Habakuk 3:17-19

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour.

The Soveriegn Lord is my Strength; He makes my feet like the feet of deer, He enables me to go on the heights."  - Habakuk 3:17-19

God will give His followers surefooted confidence through difficult times. They will run like deer accross rough and dangerous terrain.

At the proper time.

God will bring about His justice and completely rid the world of evil.

In the mean time, God's people need to live in the Strenght of His Spirit, confident in His ultimate victory over evil.

Psalm 27:1

"The Lord is my Light and my Salvation - whom shall i fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life - of whom shall i be afraid ?" - Psalm 27:1

Fear is a dark shadow that envelops us within ourselves. Each of us has been a prisoner of fear at one time or another---fear of rejection, misunderstanding, uncertanty, sickness, or even death.

But we conquer fear by using the bright liberating light of the Lord who brings Salvation. if we want to dispel the darness of fear, let us remember with the plsalmist that the 'Lord is my light and Salvation'.

Jeremiah 17:8

"But blessed is the man who trust in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.

He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.

It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit."  - Jeremiah 17:8

Those who trust in the Lord, flourish like trees planted by water, will have abundant strength, not only for their own needs, but even for the needs of others.

Like a well watered tree, have strength for the time of crisis and even some to share as you bear fruit for the Lord.

Jeremiah 17:5,6

"This is what the Lord says: 'Cursed is the one who trust in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord.

He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes.

He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives.'"  - Jeremiah 17:5 - 6

The people of Judah were trusting in false gods and military alliances instead of God. and thus they were barren and unfruitful. 

In times of trouble, those who trust in human beings will be impoverished and spiritually weak, so they will have no strength to draw on.

Jeremiah 17:9,10

"The heart is decietful above all things and beyond cure.  Who can understand it ?  I, the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve."  - Jeremiah 17:9,10

God makes it clear why we sin--it's a matter of the heart.

Our hearts have been inclined toward sin from the time we were born . It is easy to fall into the routine of forgetting and forsaking God.

But we can still choose whether or not to continue in sin. We can yeild to specific temptation, or we can ask God to help us resist temptation when it comes.

Jeremiah 7:2 - 3

"Stand at the gate of the Lord's house and there proclaim this message; "Hear the word of the Lord, all you people of Judah who come through these gates to worship the Lord. This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says: Reform your ways and your actions, and I will let you live in this place."

 -  Jeremiah 7:2 - 3

The people followed a worship ritual but maintained a sinful life-style. It was religion without personal commitment to God.

We can easily do the same. Attending church, taking communion, teaching church shool, singing in the choir--all are empty exercises unless we are truly doing them for God.

It is good to do these activities, not because we ought to do them for the church, but because we want to them for God.

James 3:17

"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" - James 3:17

Have you ever known anyone who claimed to be wise but who acted foolishly ? True wisdom can be measured by the depth of a person's character.

Just as you can identify the tree by the type of fruit it produces, you can evaluate your wisdom by the way you act.

Foolishness leads to disorder, but wisdom leads to peace and goodness. Are you tempted to escalate the conflict, pass on the gossip, or fan the cord of discord ?

Careful, winsome speech and wise, loving words are the seeds of peace. God loves peacemakers.

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will see God." - Matthew 5:9

2 Corinthians 4:15

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." - 2 Corinthians 4:15

2Corinthians 4:16-18

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an Eternal Glory that far outweighs them all.

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.

For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2Corinthians 4:16-18

Paul had faced sufferings, trials, and distress as he preached the good news. But he knew that they would one day be over, and he would obtain God's rest and rewards. As we face great troubles, it's easy to focus on the pain rather than on our ultimate goal.

Just as athletes concentrate on the finish line and ignore their discomfort, we too must focus on the reward for our faith andd joy that will lasts forever. No matter what happens to us in this life, we have the assurance of Eternal Life, when all suffering will end and all sorrow will flee away.

It is easy to lose heart and quit, we all have faced problems in our relationships or in our work that have caused us to want to think about laying down the tools and walking away. Rather than giving up when persecution wore him down, Paul concentrated on experiencing the inner strength from the Holy Spirit (Ephessians 3:16).

Don't let fatigue, pain, criticism force you off the job. Renew your commitment to serving Christ. Don't forsake your Eternal reward because of the intensity of today's pain. Your very weakness allows the resurrection power of Christ to strengthen you moment by moment.

Our troubles should not diminish our faith and dillussion us. We should realize that there is purpose in our suffering. Problems and human limitations have several benefits:

(1) They remind us of Christ's suffering for us;
(2) They keep us from pride;
(3) They cause us to look beyond this brief life;
(4) They prove our faith to others; and
(5) They give God the opportunity to demonstrate His power. See your troubles as opportunities !

Our ultimate hope when we are experiencing terrible illness, persecution, or pain is the realization that this life is not all there is---there is life after death!

