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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.”
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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
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 đź‘‘
“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
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***************************************************
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.
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🔥 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.”
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❤️ 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!”
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🕊️ 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.
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🔥 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 ✝️❤️🔥
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