surrender. 5️⃣ Release the past month: Forgive, let go, and surrender disappointments, failures, worries, and unanswered questions to God. 6️⃣ Fill your heart with Scripture: Choose one Bible verse to carry with you into September and meditate on it regularly. 7️⃣ Encourage someone: Use God's Word to encourage, teach, comfort, or strengthen someone today. 8️⃣ Worship intentionally: Sing a hymn, psalm, or spiritual song and thank God for His faithfulness throughout August. 9️⃣ Pray into September: Commit the new month, your family, ministry, work, business, studies, and plans into God's hands. 🔥*Sunday & Month-End Prayer:* Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your faithfulness throughout the month of August. Thank You for every day You preserved me, every prayer You answered, every battle You brought me through, every lesson You taught me, and every blessing You gave me. As this month comes to an end, I pray that the Word of Christ will dwell richly in me. Let Your Word take deep root in my heart. Let it shape my thoughts, decisions, attitudes, conversations, relationships, and actions. Give me wisdom to live according to Your will. Let Your Word be my guide when I am confused, my encouragement when I am discouraged, my strength when I am weak, and my hope when circumstances are difficult. Lord, make me a blessing to others. Give me words that teach, encourage, comfort, correct, and strengthen. Let my life point people toward Jesus. Fill my heart with worship and thanksgiving. May praise rise from me even when circumstances are not perfect. Give me a heart that recognizes Your goodness every day. As I close the chapter of August, I surrender everything that happened this month into Your hands. I release every disappointment, failure, mistake, worry, unanswered prayer, and painful experience. Thank You for the victories. Thank You for the lessons. Thank You for the preservation. Thank You for the grace. Thank You for bringing me this far. Lord, prepare me for September. Let me enter the new month with renewed strength, greater wisdom, deeper faith, clearer vision, and a stronger commitment to Your Word. Establish the work of my hands. Bless my family. Strengthen my ministry. Prosper my honest endeavors. Guide my studies and decisions. Order my steps and let Your perfect will be accomplished in my life. Let Your Word dwell richly in me, and let my life become a living testimony of Your grace. In Jesus' mighty name. Amen. 🙏🕊️✨ 🌿*Blessing for the Last Sunday of August:* May the Word of Christ dwell richly in your heart and fill you with divine wisdom. May God's Word guide your steps, strengthen your faith, guard your heart, and shape your decisions. As August comes to an end, may the Lord bring completion to everything He has ordained for this month. May every good seed planted during August continue to grow and produce fruit. May God give you grace to leave behind every burden that does not belong in your next season. As you enter September, may you enter with fresh strength, renewed vision, deeper faith, greater wisdom, divine favor, and a heart full of praise. May your family be blessed. May your ministry be fruitful. May your work be established. May your business prosper according to God's will. May your studies yield excellent results. May your relationships be strengthened. May your destiny continue to unfold according to God's purpose. 🌟 The Word will guide you. 📖 Wisdom will lead you. 🕊️ Grace will sustain you. 🔥 Faith will strengthen you. 🙌 Praise will fill your heart. 🌟 13TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY 🌟 5TH SUNDAY & LAST SUNDAY IN AUGUST 📖 “LET THE WORD OF CHRIST DWELL IN YOU RICHLY IN ALL WISDOM.” — COLOSSIANS 3:16. As August closes, may God's Word remain alive in you, and as September begins, may you step into a new month filled with His wisdom, grace, peace, favor, and divine direction. Good morning beloved, happy Sunday and do have a blessed, joyful, fruitful, and spiritually refreshing last Sunday of August! 🙏📖🔥🕊️ Shalom! *Remember: Your confession is your possession.* *©️ Postulant C. O. Oyadosu.* _Please share with others, thank you and God bless you 🙏_ For counseling, prayers and partnership or you want to share your testimonies with us; please call or Whatsapp: +2348063128703 Or Email: clementoyadosu[gmail].com

You did not survive every storm, endure every setback, and rise from every broken place just to be abandoned here. The road may have been long, but every step has carried you closer to the door God is opening. On the other side is more than relief—it is healing for the wounds, peace for the weary places, restoration for what was lost, and purpose for everything you have endured. Keep walking. Keep trusting. The same God who carried you this far will be faithful in the next chapter too. “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6 You are not finished. God is still writing your story, and the door ahead is opening into victory. ❤️ #RiseInGrace #GodIsFaithful #HealingJourney #KeepTheFaith #Purpose

TWO ETERNAL REALITIES!!!! CHOOSE JESUS CHRIST TODAY!!! “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15 There are decisions in life that can be changed tomorrow. You can change your career. You can move to another city. You can repair a broken relationship. You can change your mind about many things. But there is one decision Scripture repeatedly tells us not to postpone: What will you do with Jesus Christ? The Bible presents us with two ultimate destinations: Eternal life with God through Jesus Christ or eternal separation from God because of the rejection of His salvation. This is not a game. This is not something to treat casually. And it is not a decision to postpone indefinitely. Jesus repeatedly warned people about eternity because He loves us. --- CHOICE ONE: RECEIVE JESUS CHRIST Jesus said: «“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6» The Gospel begins with an uncomfortable truth: We have all sinned. Romans 3:23 says: «“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”» But God did not leave humanity without hope. He sent His Son. Jesus Christ came into this world, lived without sin, willingly went to the cross, died for our sins, and rose again. John 3:16 declares: «“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”» Think about the magnitude of that promise. God's response to our rebellion was not simply judgment. He offered mercy. God's response to our sin was not merely condemnation. He offered forgiveness. God's response to our hopelessness was Jesus Christ. --- JESUS IS CALLING YOU Jesus said: «“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28» Notice the invitation: Come to Me. Not: “Fix yourself first.” Not: “Become perfect first.” Not: “Make yourself worthy first.” Come to Me. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Trust Him. Follow Him. Receive His grace. And let Christ transform your life. --- THE RAPTURE AND THE RETURN OF CHRIST Scripture teaches believers to remain watchful for Christ's return. Jesus said: «“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42» Paul describes the resurrection and gathering of believers to Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17. Whether Christ returns during our lifetime or we eventually leave this earthly life, the Christian's ultimate hope remains the same: To be with Christ. That is why believers are told: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The message of Christ's return is not supposed to produce hopeless terror in those who belong to Him. It should produce: Hope. Readiness. Faithfulness. Holiness. Expectation. --- HEAVEN IS MORE THAN A PLACE Heaven's greatest blessing isn't simply beautiful scenery. It isn't merely freedom from pain. It isn't merely reunion. It isn't merely eternal life. The greatest blessing is God Himself. Revelation 21:3 says: «“God's dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them.”» And Revelation 21:4 gives us one of Scripture's most beautiful promises: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Imagine a world where death is gone. Where suffering is gone. Where sin is gone. Where tears are gone. Where separation is gone. Where God's people dwell with Him forever. Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate Christian hope: To see Jesus face to face. --- CHOICE TWO: REJECT CHRIST The Bible also gives a solemn warning. God does not force people to love Him. He does not force people to receive His salvation. He gives humanity a genuine choice. Jesus spoke seriously about judgment. Matthew 7:13–14 describes two roads: «“Enter through the narrow gate.”» Jesus also warned: «“Broad is the road that leads to destruction.”» This warning should never be used to frighten people into religious performance. It should instead awaken us to reality. Eternity matters. Our response to Christ matters. Our relationship with God matters. --- THE TERRIBLE TRAGEDY OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE The tragedy of final judgment is not merely punishment. It is the ultimate loss of fellowship with God. God is the source of life. God is the source of goodness. God is the source of love. God is the source of hope. To reject God is to reject the very One who offers reconciliation. Jesus warned about hell because He did not want people to go there. The warnings of Scripture are therefore not evidence that God doesn't care. They are evidence that God takes eternity seriously. --- DON'T WAIT UNTIL IT IS TOO LATE James 4:14 reminds us that our earthly life is like a mist that appears briefly and then disappears. None of us knows exactly how long we have. We should therefore never say: “I'll get right with God someday.” Someday isn't guaranteed. Tomorrow isn't promised. The Bible says: «“Now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.” — 2 Corinthians 6:2» And Hebrews 3:15 says: «“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”» If the Holy Spirit is convicting your heart today: Don't run from Him. Turn toward Him. --- REPENTANCE IS NOT GOD'S ENEMY Repentance isn't God trying to ruin your life. Repentance means turning around. Turning away from sin. Turning toward God. Turning away from rebellion. Turning toward Jesus. Turning away from darkness. Turning toward the Light. Jesus began His ministry with this message: «“Repent and believe the good news!” — Mark 1:15» Repentance isn't about earning salvation. It is about responding to God's grace with a surrendered heart. --- YOU CANNOT SAVE YOURSELF Ephesians 2:8–9 says: «“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.”» You cannot purchase salvation. You cannot earn salvation. You cannot manufacture salvation. You cannot become good enough to save yourself. Jesus saves. That is why the Gospel is called good news. Jesus did what we could never do. He paid the price for sin. He conquered death. He rose again. And He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who come to Him in faith. --- DON'T LET SATAN LIE TO YOU The enemy may whisper: “You're too far gone.” “God won't forgive you.” “You've failed too many times.” “There's no point coming back.” But those accusations are not the Gospel. Jesus says: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» What an incredible promise. Whoever comes. Not merely the perfect. Not merely the religious. Not merely the people who have never failed. Whoever comes. Come to Jesus. --- TWO ROADS There are ultimately two roads. One leads toward God. One leads away from God. One is surrender. One is rebellion. One receives grace. One rejects grace. One leads to life. One leads to destruction. And Jesus tells us to choose life. Deuteronomy 30:19 says: «“I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life.”» The invitation is before you. Choose Jesus. --- BUT DON'T LIVE IN TERROR Christianity isn't supposed to be: “I'm terrified that God will throw me away.” The Gospel says: God loved you enough to send Jesus to rescue you. Romans 8:1 says: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» If you have genuinely placed your faith in Christ, don't spend your entire life staring backward at your failures. Look toward Jesus. Confess your sins. Receive His forgiveness. Walk with Him. Grow in Him. And trust His grace. --- THE FINAL QUESTION One day every human being will stand before eternity. The question will not ultimately be: “How successful were you?” “How much money did you accumulate?” “How famous did you become?” “How many possessions did you own?” The most important question is: What did you do with Jesus Christ? Did you receive Him? Did you trust Him? Did you repent? Did you surrender? Did you follow Him? Jesus asks: «“Who do you say I am?” — Matthew 16:15» And Peter answered: «“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” — Matthew 16:16» That is the confession that changes everything. --- TODAY — CHOOSE JESUS If you have never surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, you can begin today. You don't need fancy words. You need an honest heart. You can say: “Jesus, I need You.” “Jesus, forgive me.” “Jesus, I repent.” “Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again.” “Jesus, I surrender my life to You.” “Be my Lord, my Savior, and my King.” Then begin walking with Him. Read His Word. Pray. Seek fellowship with genuine believers. Turn away from deliberate sin. Learn to obey Him. And when you stumble, get back up and return to Him. --- FINAL APPEAL Don't gamble with eternity. Don't assume you have unlimited time. Don't harden your heart. Don't allow pride to keep you from grace. Don't let shame keep you away from Jesus. Don't let yesterday determine tomorrow. Jesus Christ is calling you today. There is forgiveness. There is mercy. There is grace. There is salvation. There is hope. There is eternal life. And it is found in Jesus Christ. Choose Jesus. Not because you are terrified of death— but because He is worthy of your life. Not merely because heaven is beautiful— but because Jesus is there. Not merely because hell is terrible— but because God has opened the door of salvation through His Son. The invitation is before you. Come to Jesus. Repent. Believe. Surrender. Follow Him. And never turn back. --- DEEP PRAYER OF REPENTANCE, SURRENDER, AND ETERNAL HOPE Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. I recognize that You are holy, righteous, merciful, and loving. I recognize that I am a sinner and that I cannot save myself through my own goodness. I need Jesus. Lord Jesus Christ, I believe that You are the Son of God. I believe that You came into this world. I believe that You lived without sin. I believe that You willingly went to the cross. I believe that You died for our sins. I believe that You rose from the dead. And I believe that You are alive forevermore. Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Be my Lord. Be my Savior. Be my King. Forgive my sins. Wash me clean. Change my heart. Change my desires. Change my thinking. Change my words. Change my actions. Change my priorities. Take everything in me that does not belong to You and transform it by Your grace. Holy Spirit, lead me. Convict me when I wander. Correct me when I become proud. Strengthen me when I am weak. Comfort me when I am hurting. Teach me to recognize Your voice through the truth of Scripture. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a desire to pray. Give me a desire for holiness. Give me compassion for people who are lost. Give me courage to tell others about Jesus. Father, I don't want to live carelessly. I don't want to presume upon Your grace. I don't want to harden my heart. I don't want to spend my life chasing temporary things while neglecting eternal things. Help me keep eternity before my eyes. But Father, also help me remember that my life today matters. Give me strength to keep living faithfully. Give me strength to keep serving. Give me strength to keep loving. Give me strength to keep praying. Give me strength to keep believing. When fear about eternity comes against me, point me back to Jesus. When Satan accuses me, remind me of the finished work of Christ. When shame tells me I am too far gone, remind me of Your mercy. When I fall, teach me to repent and get back up. When I become discouraged, remind me that Your grace is greater than my failures. Father, keep my heart tender toward You. Don't allow me to become spiritually cold. Don't allow me to become complacent. Don't allow me to become distracted from Jesus. Help me finish my earthly race faithfully. And when my earthly journey eventually ends, let me be found trusting Christ. My hope is not in my own righteousness. My hope is Jesus. My confidence is not in my performance. My confidence is in Your grace. My salvation is not something I can boast about. It is Your gift. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for the blood of Jesus. Thank You for forgiveness. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for grace. Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Father, prepare me for eternity. Make me ready to meet Jesus. And until that day, help me live for Him with everything I have. I pray for those who are currently far away from You. Soften their hearts. Open their eyes. Break through their pride. Heal their wounds. Remove the lies that keep them from believing. Send faithful Christians into their lives who will lovingly share the Gospel. Let them encounter Jesus. Let them discover Your mercy. Let them turn from darkness toward light. Let them repent. Let them believe. Let them be saved. And Lord, help us never use the reality of judgment as an excuse to hate or condemn people. Instead, give us tears for the lost. Give us compassion. Give us patience. Give us courage. Give us love. Let us proclaim the truth while demonstrating the character of Christ. Father, I choose life. I choose Jesus. I choose surrender. I choose faith. I choose to follow Christ. And I ask You to help me remain faithful until the end. My future is in Your hands. My hope is in Jesus Christ. My eternity belongs to You. And my prayer is: “Come, Lord Jesus.” But until that glorious day, help me live for Jesus. Help me love like Jesus. Help me forgive like Jesus. Help me serve like Jesus. Help me pray like Jesus. Help me walk in holiness. Help me share the Gospel. Help me finish well. And when I finally see Jesus face to face, may my heart be filled with overwhelming gratitude that He never stopped calling me toward Himself. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus Christ is my King. Jesus Christ is my hope. Jesus Christ is my eternal life. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️👑 ************************ THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS CHRIST A Standalone Sermon: Be Ready for the Return of the King 👑 “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” — Matthew 24:42 There is one promise running throughout the New Testament that every Christian should take seriously: JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. The early Church lived with this expectation. The apostles preached it. Jesus promised it. The book of Revelation ends with it. And Christians throughout history have looked forward to the day when faith becomes sight and we see our King face to face. But what exactly does the Bible mean when we talk about the Rapture and the Second Coming? And more importantly: How should we live if Jesus could return at any time? --- 1. JESUS PROMISED TO RETURN Jesus didn't leave His disciples with the idea that His earthly ministry was the end. He told them: «“I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” — John 14:3» What an incredible promise. Jesus is not abandoning His people. He is coming again. The Christian hope is not based upon wishful thinking. It is based upon the promise of the risen Christ. The One who came the first time in humility will ultimately return in glory. --- 2. WHAT IS THE RAPTURE? The word “rapture” isn't found in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept comes from passages describing believers being “caught up” to meet Christ. Paul writes: «“The Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive… will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17» Think about those words: The dead in Christ will rise. Believers who are alive will be caught up. We will meet the Lord. And we will be with the Lord forever. Paul concludes: «“And so we will be with the Lord forever.”» Then he says: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» The Rapture, therefore, is fundamentally a message of hope for believers. --- 3. THE RESURRECTION OF BELIEVERS Paul gives another remarkable description in 1 Corinthians 15. He says: «“We will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet.” — 1 Corinthians 15:51–52» Our present bodies are temporary. But God promises resurrection. Corruption will give way to incorruption. Mortality will give way to immortality. And Paul declares: «“Death has been swallowed up in victory.” — 1 Corinthians 15:54» That is the Christian hope. Death does not have the final word. Jesus does. --- 4. WHAT IS THE SECOND COMING? The Second Coming refers to Christ's glorious return. Jesus said: «“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory.” — Matthew 24:30» This isn't presented as a secret or insignificant event. Christ returns as King. Revelation 19 portrays Him as the victorious King riding forth in righteousness. The One who was mocked will be revealed in glory. The One who was rejected will be acknowledged as King. The One who was crucified will return in triumph. --- 5. RAPTURE AND SECOND COMING — ARE THEY THE SAME EVENT? Christians disagree about exactly how these prophetic passages fit together. Some believe the Rapture occurs before the tribulation and that Christ's visible Second Coming occurs later. Others believe the gathering of believers happens in connection with Christ's visible return. There are also other interpretations concerning the timing of these events. We should therefore be humble when discussing the exact prophetic timeline. But there are truths we can hold firmly: Jesus is coming again. The dead in Christ will be raised. Believers will be gathered to Christ. Jesus will return in glory. Christ will ultimately triumph over evil. God will judge with perfect righteousness. God will establish His eternal kingdom. God will make all things new. Those truths are far more important than winning arguments about timelines. --- 6. THE RAPTURE SHOULD PRODUCE HOPE Some people hear about the Rapture and immediately become terrified. But Paul didn't present the resurrection and gathering of believers primarily as a message of terror. He said: «“Encourage one another with these words.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:18» Why? Because the Christian has a future. The grave isn't the end. Death isn't the end. Suffering isn't the end. Grief isn't the end. Jesus is coming. Resurrection is coming. Restoration is coming. Eternal life is coming. --- 7. THE SECOND COMING SHOULD PRODUCE HOLINESS Peter asks an important question concerning Christ's return: «“What kind of people ought you to be?” — 2 Peter 3:11» In other words: If Jesus is coming again, How should we live today? The answer isn't: “Try to calculate the exact date.” Jesus specifically warned against that kind of certainty. Instead: Be ready. Be faithful. Be watchful. Repent when you sin. Forgive people. Love God. Love your neighbor. Share the Gospel. Walk in holiness. Keep your heart tender toward God. --- 8. DON'T WAIT UNTIL TOMORROW Jesus repeatedly emphasized watchfulness. Matthew 24:44 says: «“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”» We don't know exactly when Christ will return. We don't know how long our earthly lives will last. Therefore: Today matters. If you need to repent, repent today. If you need to forgive, forgive today. If you need to return to God, return today. If you've grown spiritually cold, come back today. If you've been putting off following Jesus, don't keep postponing it. --- 9. THE WARNING OF MATTHEW 7 Jesus gave one of the most sobering warnings in Scripture: «“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 7:21» Jesus wasn't teaching that salvation comes through human perfection. He was warning against empty profession. It is possible to say religious words while never truly surrendering our hearts to God. Therefore, don't merely say: “I believe in Jesus.” Ask: Am I actually following Jesus? Do I repent when He convicts me? Do I trust His grace? Do I desire His presence? Do I want His will? Do I love His Word? Do I seek to obey Him? Do I get back up when I fall? Christianity isn't merely a label. It is a relationship with Jesus Christ that transforms the direction of our lives. --- 10. DON'T LET FEAR DRIVE YOU AWAY FROM JESUS If you are worried about your