NOT EVERYONE GETS TO GO TO HEAVEN

Matthew 7.21-23

²¹Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ²²Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? ²³And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Intro: You might not think it, but our world is very heavenly minded. That is a strange statement considering just how wretched and wicked our world is, but in a recent CNN poll, it was discovered that 81% of the people asked believed in a literal heaven where people lived with God after death. 81%! 61% of those polled said that they believed they would go to Heaven immediately when they died. Another 88% believed that they would see departed family and friends when they arrived in Heaven.

I find these numbers astonishing in light of the wickedness that fills our society, don't you? Of course, there is another side to this story. Of all those polled, 6% believed Heaven could be reached by doing good works. Another 57% believed that Heaven was available to all who place their faith in God and did good works and 34% believed that Heaven was for those who had faith in God alone. Now, here is where a problem begins to be seen. A full 63% of those who responded believed they were going to Heaven, but they cited the wrong reason for getting there. The other 34%, who believed that Heaven came to those who placed their faith in God, may be just as wrong as those who believe salvation comes s a result of works.

I want you to know today that not everyone goes to Heaven when they die! I know we want to believe they do, but the fact of the matter is, not everyone who thinks they are going to Heaven really is. In what is, without question, the most important area of any person's life, most people, are sincerely wrong concerning what they believe about salvation.

As Jesus drew near to the end of the Sermon on the Mount, He takes the time to remind men of the seriousness of their salvation. He wanted all who heard Him to be sure that they were genuinely converted. That is my desire for each of you this morning. I would like for us to spend a few minutes with these words of Jesus and notice some thoughts that come from this passage. I am going to preach this morning on the thought "Not Everyone Gets To Go To Heaven."

It is my prayer that you will allow the Spirit of God to speak to your hearts today. It may be that there are some here this morning who have never been truly saved. Perhaps this is the day when you will meet Jesus as your Savior. Maybe there are those who think they are saved, but in truth, you're not. I am praying that God will speak to your heart today! Perhaps there are those who know you have never been converted. There is no better time than right now to get that taken care of. Let's join Jesus as He teaches us the truth that "Not Everyone Gets To Go To Heaven."

1. A STARTLING COMMUNICATION (v. 21a)

21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven;

1. Jesus makes one of the most amazing statements in all the Bible. He says that not everyone who claims Him as Lord will be saved! He is telling us that there will be some people who will think they are saved, but who, in fact, are still lost and headed to Hell!
2. Jesus makes it clear that not all who claim to know Him really know Him!
3. A simple profession of Jesus as Savior is not enough to save! A person may believe in the doctrines of the faith. They may be sincere and good. However, merely saying you know Jesus is not enough to save your soul. Belonging to the church, being a good person, doing religious things, etc, are all good, but none of them can save the soul! Salvation come only through the new birth, John 3:3, 7.

3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God

1. I think it is clear that Jesus is telling us that there will be some who will think they are saved and in reality they are deceived. Why would I believe this? Because the Bible has much to say about this matter.

1. "For many are called, but few are chosen.", Matt. 22:14.

14For many are called, but few are chosen.

1. The parable of the Wheat and the Tares, Matt. 13:24-30; 13:36-43

24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. 26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. 

36Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.

1. Paul also knew that there would be some in the church who would be fooled by their profession. "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?", 2 Cor. 13:5
2. Simon Peter also mentioned this phenomenon, "Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:", 2 Pet. 1:10.

1. Why is this such a major concern? Because without Jesus, there is no hope for salvation. There is hope for nothing but Hell fire! Sadly, there are too many in our day who base their "salvation experience" on what their mother or daddy told them happened. Too many are trusting a time when they had a strange experience. What we need to get firmly nailed down this morning is that there are many people who are trusting in some "fuzzy" experience to get them to Heaven. Friend, you had better be sure where your faith is today! Why? Your eternity depends on what you trust in! Remember, not everyone gets to go to Heaven!

