Are You Going to Heaven?
Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published: October 28, 2013 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
Luke 18:18-27
18 A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
19 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 20 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery, do not murder, do not steal, do not give false testimony, honor your father and mother.’ ”
21 “All these I have kept since I was a boy,” he said.
22 When Jesus heard this, he said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”
23 When he heard this, he became very sad, because he was a man of great wealth. 24 Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25 Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26 Those who heard this asked, “Who then can be saved?”
27 Jesus replied, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Are you going to heaven?
An aol.com poll* asked its subscribers to answer two questions, “What is the key to getting to heaven?” and “Are you going to heaven?” Of the over 120,000 answers that were recorded, nearly 90% answered affirming their belief that they would go to heaven. Nearly 2 out of 3 indicated the key to getting to heaven was “living a good life.” (2% thought the key was “slipping St. Peter a $20”!)
The question has been around for centuries. So has the majority answer, “Living a good life.” After all when one understands even the general concept of hell versus the good of heaven, who would want to believe that they are going to hell? Along with that, doesn’t it make sense that I could control my own destiny by how well I lived (or at least “doing my best” so I’m “good with God”).
A certain ruler asked Jesus a similar question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” Behind his question was the assumption that his eternal destiny could be obtained by a strong effort. He had done his best, kept the commandments (at least no “BIG” sins!). Yet Jesus identified one very important thing that was lacking. His heart was captivated by wealth, not God. Outwardly he looked really good. In fact it certainly seems like he would have “made the cut” based on his actions. But he went away sad because all he did was not enough.
Those standing around reacted, “Who then can be saved?” Very quickly they realized that inheriting eternal life was an impossible task if attempted on one’s own.
Jesus clarifies, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”
Those who simply trust in the completed work of Jesus, his life, death and resurrection have certainty of eternal life. Too simple? Seem impossible? Not for God.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
So how can you not just THINK you are going to heaven, but KNOW you are going to heaven?
“Believe on the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for thinking that I can ever do enough to earn my way into heaven. I know I have fallen short and don’t deserve your favor, let alone an eternity with you. Yet what was impossible for me, you made possible through Jesus Christ. Cause me to find certainty in him and share that certainty with others. AMEN.
* http://www.dare2share.org/devotions/9-out-of-10-people-say-what/#sthash.t4aIUiRt.dpbs
Can One Person Make a Difference?
Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published: July 27, 2011 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned— 13 for before the law was given, sin was in the world. But sin is not taken into account when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who was a pattern of the one to come.
15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many! (Romans 5:12-15)
Can One Man Make a Difference?
Albert Einstein changed the world of physics. Martin Luther King Jr. brought momentum to the civil rights movement. Lance Armstrong defined cycling. President Abraham Lincoln kept the United States unified.
Each reader could add to this list, thinking of an individual who made an impact in his life personally or on a significant portion of the world. A long philosophical discussion could ensue if one were to debate if one person can singlehandedly affect every person who has lived, is living, or will live.
Yet in the course of four sentences, the Apostle Paul in Romans 5:12-15 identifies two such individuals, Adam and Jesus. Adam was created perfect, in the image of God with the ability not to sin. Yet shortly after his glorious creation, he disobeyed the Lord by eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (See Genesis 3). This was the first sin and brought sin into a perfect world to be passed on to every human since. Adam made a difference. He brought the reality of sin and the consequence of sin, eternal death, into each of our lives. We live under this curse.
Jesus, on the other hand, came to overcome what Adam’s actions had produced. Jesus’ perfect life, innocent death on the cross and glorious resurrection secured the contents of a gift God has given to the world, forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. In Christ, God has declared the whole world not guilty! God has made his grace, undeserved love, overflow to many!
The unfortunate reality is that while everyone has been affected by Adam’s sin, not all have personally connected with the blessing of grace. While Jesus’ gift is for all, many have not heard of it, choose to ignore it or deny God’s grace.
If this is you, God desires that the work of Jesus overflows also into your life. Could you use forgiveness, hope for tomorrow, joy for today, clarity on life’s purpose and more? Begin today to seek a deeper understanding and clarity of the difference Jesus can make in your life. Go to www.whataboutjesus.com and click on “Jesus Who?” May you grow to love and trust that Jesus can and does make a difference in your world and for the whole world!
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for doing all that is necessary for my eternal security. Lead me to receive your gift by faith, trusting that in it I find full forgiveness and certainty of an eternal life with you. Use me to share this gift with others who do not know about it. AMEN.
Person of Influence
Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published: November 29, 2013 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
Romans 5:12-14
12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13 To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone’s account where there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
Person of Influence
Lists have been compiled of people who have had great influence in the lives of human history. Included on those lists are people like Isaac Asimov for his advancements in science, or Albert Einstein for his theories in the field of physics, or Johannes Gutenberg who aided rapid dissemination of information through his invention of the printing press. Who would you add to this list?
Influential people have revolutionized societies, cultures and countries through the thought process they proposed or the invention they introduced. Yet despite the amazing list of people you might find in these lists, none has universally affected every person of the world. Just by the fact that they appeared at a point in history negates their ability to influence all of history.