salvation, don't run away from Christ. Run toward Him. Jesus said: «“Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.” — John 6:37» That is a beautiful promise. When you fail: Come to Jesus. When you sin: Come to Jesus. When you are ashamed: Come to Jesus. When you are afraid: Come to Jesus. When your faith feels weak: Come to Jesus. When you don't know what to do: Come to Jesus. He is the Savior. --- 11. THERE IS NO CONDEMNATION FOR THOSE IN CHRIST Romans 8:1 declares: «“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”» That doesn't mean sin doesn't matter. It means Christ has provided the answer for sin. The believer's confidence isn't: “I am perfect.” It is: “Jesus is my Savior.” Our hope isn't based on our ability to perform perfectly. Our hope rests upon the finished work of Christ. --- 12. HEAVEN IS THE DESTINATION OF OUR HOPE What awaits God's people? Revelation 21:4 says: «“There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain.”» Revelation 22:4 says: «“They will see his face.”» That is the ultimate hope. Not merely beautiful surroundings. Not merely freedom from suffering. Not merely eternal existence. Jesus Himself. One day we will see our Savior. One day we will understand. One day the tears will end. One day death will be defeated forever. One day God will make everything new. --- 13. SO BE READY Jesus said: «“Keep watch.”» Not: “Live in panic.” Not: “Spend your life trying to predict the date.” Not: “Argue endlessly with other Christians about prophetic timelines.” Keep watch. Live ready. Love ready. Pray ready. Serve ready. Repent ready. Forgive ready. Share the Gospel ready. And if Jesus returns tomorrow— be ready to meet Him. If He returns years from now— be faithful until then. If our earthly lives end before His return— our hope remains Christ. --- FINAL APPEAL There is coming a day when every earthly distraction will disappear. Money won't matter. Possessions won't matter. Status won't matter. Career won't matter. Popularity won't matter. The only thing that will matter is Jesus Christ. So don't spend your life preparing only for retirement. Prepare for eternity. Don't merely prepare your house. Prepare your heart. Don't merely build earthly wealth. Build treasure in heaven. Don't merely ask: “How long will I live?” Ask: “How will I live for Jesus while I am here?” Jesus Christ is coming again. The King is coming. The resurrection is coming. The kingdom is coming. The restoration is coming. And the Bible's final invitation remains: «“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’” — Revelation 22:17» And the final promise of Jesus is: «“Yes, I am coming soon.” — Revelation 22:20» So let the Church answer: “AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!” Until that day: KEEP WATCHING. KEEP PRAYING. KEEP BELIEVING. KEEP REPENTING. KEEP FOLLOWING JESUS. KEEP YOUR LAMP BURNING. KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE KING. 👑 JESUS CHRIST IS COMING AGAIN. ✝️ --- DEEP PRAYER — “LORD JESUS, MAKE ME READY” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for the promise that Jesus Christ is coming again. Thank You that death does not have the final word. Thank You for the resurrection. Thank You for eternal life. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for the empty tomb. Thank You for grace. Thank You for mercy. Thank You for forgiveness. Father, prepare my heart for eternity. Search me and know me. Reveal anything in my life that needs to change. Where I have become spiritually cold, set my heart on fire again. Where I have become distracted, turn my eyes back toward Jesus. Where I have become proud, humble me. Where I have become careless, awaken me. Where I have become fearful, strengthen my faith. Where I have sinned, lead me to genuine repentance. Where I have wounded others, teach me to seek forgiveness. Where others have wounded me, give me grace to forgive. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. You are my Lord. You are my Savior. You are my King. I do not want merely to know about You. I want to know You. I don't want merely to carry the name “Christian.” I want my life to belong to Christ. Holy Spirit, transform me from the inside out. Give me a hunger for God's Word. Give me a deeper prayer life. Give me discernment. Give me holiness. Give me obedience. Give me endurance. Give me compassion for the lost. Give me courage to share the Gospel. Help me become the person You have called me to be. Father, when I think about the return of Christ, don't allow fear to consume me. Give me holy expectation. Help me look forward to seeing Jesus. Help me remember that the promise of Christ's return is ultimately a promise of hope. When I hear about the Rapture, remind me of the promise: “We will be with the Lord forever.” When I think about Christ's Second Coming, remind me that our King will ultimately triumph. When I think about judgment, lead me to repentance rather than despair. When Satan accuses me, remind me that my hope is Jesus Christ. When I fall, help me get back up. When I fail, help me return to You. When I am weak, strengthen me. When I am exhausted, carry me. When I don't understand Your ways, help me trust Your character. Father, keep my heart ready. Let me never become complacent. Let me never assume that tomorrow is guaranteed. Teach me to live each day as though it matters eternally. Help me love people while I have the opportunity. Help me forgive while I have the opportunity. Help me serve while I have the opportunity. Help me tell people about Jesus while I have the opportunity. And Lord, please give me wisdom concerning the end times. Protect me from false teaching. Protect me from sensationalism. Protect me from fear. Protect me from deception. Help me remain anchored in Scripture. Where faithful Christians disagree about prophetic details, give us humility and love. Keep the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ. Father, I pray for everyone who is far from You. Open their hearts. Open their eyes. Let them encounter the love and truth of Jesus Christ. Lead them to repentance. Lead them to faith. Lead them to salvation. And use Your people to proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion. Lord Jesus, when You return, let me be found watching. Let me be found praying. Let me be found loving. Let me be found serving. Let me be found trusting You. Let me be found faithful. And when I finally see You face to face, may I fall before Your throne in worship and realize that every promise You made was true. No more death. No more sorrow. No more crying. No more pain. Only the presence of God. Only the glory of Christ. Only eternal life. Only the joy of being with You. Father, until that day, help me keep walking. Help me keep believing. Help me keep hoping. Help me keep serving. Help me keep my eyes upon Jesus. And let my heart continually cry: “COME, LORD JESUS!” Until You come, I will seek to live for You. Until You come, I will trust You. Until You come, I will worship You. Until You come, I will proclaim Your Gospel. Until You come, I will keep my eyes on the King. Jesus Christ is coming again. He is my hope. He is my Savior. He is my Lord. He is my King. In the mighty, holy, precious, and glorious name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️👑 ----------------------------------------------------- The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app *************************************************** DON'T LOOK AT YOURSELF — LOOK AT YOUR SHEPHERD Finding Confidence in Christ When Matthew 7:21–23 Frightens You Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:21–23; Romans 8:1; Romans 8:38–39; John 6:37; John 10:27–29; Ephesians 2:8–9; 1 John 5:11–13 Introduction There are words in the Bible that comfort us deeply, and there are words that make us tremble. Matthew 7:21–23 is one of those passages that can cause a sincere Christian to stop and ask: “What if I think I belong to Jesus, but I really don't?” Jesus says that not everyone who calls Him “Lord” will enter the kingdom of heaven. He speaks of people who point to their religious accomplishments—even things they claim to have done in His name—and yet hear the terrifying words, “I never knew you.” That warning should cause us to take our relationship with Christ seriously. But it should not drive a person who genuinely wants Christ into hopelessness. Because Matthew 7 must be read alongside the enormous promises of Romans 8. The answer is not to stare endlessly at ourselves and ask, “Am I good enough?” The answer is to look to Jesus Christ. 