II. A SIMPLE CONDITION (v. 21b) 

1. Here, Jesus simply explains how a person is saved. He says that people are saved by "doing the will of His Father." Does this mean that people are saved by works? Of course not! Eph. 2:8-9. If we are going to understand this verse, we are going to have to find out what the will of the Father is.

8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9Not of works, lest any man should boast.

1. According to John 6:40, this is the will of God, "And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day."
2. So, the Bible makes it clear that salvation comes to those who see the Son and believe in Him. The bottom line? Salvation is by pure faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. If you can come to the place where you are trusting nothing but the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to save you from your sins, that is biblical salvation. It is stated as simply as possible in 

Romans 10:9-10, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

1. God has made salvation so easy to receive that He is able to invite anyone who thirsts to come to Him for salvation, John 7:37; Rev. 22:17. Salvation is simple, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved...", Acts 16:31.
2. What are you trusting for salvation?? It had better be in Jesus because not everyone gets to go to heaven!

1. A QUESTIONABLE COMPLAINT (v. 22) 

22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 

1. When these people hear the requirement for salvation, they begin to recount all the things they have done in life. They had done some pretty impressive stuff! They had preached the Word of God! They had cast out devils! They had done many wonderful works! And, they had done it all in the Name of Jesus!
2. You see, they were sincere! They were busy! They were doing good stuff in a good Name. They were making a difference. They were so busy working for the Lord that they never took the time to get to know Him personally!
3. These people trusted in their works to save them. They even call Him Lord, but they do not know Him! If this verse teaches us anything at all, it teaches us that salvation cannot be produced by works! My friends, you can do it all! You can work and give and visit and preach and teach and go to church and on and on and on, but the truth still remains. Salvation is by "faith through grace and that not of yourselves. Not of works lest any man should boast."
4. Do you hear these boasting? Notice that their whole claim to Heaven rests in what "they" have done! The focus is on them and not on the Lord. May I just remind you this morning, your salvation will never be about you? It will never be about what you have accomplished or what you may have done. Salvation is all about Jesus and what He did when He went to the cross and took the sins of the world on Himself at Calvary., 2 Cor. 5:21. Salvation is about Him! Salvation is about the One Who suffered, bled and died to accomplish what a million lifetimes of religious works can never do, Ill. Heb. 9:12-14; Heb. 9:25-28; Heb. 10:10-14! (Ill. The awful sufferings of the cross, Isa. 52:14; Isa. 53:4-11! Glory Hallelujah!
5. Because of all this, I am glad that I can tell you this morning, "It is done, and there is nothing for you to do, but accept Jesus and His plan for your salvation!" If you have received Him and His plan, then praise the Lord. If not, then you need to realize that not everyone gets to go to Heaven!

(Ill. One day, a king died. His servants spread the unbelievable news all over the palace. He had died in his bed of natural causes.

"Where has he gone?", asked one of the king's wisest counselors

"Why, to Heaven of course!", answered all the others.

"No", said the other gravely, "I served this king for many years and traveled with him to many places. He loved to travel and would go over the details of each journey. Every element was planned and anticipated. But I have never heard him say a word about traveling to Heaven. It is a journey for which I saw him make no preparation. I am quite sure he did not go to Heaven." What about you? Have you made the right preparations?)

1. A SHOCKING CONFESSION (v. 23a)

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

1. As those people stood before the Lord, surely they were shocked at what they had already heard. Now they are about to hear something that will forever seal their destiny. He tells them, "I never knew you." They had claimed to be working in His name. They had claimed that they knew Him. They had professed a relationship, but Jesus tells the truth. He tells them that at no time in their lives had He ever known them!

(Of course, Jesus is God! He knows everything. He knew who they were and He knew their hearts. What He means here is that He had never known them in a personal relationship. These people had never been saved!)

1. There are those who feel that this passage is speaking to backsliders. Some feel that these people were once saved and now, for whatever reason, they are lost again. Of course, Jesus says that He "never" knew them. If He ever knew then He cannot say that He never knew them! These aren't backsliders! These people are just plain lost in their sins!