Except one.
One man and his actions affected every human being after him, in fact the whole world. The man? Adam. The action? Breaking the law of God. When Adam received the invitation from his wife Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit of the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (see full story in Genesis 3), the consequence was death would come to Adam and “in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” No matter what the invention, thought, or new land discovered, no one man has had such profound and dire consequences on the human race.
You included? Yes, you too.
We may find ourselves not wanting to admit it or trying to avoid the thought that we too are sinful, but we too are sinful and live under its consequence. Every news report of death reminds us of this reality. Every funeral you attend is a reminder of the consequence of breaking the law of God. Death came to all people, you and me included, because all sinned…yes, you too…and me as well.
Influential people saw a problem and sought to change it. Asimov took the unknowns of the universe and proposed theories to explain them. Gutenberg took the time consuming task of hand copying books and created the printing press. Who is the person of influence to change the death grip of sin in our lives and that of the world?
Jesus Christ.
Prayer: As death reminds me of sin in the world and my life, lead me to Jesus and the influence of his love, grace and forgiveness. AMEN.
Reconciled!
Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published: July 20, 2011 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! 10 For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! 11 Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Reconciled!
When I use my Quicken financial software, I have an option every month when a bank or credit card statement comes to “reconcile” my account. The process is intended to insure that the credits and debits that the banking institution have recorded are in harmony with the records I have entered. Should there be a conflict, I need to do something to find out where the conflict is and seek to resolve it.
When reconciling a financial account, it’s always nice to find a “credit” that you had forgotten to enter. Finding an unentered “debit” can be frustrating and financially challenging if it was a large expense.
Have you ever considered how your life would be reconciled with God’s record? You may have a list in your mind of all the good things you’ve done…credits. If you’re honest with yourself you will also remember a list of debits, or the wrong things you have done. How close would your accounting be to God’s accounting of your life?
If you are like most of humanity, you would like to think the “credits” far outweigh the “debits.” Unfortunately, if God showed you your statement, you would be overwhelmed to realize you had far more debits to your account than you would ever be able to offset with good work credits.
How would you reconcile with God?
Before you even need to answer that question, God says to you, “For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation” (Romans 5:10-11).
Your “debits” of sin have been completely offset by the complete “credit” Christ has paid on the cross for you. Take time today to thank God for completely reconciling your account through Jesus Christ!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your unconditional love that took my debt of sin and covered it with your precious blood. Lead me to always live a life that shows gratitude to you for reconciling my account before God my Father. AMEN
Pause to Praise (Part 2)
Devotion by Mike Geiger originally published: May 3, 2013 on www.whataboutjesus.com
For this week’s Sermon from Cross & Crown (CLICK HERE)
Devotions based on the weekly sermon will resume on August 2, 2021.
My mouth will speak in praise of the Lord.
Let every creature praise his holy name
for ever and ever. (Psalm 145:21)
Pause to Praise (Part 2)
Good morning reader. Did you pause to praise this morning already? How did yesterday go? Did it give you a different perspective on your day?
Psalm 145 gives many reasons to praise the Lord – some expected, some unexpected. Here are four that stand out:
- Pause to Praise the Lord for his GOODNESS.
They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness. (Psalm 145:7)
Too often we focus on what we don’t have and blame God for it. Look around you where you are right now. What do you see that is evidence of God’s goodness? Pause to praise him for it!
- Pause to Praise the Lord for his GRACE
The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. (Psalm 145:8)
How quick we are to get angry, point out others faults, or blame God as mean and unloving. How deserving we are of God’s punishment as a result. To realize that as sinful as I am, God has shown me his undeserved love by sending Jesus for me, to cover my sin, to die for me. Pause to praise God for his grace for you!
- Pause to Praise the Lord for his FAITHFULNESS
The Lord is faithful to all his promises and loving toward all he has made. (Psalm 145:13)
Just a couple verses after this, the psalm writer mentions how all creation looks to God to provide…since the beginning of the world he has. How many promises do we break? God has kept all of the ones he has made. What promises do you know that God has made? How has he kept them for you? Pause to praise God for his faithfulness!
- Pause to Praise the Lord for his JUSTICE
The Lord watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. (Psalm 145:20)
We struggle at times to make sense of evil in the world, terrorists, criminals and devious individuals that harm us directly or indirectly. We seek justice and wonder if it will ever come. Remember, God will bring justice to the wicked, those who do not love him. Justice for evil will come. Praise the Lord for his justice…and the love he shows to us by not treating us as our sins deserve.
Two days don’t make a habit, but perhaps these two days have planted a thought to begin each day with a brief pause for praise. With a little thought, you’ll begin to realize a brief pause is not enough to give God all the praise he deserves each day!
PRAYER: Lord God, thank you for the countless reasons you have given to us to praise you. Forgive me for countless days of complaining. Help me with your Spirit, to establish a new habit to each day pause to praise you! AMEN