1. Matthew 7 Is a Warning Against False Confidence Jesus was warning against people who had religious words and religious accomplishments but lacked a genuine relationship with Him. They said: “Lord, Lord…” They pointed to what they had done. But Jesus said: “I never knew you.” Notice something important. The issue wasn't that these people had committed some ordinary Christian failure and Jesus suddenly decided they weren't good enough. Their confidence was ultimately centered in what they had done, rather than in knowing and submitting to Christ. That is why this passage should lead us to examine our foundation—not to live in perpetual terror. Ask: Am I trusting Jesus Christ? Am I turning toward Him when I fail? Do I want Him to be Lord of my life? Do I desire to follow Him, even though I am imperfect? Those questions are very different from: “Have I been perfect enough to deserve heaven?” Because none of us can answer that question with “yes.” 2. Your Salvation Is Not Built Upon Your Perfection Ephesians 2:8–9 says that we are saved by grace through faith, not by our works. That means salvation isn't a trophy we earn after successfully completing a lifetime of flawless Christianity. We are sinners who need a Savior. And our Savior is Jesus. When you fall, you don't need to run away from Christ. You need to run toward Him. When you fail, repent. When you sin, confess it. When you become discouraged, return to Him. When you doubt, seek Him. When you feel unworthy, remember that your worthiness was never the foundation of salvation in the first place. Jesus is the foundation. 3. Romans 8 Does Not Contradict Matthew 7 Now we come to the passage that can bring tremendous comfort. Romans 8:1 declares: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Notice those words: “In Christ Jesus.” Paul doesn't say there is no condemnation because Christians never make mistakes. He says there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. And later in Romans 8, Paul gives one of Scripture's greatest declarations of security. Nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. That means your assurance isn't: “I am strong enough to hold onto Jesus.” Your hope is: “Jesus is strong enough to hold onto me.” 4. Look at What Jesus Himself Promised Jesus said in John 6:37: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Think about that. Never. If you genuinely come to Christ, you don't need to imagine Jesus standing there waiting for an opportunity to throw you away. Jesus is the Good Shepherd. John 10:27–29 speaks of His sheep hearing His voice, following Him, and being held securely in His hand. The Christian life is not: “I must become perfect so Jesus will finally accept me.” It is: “Because Jesus has loved me and called me, I want to follow Him.” 5. Don't Make Your Feelings Your Judge There will be nights when you feel close to God. There will also be nights when you feel absolutely nothing. There will be moments of tremendous faith. There will be moments of terrible doubt. There will be seasons when prayer seems easy. There will be seasons when your prayers feel like they hit the ceiling. Your feelings are real, but your feelings are not your Savior. Jesus is. Your emotions can change from hour to hour. Christ does not. Your confidence should ultimately rest not upon how strongly you feel saved, but upon the character and promises of Jesus Christ. 6. What About the Sins and Mistakes of Your Past? Perhaps you've lived many years and look backward thinking: “I've made so many mistakes. What if God holds them all against me?” The Gospel gives us an answer. Christ died for sinners. Repentance means turning toward God rather than making peace with sin. A Christian may stumble. A Christian may fail. A Christian may have seasons of weakness. But don't confuse struggling with sin with loving and deliberately embracing rebellion against God. When you fall, get back up. When you wander, come home. When you become cold, ask God to revive your heart. When you become afraid, remember the cross. The blood of Jesus is not weaker than your past. 7. Your Confidence Must Be in Christ Perhaps the most important sentence in this entire sermon is this: STOP MEASURING THE STRENGTH OF YOUR SALVATION BY THE STRENGTH OF YOURSELF. You are not the Savior. Jesus is. You did not die on the cross for your sins. Jesus did. You did not rise from the grave. Jesus did. You cannot forgive your own sins. Jesus can. You cannot guarantee your own future. But you can entrust your future to the One who holds eternity in His hands. So when Matthew 7 frightens you, don't ignore it. Let it drive you toward Christ. And when Romans 8 tells you there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, believe that promise too. The Bible contains both warning and comfort. The warning tells us: Don't pretend to know Christ while rejecting Him. The comfort tells the genuine believer: Don't live as though Christ is eager to abandon you. 8. The Question Is Not “Am I Perfect?” The question is: “Am I trusting Jesus Christ?” Are you coming to Him? Are you confessing your sins? Are you asking Him to forgive and transform you? Are you seeking to follow Him? Do you want Him as your Lord and Savior? Then don't spend every waking moment putting yourself on trial. Bring your fears to Jesus. Bring your failures to Jesus. Bring your doubts to Jesus. Bring your entire life to Jesus. LOOK TO THE SHEPHERD. Not yourself. Not your emotions. Not your performance. Not your past. Jesus. Conclusion One day every one of us will stand before God. Our hope on that day cannot be: “Lord, look how good I was.” Our hope is: “Lord Jesus, I trusted You.” The Gospel is not the story of good people becoming good enough for God. It is the story of a holy God reaching down to save sinners through His Son. So don't run from Jesus because you're afraid you're not good enough. Run to Jesus because you know you aren't. And discover that His grace is greater than your failures. When fear whispers: “What if Jesus rejects you?” Answer with His promise: “Whoever comes to Me I will never cast out.” — John 6:37 When condemnation whispers: “You're finished.” Answer with Scripture: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1 When fear says: “You will be separated from God's love.” Remember Romans 8:38–39: Nothing in all creation can separate those who are in Christ from the love of God. So tonight, tomorrow, and every day: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Look at Jesus. Trust Him. Follow Him. Repent when you fall. Receive His grace. And keep your eyes fixed upon Christ. --- CLOSING PRAYER Heavenly Father, I come before You in the name of Jesus Christ. Lord, I confess that I am not perfect. I have failed You many times. I have sinned, made mistakes, wandered, doubted, become discouraged, and sometimes wondered whether I truly belong to You. But today I choose not to put my confidence in myself. I put my confidence in Jesus Christ. Thank You for sending Your Son to die for sinners. Thank You that salvation is by grace through faith and not something I can earn through my own works. Lord Jesus, help me understand Matthew 7:21–23 correctly. Let its warning keep me humble, sincere, repentant, and genuinely devoted to You—but don't allow fear to make me forget Your promises of mercy and grace. When I fail, help me run toward You instead of hiding from You. When I sin, give me genuine repentance. When I doubt, strengthen my faith. When I feel condemned, remind me of Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” When I fear that You will abandon me, remind me of Your promise: “Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” Jesus, You are my Shepherd. I cannot save myself. I cannot make myself worthy. I cannot depend upon my own goodness. I need You. Help me follow You faithfully for the rest of my life. Give me a heart that loves You. Give me a heart that hates sin. Give me a heart that quickly repents. Give me a heart that desires Your presence. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me more like Jesus. And when the enemy whispers condemnation into my mind, help me remember that my hope is not in how strong I am. My hope is in how faithful You are. Father, I place my past in Your mercy. I place my present in Your hands. And I place my future in Your hands. I choose to trust Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Help me keep my eyes upon my Shepherd until the day I see Him face to face. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 🙏✝️❤️ REMEMBER: Don't look at yourself. Look at your Shepherd. Don't trust your perfection. Trust Christ. Don't run away when you fail. Run back to Jesus. Your hope is not in yourself. Your hope is in Jesus Christ. ------------------------------------------------------ The Most Downloaded and Used Bible App in the World!!! Built to help people create daily spiritual rhythms, the Bible App brings Scripture to life on any device, in thousands of languages. All completely free. Whether it’s a verse before school, a devotional with friends, or a shared prayer in a church group, this is more than an app. It’s a community of people staying connected to God through His Word. Download the Bible App https://www.youversion.com/bible-app ************************************************** 🔥 THE REGENERATED LIFE: YOU CANNOT MAKE PEACE WITH SIN “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 There is a powerful truth in the Gospel that we must never forget: Jesus doesn't merely forgive us—He changes us. When the Holy Spirit regenerates a person, that person receives a new spiritual life. Their relationship with sin changes. Sin may still tempt them. They may still stumble. They may still fail. But they can no longer comfortably say, “Sin is my lifestyle, and I don't care what God says.” --- ✝️ REGENERATION PRODUCES A NEW LIFE John writes: > “No one who abides in him keeps on sinning.” — 1 John 3:6 And: > “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him.” — 1 John 3:9 These are extremely serious words. Being born again isn't simply changing our religious label. It isn't merely saying a prayer. It isn't simply attending church. It isn't simply knowing Bible verses. Regeneration means God gives us new spiritual life. The Holy Spirit begins transforming our desires, our attitudes, our choices, and our relationship with God. --- 🔥 GRACE DOES NOT GIVE US PERMISSION TO LIVE IN SIN Paul anticipated this very question: > “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means!” — Romans 6:1–2 Grace is not God's permission slip for rebellion. Jesus didn't die so that we could say: “Now I can sin without consequences.” He died to rescue us from the dominion of sin. Romans 6:14 says: > “For sin will have no dominion over you.” The Christian life isn't: “I am saved, therefore I can live however I want.” It is: “I have been saved by Christ, therefore I want to live for Christ.” --- ❤️ BUT CHRISTIANS STILL FALL This distinction is extremely important. If regeneration meant that a Christian would never commit another sin, then John would never have written: > “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves.” — 1 John 1:8 Christians can stumble. Christians can become weak. Christians can make terrible decisions. Christians can fall into temptation. Peter denied Jesus. David committed terrible sins. But there is a difference between: FALLING INTO SIN and DELiberately MAKING SIN YOUR WAY OF LIFE. A regenerated believer may fall—but God's Spirit doesn't leave them comfortable in the pit. The Holy Spirit convicts. The conscience becomes troubled. The believer turns back. Repentance begins. And they cry: “Lord Jesus, forgive me and help me!” --- 🕊️ THE HOLY SPIRIT CHANGES OUR DIRECTION Ezekiel 36:26–27 gives a beautiful picture of God's transforming work: > “I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you.” And: > “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” That's regeneration. God doesn't merely tell us: “Try harder.” He gives us His Spirit. He gives us a new heart. He begins changing us from the inside out. --- 🔥 WHAT DOES A REGENERATED PERSON LOOK LIKE? A regenerated Christian isn't necessarily someone who never struggles. It is someone whose direction has changed. They begin to hate what they once loved. They begin to love what God loves. They become increasingly sensitive to sin. They desire God's Word. They desire prayer. They desire fellowship with God. They repent when they fall. They want Jesus—not merely the benefits of Jesus. And gradually, the fruit of the Spirit begins appearing: > “Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” — Galatians 5:22–23 🌱 Transformation takes time. A newborn Christian is still growing. God doesn't demand that a spiritual infant immediately possess the maturity of a lifelong believer. But there should be life. There should be growth. There should be movement toward Christ. --- ⚠️ DON'T USE GRACE AS AN EXCUSE Romans 6:12 says: > “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” Don't deliberately feed what God is trying to kill. Don't continually return to the same chains while saying: “Grace doesn't matter.” Instead: Run toward Jesus. When temptation comes—pray. When you fall—repent. When you are weak—ask for strength. When you are discouraged—remember God's promises. When you fail—don't hide from God. Come back to Him. --- ✝️ YOUR CONFIDENCE IS JESUS Here's something every believer needs to understand: Your salvation doesn't rest upon your ability to perform perfectly. Your salvation rests upon Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8–9: > “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not a result of works.” And Philippians 1:6 gives us tremendous hope: > “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Therefore: Don't become proud when you succeed. Don't despair when you stumble. Stay close to Jesus. Keep repenting. Keep believing. Keep following. Keep surrendering. Keep growing. Keep your eyes on Christ. --- 🙏 PRAYER — “LORD, MAKE ME A NEW CREATION” Heavenly Father, I come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Thank You for Your incredible grace and mercy. Thank You that salvation isn't something I can earn through my own works. Thank You that Jesus Christ died for my sins and rose again. Lord Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Give me a new heart. Give me a new spirit. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit. Break the power of sin over my life. Help me stop making excuses for things that You want removed from my life. Give me genuine repentance. Give me genuine faith. Give me genuine obedience. Give me genuine love for You. Lord, I know I am still capable of stumbling. When I fall, don't let me run away from You. Teach me to run toward You. Convict me when I sin. Give me humility to confess it. Give me strength to turn away from it. Give me perseverance to keep following You. I don't want to merely call You Lord with my lips. I want You to truly be Lord of my life. Change my desires. Change my thoughts. Change my words. Change my actions. Make me increasingly like Jesus. Produce the fruit of Your Spirit in me. Let love replace hatred. Let purity replace impurity. Let forgiveness replace bitterness. Let humility replace pride. Let obedience replace rebellion. Let faith replace fear. And when Satan reminds me of my failures, remind me of the cross. When condemnation overwhelms me, remind me: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I don't want to live in deliberate rebellion against You. I want to walk with You. I want to know You. I want to love You. I want to serve You. I want to finish my race faithfully. Lord Jesus, keep me close to You until the day I see You face-to-face. You are my Savior. You are my Lord. You are my King. You are my righteousness. You are my hope. I place my life and eternity into Your hands. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, AMEN. 🙏✝️🔥 🌅 FINAL REMINDER Regeneration doesn't mean you never stumble. Regeneration means you don't want to remain in the darkness. You may fall—but get back up. You may fail—but run back to Jesus. You may struggle—but don't surrender to sin. Because the One who saved you is also the One who is transforming you. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17 ✝️❤️🔥