(Ill. By the way, I am convinced that many who appear to be "backsliders" in the church are really people who were never been saved in the first place, 1 John 2:19.)

1. The whole point of this verse is this, "Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.", 2 Tim. 2:19. If Jesus ever knew you, He still does today. If not, then you might be in this crowd that gathers on that day and finds they have no future in Heaven. Not everyone gets to go to Heaven!
2. A SUDDEN CONDEMNATION (v. 23b) 

23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 

1. These lost ones are ordered to leave the presence of the Lord! There is only one place in the universe where men can be free from the manifest presence of God and that is in the fires of Hell, 2 Thes. 1:8-9, "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;"!
2. My friends, we need to remember that there is a vast difference between Heaven and Hell!

1. Heaven is described as a place of endless bliss and eternal glory, Rev. 21:4; John 14:1-3.

4And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.  Rev. 21.4

1Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14.1-3

1. On the other hand, Hell is described as:

1. Unquenchable Fire - Mark 9:43

43And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: 

1. A place of memory and remorse - Luke 16:25; 27-28

25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

1. A place of thirst - Luke 16:24-25

24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

1. A place of misery and pain - Luke 16:24-26; Rev. 14:10-11.

10The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: 11And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

E. A place of frustration and anger - Matt. 13:25; Matt. 24:51

1. A place of endless separation - Rev. 21:8; 2 Thes. 1:8-9

8But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 

1. A place of undiluted divine wrath - (Ill. Hab. 3:2, There will be no mercy for those who go to Hell!)

(Ill. It is clear to see that there is no comparison between Heaven and Hell. Which one do you want to go to when you die?)

1. I think the saddest words in all the Bible will be these words recorded here, "I never knew you, depart from me." These are people who expected to hear the Lord welcoming them into Heaven. They were sincere. They thought they were saved. They knew all the catch words and the right things to say. They knew "Gospel speak". Why then will these people hear these words? Because they are basing their hope of salvation on their own works and goodness. Because they have failed to place their faith in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. They will go to Hell because they chose their way over God's way. I wonder, what will Jesus say to you? Remember, not everyone gets to go to Heaven!

Conclusion: 81% of Americans believe in the existence of a real literal Heaven. Almost that many expect to go there immediately when they die. Will they? Only if they have trusted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Unless they come to God through Jesus Christ, they will never be saved, John 14:6.

6Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 14.6

This morning, I want you to know that I do not have the ear of 81% of Americans. Where do you stand with the Lord Jesus? Do you think you are saved? Do you hope that you will do to Heaven when you die? What are you basing that hope on this morning? If there is the slightest doubt in your heart that you are saved, you need to come and get that things settled right now. Some of you are lost. You need to get out of your seat and make your way to Jesus right now. He is calling will you come?

I remind you again, not everyone gets to go to Heaven! Will you?

READY FOR HEAVEN, BUT NEEDED ON EARTH

Phil. 2:23-26

²³For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: ²⁴Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. ²⁵And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; ²⁶That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.

Intro: Becoming a Christian is about the easiest thing a person can do. After all, all the work has already been done! Jesus died on the cross to pay for sin. He rose from the dead to give life. He ascended back to Heaven to make intercession for us before the Father. The Father accepted the sacrifice of Jesus at the cross. He sent the Holy Spirit to draw sinners to Himself and when sinners do come, He gladly receives them and saves them by His grace. All the sinner has to do is believe - Acts 16:31; John 6:40. However, after we are saved, then is when the struggles begin!

