Message from Scripture: 12/18/2020

 

Our message from Scripture today is John 5:28-29; “Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.”

Many years ago, two young men were engaged, or had already married, Lot's daughters. One night, Lot showed up unexpectedly at their home with a story that seemed so incredible to them they thought it was a joke. Lot had invited two visitors to stay at his house.  When a riotous crowd had begun to try to break down his front door, these men had caused the crowd to be blinded. Once inside his home, they announced that the LORD had sent them to destroy Sodom.  Lot and his family had to flee the city as soon as possible! How tragic, then, that, the following day was especially horrific for them as suddenly, flaming balls of sulfur began pelting the city, turning Sodom into one giant incinerator.

We don't know how quickly they died, but thoughts similar to these may have raced through their minds. “We were warned! This didn't have to happen to us!” Is not today much like that night in Sodom? God has announced through both Jesus and his apostles that a day of judgment is coming. And yet, does it not seem like some people are treating God's message as though it’s just a joke? Some continue to go about living their life assuming that “there will always be a tomorrow” or “if there really is a final judgment, I'm OK because I'm basically good enough.” Others who have obeyed the gospel may trust more in their past obedience to the gospel, than they do their present condition. “Haven’t I been baptized? Aren’t I covered by His grace?  At the final judgment, I’ll be okay because God loves me too much to condemn me.” Are you sure?  You can be sure if Christ is Lord of your life, and your life is lived for Him. Live confidently today, so you’ll live with Him forever. God bless.

Robert