📌 Today's Readings are from the Book of 2 Kings 23–24 | Ephesians 1 📌 👇 Overviews Are Below (PLEASE READ YOUR BIBLE: Overviews Do Not Replace Daily Reading) 👇 2 Kings 23 Revival Through the Word of God 2 Kings 23 records one of the greatest seasons of spiritual reform in Judah's history under King Josiah. After hearing the Book of the Law and humbling himself before the Lord, Josiah immediately begins leading the nation back to covenant faithfulness. His response demonstrates that genuine revival always begins with God's Word and continues through obedient action. Josiah gathers the people and publicly renews the covenant before the Lord. He does not keep God's truth private but calls the entire nation to return to faithful worship. The king understands that spiritual renewal must involve both personal repentance and public obedience. The reforms that follow are comprehensive. Josiah removes idols, destroys pagan altars, eliminates false worship, and cleanses the temple. Nothing that competes with devotion to the Lord is left untouched. His actions reveal that true repentance is more than sorrow over sin—it involves turning away from everything that dishonors God. One of the most significant moments in the chapter is the restoration of the Passover. For generations, this central celebration of God's redeeming work had been neglected. By restoring it, Josiah calls the nation to remember God's covenant faithfulness and their identity as His redeemed people. Worship becomes centered once again on God's saving acts rather than human traditions. Yet despite Josiah's remarkable faithfulness, the chapter reminds us that the accumulated rebellion of previous generations has consequences. God delays His judgment because of Josiah's humility, but the coming exile will still occur. National reform, though sincere, cannot erase centuries of persistent rebellion. Josiah's death at the end of the chapter marks the conclusion of a bright season in Judah's history. His passing prepares the way for the nation's final decline. Nevertheless, his example remains a testimony of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Theologically, 2 Kings 23 teaches that God's Word produces genuine repentance, which in turn leads to practical obedience. Revival is never merely emotional; it transforms worship, priorities, and daily living. The chapter also reveals that while God's mercy is abundant, sin carries consequences that cannot always be avoided. This chapter points to Christ, who fulfills the meaning of the Passover as the true Lamb of God. Josiah restored the celebration that pointed forward to Jesus, whose sacrifice would accomplish the ultimate redemption from sin. Christ brings the complete spiritual renewal that even Judah's greatest reforms could never fully achieve. For believers today, 2 Kings 23 reminds us that true revival begins when we humbly submit ourselves to God's Word. We are called to remove every idol from our hearts, renew our devotion to the Lord, and remember the redemption we have received through Christ. Genuine faith is demonstrated not merely by hearing God's truth but by obeying it wholeheartedly. 2 Kings 24 The Faithfulness of God in the Midst of Judgment 2 Kings 24 marks the beginning of Judah's final collapse before the Babylonian exile. After Josiah's death, a series of kings lead the nation back into rebellion against the Lord. Though prophets continue warning the people, they refuse to repent. The chapter records the fulfillment of what God had patiently declared for generations. Babylon rises to become the dominant world power, and Judah gradually falls under its control. Political alliances fail, military strength proves insufficient, and the nation experiences the consequences of years of covenant unfaithfulness. The writer emphasizes that these events are not simply the result of Babylon's military superiority but the outworking of God's righteous judgment. The chapter repeatedly points back to the sins of Manasseh and the persistent rebellion that followed him. Judah has consistently rejected God's Word, ignored His prophets, and embraced idolatry. The exile is therefore presented not as God's abandonment of His people but as His faithful response to His covenant warnings. King Jehoiakim rebels against Babylon despite God's clear purposes, bringing additional suffering upon the nation. His successors continue the same pattern of disobedience. Eventually, King Jehoiachin surrenders, and many of Judah's leaders, craftsmen, and treasures are carried away to Babylon. The exile has begun. Even in this difficult chapter, however, hope remains. God preserves the line of David by allowing Jehoiachin to live. Though the kingdom appears to have collapsed, God's covenant has not failed. His redemptive plan continues quietly through the preserved royal line, preparing the way for the coming Messiah. The chapter reminds us that God's judgment is always purposeful. His discipline is designed not to destroy His covenant but to purify His people and accomplish His larger redemptive purposes. Theologically, 2 Kings 24 reveals God's complete faithfulness. He fulfills both His promises of blessing and His warnings of judgment. The chapter also demonstrates that God's sovereign purposes continue even during seasons of loss, discipline, and apparent defeat. This chapter points to Christ, the faithful Son of David who remained obedient where Judah's kings repeatedly failed. Though the earthly kingdom entered exile, God's promise of an eternal King remained secure. Jesus fulfills that promise by establishing an everlasting kingdom that can never be conquered or carried away. For believers today, 2 Kings 24 reminds us that God's discipline flows from His faithfulness, not from His abandonment. Seasons of correction are opportunities to return to Him with humble hearts. In Christ, we have the assurance that even when circumstances seem difficult or uncertain, God's redemptive purposes continue unfolding. Our hope is not found in earthly kingdoms or temporary security but in the eternal reign of Jesus Christ, whose kingdom will never end. Ephesians — The Riches of God's Grace in the Christ The book of Ephesians presents one of the fullest pictures of God's eternal redemptive plan through the Christ, the Son of God. It begins by revealing everything believers have received in Him and then shows how those spiritual blessings are to shape everyday Christian living. The first half of the letter focuses on doctrine—who believers are in the Christ. The second half focuses on practice—how believers are to live because they belong to Him. A central theme throughout the book is God's eternal purpose in the Christ. Before the foundation of the world, God established His plan to redeem a people for Himself through His Son. Every promise, every blessing, and every aspect of salvation finds its fulfillment in the Christ. The redemptive plan is not an afterthought but the unfolding of God's eternal purpose. Another major emphasis is the believer's identity. Those who trust in the Christ are forgiven, adopted into God's family, sealed by the Holy Spirit, and seated with the Christ in heavenly places. They are no longer defined by their past but by their relationship with the Son of God. The book also highlights the unity of the Church. Through the Christ, God has brought together people from every background into one body. Walls of division have been removed, and believers now share one faith, one hope, one Lord, and one Spirit. Christian living reflects this unity through love, humility, and mutual service. Ephesians also emphasizes spiritual growth. Believers are called to put away the old way of life and grow into the likeness of the Christ. They are strengthened by the Holy Spirit, equipped for ministry, and encouraged to walk in holiness, wisdom, and love. The letter concludes with the reality of spiritual warfare. The Christian life involves ongoing conflict, not against people, but against spiritual forces. Yet believers do not fight in their own strength. The Son of God provides everything necessary to stand firm through the armor of God and the power of His Spirit. For believers today, Ephesians reminds us that our identity, purpose, strength, and