Before I was saved, I never understood the struggles and confusion that Christians are forced to deal with on a daily basis. I mean, here we are, saved, ready to go to Heaven and be with Jesus, yet we are expected to live in a sinful world. Here we are surrounded by temptations and trials all around and at the same time, God expects us to be busy working for His glory. Oh, it is the best life possible! I wouldn't trade one hour of Christian life for 1,000 years of a life of sin. This is far better, but you have to admit that at times, we all just want to go home! That is the problem Paul faced. He has reached a point in his life when he just wants to go be with Jesus. I suppose he was tired of the trials and longed for that happy city of rest where he could be with the Lord he loved so dearly. After all, he is in prison when this letter is being written. I think Paul suffered from the same mixed emotions that many Christians feel in our day and time. That is what I would like to address tonight. I am going to preach for a while on this thought, "Ready For Heaven, But Needed On Earth."

1. PAUL'S PROBLEM (v. 23)

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 

1. According to Paul's own testimony, he is in a "Strait". This word is used to describe some pretty colorful situations.

1. Used of a besieged city. (Ill. The idea is of a city surrounded with no aid in site. The people with are trapped and desperate for aid. They long to be liberated.)
2. Used of a strait between two points that forces a ship into a narrow channel. (Ill. Here, the current moves faster and the waves are far more violent in their attack on the ship. It is a dangerous place for ships to be. There is always a danger of being thrown onto one shore or the other.
3. Used of a cattle squeeze, that pushes in on each side, forces the animal to be stationary while the farmer applies medication. (This carries the image of having to endure trying times and go through things that are truly painful, but of not being able to escape them.)
4. Used of a prisoner, who is unable to go as he pleases, but is confined within the walls of his cell. (Ill. Here is a man who is locked up. He still has the desire to go and be free, but he is hemmed in by the walls of his prison.)

1. When Paul uses this word, he is telling us that he feels like a prisoner in this world. In other words, his body is here, but his heart is elsewhere. He feels the pressure of this life and longs for the freedom of Heaven.
2. How many of us, if we were honest, would have to admit today that we want to be in Heaven? How many would have to say, "Preacher, I feel like I am trapped by circumstances and situations beyond my control and I just want to be free."? I know that there are times when I experience that same sort of feeling. I just want to go to Heaven, but I know I am stuck here for as long as the Lord desires.
3. This is Paul's problem now let's spend a few minutes studying this problem.

1. PAUL'S DESIRE (v. 23)  (Ill. Paul's desire has two parts to it.)

23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 

1. Paul Longs For Liberty - Paul has a desire to be free from the bondage of the prisons he is in. There is the Roman prison and there is the prison of his flesh. Both hinder his liberty and hold him back. His desire is to break free of them both.

(I feel the same way! I have never been in prison, but I do feel stuck in this body at times and long to be free of its limits and weaknesses.. This was Paul's desire as well.)

(Paul expresses his desire by using the word "Depart." Isn't it interesting that death held no fear for Paul? We often face the hour of death with fear and dread, yet when Paul considered his leaving this world, he simply said that he had a "desire to depart." Allow me to spend just a few minutes on this word and the wonderful truths it expresses. This word was used in that society in four primary ways. They are as follows:

1. It Was A Military Term - It was used of soldiers taking down their tents. This is a glorious picture of Christian death. When we leave this world, all we really do is fold up this tent of flesh and go to be with Christ, 2 Cor. 5:1-8.

1 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. 4 For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. 5 Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. 6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) 8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

1. It Was A Sailor's Term - It meant to untie a ship from the dock and set sail. That is what happens when a Christians comes to the end of the way. We just untie ourselves from this old world and go to meet Jesus.
2. It Was A Farmer's Term - It was used to refer to taking the yoke off of oxen at the end of the work day. What a picture for the child of God! One day our work will be finished and the yoke of service will be removed from our necks and we will enter His rest.
3. It Was Traveler's Term - It was used by travelers to speak of putting the horses into the barn at the end of a long journey. Again, this speaks volumes about us as Christians. We travel through this world in all kinds of situations and circumstances. One day, however, the journey will end and we will be at home with the Lord.
4. It Was A Political Term - It was used to speak of setting prisoners at liberty. Perhaps this was the image Paul was intending to convey by using this word. After all, we are prisoners in these bodies and in this world until God cuts the golden thread and allows us to come home. The day will come when God will open our prison doors and we will be free.

1. Paul Desire For The Lord - Paul sums up his desire to depart by saying that he longs to be "with Christ." I believe this is the heart's cry of every believer! Ever since the day God saved my soul, there has been a desire to see Jesus and one day, I will see Him. I look forward to all the sights of Heaven and I look forward to seeing long gone loved ones and the saints of old, but my heart longs to see the One who climbed Calvary and took my sins upon Him. I want to see Jesus! Jesus Christ will be the single greatest sight in glory. There will be many who never praised God in this world, who never got excited about anything spiritual. Yet, they were still saved. When they see Jesus on that Heavenly shore, they will literally come unglued and will praise His lovely Name. Perhaps it will be the marks of His love that will draw out their shouts of praise, Rev. 5:6.

6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. Revelation 5.6

Paul says that this is "far better." What he means is this: When you get Jesus, you also get Heaven! Think about it, we will get to see the Lord who died for our sins and we will spend eternity enjoying His presence - 1 Thes. 4:16-17. Just think for a minute about Heaven. Thank God, over there, there will be none of the problems and pains of this life. It will be a different type of existence over there. Notice Rev. 21:4, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." None of those things that hems us in down here will exist over there. No wonder Paul said what he did in 1 Cor. 2:9, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." Sounds just like the place I want to spend eternity.)

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. I Thess.4.16-18

(Do you ever get homesick? One day, the wait will be over and we will be home. I looking forward to that day!)

1. PAUL'S DEBT (v. 24-26) 

24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith; 26 That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 

1. Here is the other side to Paul's desire. Though he was tired from his labors and longed to be free from his prison and go to be with Jesus, Paul realized that he had a debt of service to perform form the Lord. Paul wanted to go to Heaven, but he knew he was needed right here.
2. Paul knows that he would be used to give the church God’s message. Paul knows that he is being used of the Lord to do great things. There is no pride in his statement, just fact. He is grateful for all that the Lord has done in his life and he wants to do his part for God while he has life in his body. He wants to be a blessing to the saints as well, 25-26.
3. There is an important lesson here for every child of God. While our harts are being tugged homeward, surely there is the realization that there is a great work to do here on the earth. Obviously, God isn't going to use any of use to write books for His Bible, but the work we can do for Him is just a important and just as necessary. 2,000 years ago, Jesus pointed out to His Disciples the need for workers in the harvest, John 4:35. If the need was great then, how much greater is it today? Here are some truths that we need to come to terms with:

1. God Saved Us To Work - Eph. 2:10; James 2:17-18.

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Eph. 2.10

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. James 2.17-18

1. Every Saint Of God Has A Job - 1 Cor. 12:10-11.

10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: 11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. I Cor. 12.10-11

1. Every Saint Of God Has A Debt - 2 Cor. 5:14; 1 John 4:19.

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: II Cor. 5.14

19 We love him, because he first loved us. I John 4.19

1. Every Saint Of God Will Be Rewarded In Proportion To His Labors - 2 Cor. 5:10.

10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. II Cor. 5.10

1. We Live In A World That Is Hell Bound - Psa. 9:17.

17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. Psa. 9.17

(You and I have been given the greatest message and mission that the world has ever known. It is our duty to take it to a world that is in sin. We have a duty to serve the Lord with all our hearts while we are alive. We owe it to Jesus, we owe it to the lost, we owe it to the saints of God and we owe it to the church. Our highest duty is to do our duty before the Lord.)

(Paul felt the seriousness of this debt. He knew that he had a service to do for the glory of God and was willing to forgo his home going to get the job done for Jesus. I encourage all of us to look into our hearts and see who is top priority in our lives. Let it be Jesus and His will above all other desires and dreams.)

Conclusion: Paul was willing to say these things because he had the right kind of attitude about life. His philosophy of living is found in verse 21, where he says, "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Paul could honestly say that his life was a true copy of Christ on earth. He knew that while he lived, others could see Jesus living in and through him. However, he knew that if he were to die, then he would be the better for it. To Paul, he was a winner either way.