hope are all found in the Christ. Christian living flows from understanding who we are because of what the Son of God has accomplished. As we walk in His grace, grow in His love, and stand firm in His truth, we display the beauty of His eternal redemptive plan to the world. Ephesians 1 — Every Spiritual Blessing in the Christ Ephesians chapter 1 opens with a magnificent celebration of God's eternal plan of salvation through the Christ, the Son of God. Rather than beginning with human need, Paul begins with God's grace, showing that every aspect of salvation originates with Him. The chapter reveals the immeasurable spiritual riches believers possess because they are united with the Christ. Christian living begins by understanding what God has already accomplished through His Son. The chapter begins by praising God for every spiritual blessing given through the Christ. These blessings are not earned through human effort but freely given by God's grace. The redemptive plan begins with God's initiative, not humanity's achievement. Every blessing believers enjoy flows from their relationship with the Son of God. Paul explains that God's purpose was established before the foundation of the world. Long before humanity fell into sin, God had already planned redemption through the Christ. This demonstrates the certainty and sovereignty of His redemptive plan. The Son of God did not come as a response to an unexpected problem but as the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose to redeem a people for Himself. The chapter then describes the privilege of adoption. Through the Christ, believers are brought into God's family as sons and daughters. This new relationship is based entirely upon God's love and grace. Christian living flows from the security of belonging to the Father through the Son. The believer no longer approaches God as a stranger but as a beloved child. Paul also emphasizes redemption through the blood of the Christ. Forgiveness is possible because the Son of God willingly gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin. Every debt has been paid, every sin forgiven, and every barrier between God and humanity removed through His finished work. The redemptive plan reaches its fulfillment in the sacrifice of the Christ. Another major theme is God's purpose to bring everything together under the authority of the Christ. History is moving toward the complete fulfillment of His kingdom. The Son of God reigns over all creation, and every promise God has made will ultimately find its completion in Him. Christian living is therefore marked by hope and confidence because believers know that God's purposes cannot fail. The chapter also highlights the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Those who believe in the Christ are sealed with the Spirit as God's own possession. The Holy Spirit serves as the guarantee of the inheritance awaiting believers. This assurance provides confidence that God's redemptive plan will be completed exactly as He has promised. Paul then prays that believers would grow in spiritual understanding. He desires that they know the hope of God's calling, the riches of their inheritance, and the greatness of His power. Christian living is strengthened as believers continually grow in their knowledge of the Son of God and understand the incredible blessings already given to them through Him. The chapter concludes by declaring the supreme authority of the Christ. God has exalted His Son above every ruler, authority, power, and dominion. The Church is described as His body, living under His headship and displaying His presence in the world. The redemptive plan reaches beyond individual salvation to the creation of a people who live under the lordship of the Christ and proclaim His glory. Throughout Ephesians chapter 1, the Christ stands at the center of every spiritual blessing. He is the source of election, adoption, redemption, forgiveness, inheritance, and eternal hope. Everything God has planned and accomplished is found in His beloved Son. For believers today, this chapter reminds us to begin our Christian lives by focusing on what God has already done through the Christ. Christian living is not driven by fear or striving but by gratitude for His abundant grace. We are called to live as God's adopted children, secure in His love, confident in His promises, and empowered by His Spirit. As we grow in our understanding of the Son of God, we increasingly reflect His glory and participate in His eternal redemptive plan. #DailyBibleReading #OpenYourBible #StudyTheWord #ScriptureForToday #FaithJourney #GodsWord #BibleTime #WalkWithGod

28 Beleifs # 24 CHRIST'S MINISTRY IN THE HEAVENLY SANCTUARY There is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the Lord set up and not humans. In it Christ ministers on our behalf, making available to believers the benefits of His atoning sacrifice offered once for all on the cross. At His ascension, He was inaugurated as our great High Priest and, began His intercessory ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 days, He entered the second and last phase of His atoning ministry, which was typified by the work of the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, typified by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood of animal sacrifices, but the heavenly things are purified with the perfect sacrifice of the blood of Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have part in the first resurrection. It also makes manifest who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates the justice of God in saving those who believe in Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human probation before the Second Advent.

MAKE YOUR LIFE COUNT FOR JESUS. Jude 1:24-25 NIV‬ is our August final blade. He who began good works in you shall bring it to completion. Today we give the Glory to Him who is able to keep us from stumbling/falling ... Yes to Him who is Able to present us before His glorious presence without fault To Him who rejoiced in us To the only God our Savior We give all the glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. To take home.. Remember everything you have learnt, warned about, heard from this Holy Word, put it into practice. I will say blessed are the doers of the Word. #Amen

Behold, I am with you all the days, until the completion of the age. Matthew 28:20 ᴊɴᴅ As we earnestly look to the blessed coming of our Lord Jesus to take His own to Himself, we do feel and know that “while present in the body we are absent from the Lord, (for we walk by faith, not by sight)” (2 Cor. 5:6–7). Yet, our blessed Lord told us, “I am with you all the days, until the completion of the age” (Mt. 28:20). If our eyes cannot see Him just yet, is our spiritual vision adjusted properly to see His presence with us? It is worthy of our attention to see in various passages that Jesus is “in the midst.” For example, we see Him in the midst of the two or three gathering to His name (Mt. 18:20), in the midst of the thieves at Golgotha (Lk. 23:32–33), in the midst of His own after His resurrection (Jn. 20:19, 26), in the midst of the seven candlesticks which represent the assemblies (Rev. 1:13, 20), and He walks in their midst (Rev. 2:1). He alone is worthy to have this prominent place. When we consider the eternal purpose of God and what will happen when this present creation’s history will be over, we also learn something interesting: “When all things shall have been brought into subjection to Him, then the Son also Himself shall be placed in subjection to Him who put all things in subjection to Him, that God may be all in all” (1 Cor. 15:28). In the eternal state, in the new heavens and new earth, God will be all in all—He will be everything for all that will be there. It is hard to find words to describe this amazing greatness and purpose. But already seeing Christ in the midst and knowing that God will be all in all in the age of ages, what an encouragement we have to already make a reality in our lives that Christ be in the midst of everything! He is the answer to all our questions and needs, and He is absolutely sufficient for everything. If we have Him, what else are we missing? Alexandre Leclerc https://gbv-online.org/calendar/773/date/2026-08-22