If you were called on the write this verse, how would you have to do it? "For me to live is_______ and to die is _________." How would you fill in the blanks? I think that anyway other than Paul's way is a wrong view of life. We must submit ourselves to God's perfect will for our lives. We must fully understand7 that while we are ready to go to Heaven, we are still needed here on the earth.

Are we content?

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 1 Tim 6:6-8 (KJV)

     The American Dream today seems to be defined with the idea that the more we have the happier we will be. Sadly we are seeing that is not the case. With today's economic problems that seems to be happening on every level, I am hearing of cases where people have ended it all because they have "lost it all".

     For the Christian our mindset (way of thinking) should match the above verse. Paul was writing Timothy that we should be satisfied with the simple things such as food and clothing. Everything above that is a want. God promises to supply all of our needs.

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 

     In the above verse we see Paul writing the church reminding them that because of their obedience (vs. 17-18) to God, all of their NEEDS will be supplied. You noticed in the verses it never speaks of wants. The sad part is today we have determined that our wants are equal to our needs. How many of feel we need Cable TV (or even a TV) or we need a BMW Car instead of a Ford Escort? Many times God allows us to have the nicer things, but He has only promised the need. 

     This should be a comforting thought, that no matter how bad things become, God WILL BE taking care us. The key is for us to be in  a position to allow Him to do His part. My friend the first question is 1. Have you ever accepted Christ into your life? If you haven't, God has no requirement to take care of you. 2. If you are truly saved, are you living for Him.? If there is sin in your life, He may be with holding His blessings in hopes of getting your attention.

     If we are truly striving to live for Him, we can rest in the FACT that He promises to provide for our every NEED.

Why Do Bad Things Happen?

12 But I would ye should understand, brethren, that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel; 13 So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; 14 And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.  Phil 1:12-17 (KJV)

     How often do we question God when something seems to go wrong in our lives? As an example, look at the Apostle Paul here in Phil. 1. He is writing to the Church at Philippi to encourage them. What is interesting is that Paul wanted to encourage them and was concerned about them when they heard he was in jail. 
     So here is paul in perhaps the worst conditions in his life and he is encouraging the Church, who weren't not in jail. Keep in mind the jails of his time were not like the ones we have here in America. He didn't have the comforts of TV, three meals a day and so on. He was literally chained to Roman Guards and had to depend on his friends to supply his needs. Yet he is rejoicing and being thankful for those in the church. Paul as he writes recalls what the Lord directed him to write in Romans:



28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose Romans 8:28 (KJV)

     Paul did not need to be reminded that God was in total control and had a reason for him being in jail. In fact he states in verse 12 that what has happened has done so for the continued preaching of the Gospel. There were some good results of his being in jail.

1. So that my bonds in Christ are manifest in all the palace, and in all other places; He was able to witness to those around him in jail. Keep in mind he was chained to people who needed to hear the Gospel. Those in Caesar's household were able to hear his message and were saved. This would not have happened if he was not in jail.


2. And many of the brethren in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. There were other preachers, pastors who saw paul's testimony in jail and were encouraged in the fact that God was still using him and was still taking care of him. Because they saw God's working, they continued to preach knowing God would do the same for them.


3. Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will: 16 The one preach Christ of contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my bonds: 17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel. Here we see various others preaching for various reasons. There were those that preached out of jealousy and wanting to cause problems for Paul. They thought if they would preach like Paul that things would be worse for him. Also there were those that preached out of love for their God, knowing that Paul was secure in the Lord.They also knew that whatever happened, Paul would not reject his Lord.


      You may  ask "How did Paul actually respond to those who preached in order to cause him problems?"  Humanly we may want Paul to judge them or to send them a letter of rebuke, but look in the following verse:



18 What then? notwithstanding, every way, whether in pretence, or in truth, Christ is preached; and I therein do rejoice, yea, and will rejoice Phil. 1.18 



     Paul is simply stating that whatever the reasons they are doing what they are doing, he is thankful for the fact that the Gospel is being preached. People are hearing the Gospel because of his sufferings. Let me ask you friend, what is your reaction when God allows trouble to happen?

     Do you complain and blame God for your troubles or thank Him and try to still serve Him despite the problems. Remember God never promised that everything would be good and we would always be comfortable. He did promise that ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR OUR GOOD. Everything that He allows into our lives will be profitable if we allow Him to work.  God's promises can be trusted. SO the next time something "bad" happens, strive to use it for His glory.

Protect Your Eyes and Ways.

³      I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. Psalm 101.3

I will neither delight in it, aim at it, nor endure it. If I have wickedness brought before me by others I will turn away from it, I will not gaze upon it with pleasure. The Psalmist is very sweeping in his resolve, he declines the least, the most reputable, the most customary form ofevil—no wicked thing: not only shall it not dwell in his heart, but not even before his eyes, for what fascinates the eye is very apt togain admission into the heart, even as Eve’s apple first pleased her sight, and then prevailed over her mind and hand. “I hate thework of them that turn aside.” (The Treasury of David, C.H. Spurgeon)

How important it is today that we follow after David's example of not viewing anything that is evil or will lead us into evil. With today's technology it is easier than ever to view that which goes against God's teaching. If you doubt me, just turn on your TV or look through the DVD selection at the store. How easy is it to get evil things in the privacy of your own home via the internet. In order to follow this example means our getting out of our comfort zone and a willingness to give up our "rights". 

The question is "Are we willing to do what it takes to live like God wants us to live?" If we are, keep in mind Gal. 2.20:

²⁰I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless Ilive; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I nowlive in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who lovedme, and gave himself for me.

If we are crucified with Christ, it means we should be dead to our own desires and wishes. And finally keep in mind dead men have no rights.

God's Hall of Fame, Hebrews 11

      We are a few hours from July 4th, 2011. It should be a time to reflect and honor those who have given all, that we might have freedom to enjoy the things we have today. I do thank God for those who died for our freedoms.

    I would also like take this time to remember those who give for even a greater cause, their Lord and Savior. In Hebrews 11 we see  a list that makes up what I call God's "Hall of Faith". It lists the names and acts of many of God's greatest servants in the Old testament. Yet what is interesting is how Paul finishes the Chapter:

³²And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tellof Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; ofDavid also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: ³³Who throughfaith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtainedpromises, stopped the mouths of lions, ³⁴Quenched the violenceof fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness weremade strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies ofthe aliens. ³⁵Women received their dead raised to life again: andothers were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they mightobtain a better resurrection: ³⁶And others had trial of cruelmockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: ³⁷They were stoned, they were sawn asunder,were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about insheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;³⁸(Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered indeserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.³⁹And these all, having obtained a good report through faith,received not the promise: ⁴⁰God having provided some betterthing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11.32-40)

     How many Christians gave their lives for the cause of Christ and we know nothing about their love for the Savior? We will never know about the missionary who gives his life in the jungles that  one  may know Christ. What about that secretary that works in some office of a missions complex to help those that are out preaching the Gospel? What about that Widow that gives a small amount (yet it is all she has) that a soul might hear the Gospel? These precious people are also in God's hall of Faith, they will one day receive their reward.

     As servants of Christ why do what we do? What should be that driving force for us to make such sacrifices? One basic reason, the Love of Christ. Christ loved us enough to give the greatest sacrifice of all.  If He could do that for me, why shouldn't I give my all to Him?
     I finish with Romans 12.1:


¹I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, thatye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12.1)


     We are requested to give ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord. The Lord is basically asking for us to give Him everything. He gave His all for us, why shouldn't we give all back. Paul states that it is a reasonable service. It is the least we can do. Where do you stand with the Lord today? Let's give Him all.