Knowing that we will live forever with God in a place without sin and suffering can help us live above the pain that we faced in this life.Publish Post

Isaiah 35: 10

"And the ransomed of the Lord will return. Everlasting Joy will crown their heads.

Gladness and Joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." - Isaiah 35: 10

This highway, the "Way of Holiness," is the way that righteous pilgrims will take from the desert of suffering to Zion (Jerusalem). It is found only by following God.

Only the Redeemed will travel God's highway; they will be protected from wicked travelers and harmful animals.

God is preparing a way for His people to trvel to His home, and He walk with us.

God never stops at simply pointing the way; He is always beside us as we go.

Luke 13:30

"Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last." - Luke 13:30

There will be many surprises in God's kingdom. Some who are despised now will be greatly honored then; some influential people here will be left outside the gates.

Many "great" people on this earth (in God's eye) are virtually ignored by the rest of the world.

What matters to God is not a person's earthly popularity, status, wealth, heritage,or power, but his or her commitment to Christ.

How do your values match what the Bible tells you to value ?

Put God in first place, and you will join people from all over the world who will take their places at the feast in the kingdom of heaven.

Put On the New Self

What does it mean to "put on the new self "?

It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it.

To be a Christians means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions.

This straight forward step that is as simple as putting on your own clothes.

Colossians 3:13

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."  - Colossians 3:13

The key to forgiving others is remembering how much God has forgiven you. 

Is it difficult for you to forgive someone who has wronged you a little when God has forgiven you so much ?

Realizing God's infinite love and forgiveness can help you love and forgive others.

Colossians 3:16-17

Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and Spiritual songs with gratitudes in your hearts to God. 

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of our Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. - Colossians 3:16-17

Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God day by day:

(1) Immitate Christ's compassionate, forgiving attitude 3:12,13);

(2) Let love guide your life (3:14);

(3) Let the peace of God rule in your heart (3:15);

(4) Always be thankful (3:15);
(5) Keep God's word in you at all times (3:16);

(6) Live as Jesus Christ 's representative (3:17).

Ungratefulness

God had consistently provided for His people, but they refused to see what He had done, and they showed no interest in thanking Him. Ungratefulness is a common human fault. 

For example, when was the last time you thanked your parents for caring for you ? your pastor for the service he gives your church ? your child's teacher for the care taken care with each day's activities ? your Heavenly Father for His guidance ? 

Many of the benefits and the privileges we enjoy are the results of loving actions done long ago. Look for hidden acts of nurturing , and thank those who make the world better through their love. 

But begin by thanking God for all His blessings.

Be Sure Your Brain Is Engaged Before Your Mouth Is In Gear

"Be sure your brain is engaged before putting your mouth in gear. 

Happiness is often punctured by a sharp tongue."  - Anonymous

Proverbs 3:1-3

"My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart." - Proverbs 3:1-3

Philippians 1:28

"Without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you.

This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved - and that by God." - Philippians 1:28

Romans 10:9

"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." - Romans 10:9

Have you ever been asked, "How do I become a Christian ?" This verse gives you a beautiful answer----Salvation is as close as your own mouth and heart.

People think it must be a complicated process, but it is not. 


If we believe in our hearts and say with our mouths that Christ is the risen Lord, we will be saved.

Luke 14:11

"For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" - Luke 14:11

Proverbs 11:9

"With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the righteous escape." - Proverbs 11:9

The mouth can be used either as a weapon or a tool, hurting relationships or building them up. 

Sadly, it is often easier to destroy than to build, and most people have recieved more destructive comments than those that build up.

Every person you meet today is either a demolition site or construction opportunity. Your words will make a difference.

Will they be weapons for destruction or tools for construction ?

The Best Way to Influence

Often the best way to influence someone is to pray for him or her. 

Paul's prayer for the Philippians was they would be unified in love. 

Their love was to result in greater knowledge of Christ and deeper insight (moral discernment). 

Their love was not based on feelings but on what Christ had done for them. 

As you grow in Christ's love, your heart and mind must grow together. 

Is your love and insight growing ?

Luke 4:12

"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." - Luke 4:12.

Many people react negatively to the fact that there is no other name than that of Jesus to call on for Salvation. Yet this is not something the church decided; it is the specific teaching of Jesus Himself (John 14:6). 


If God designated Jesus to be the Saviour of the world, no one else can be His equal. Christians are to be open- minded on many issues, but not on how we are saved from sin. 


No other religious teacher could die for our sins; no other religious teacher came to earth as God's only Son; no other religious teacher rose from the dead. Our focus should be on Jesus, whom God offered as the way to have an Eternal relationship with Himself. 


There is no other name or way.

Can't inherit Salvation

How to recieve it ? 

He said to them, Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to. Once the owner of the house gets up and close the door, you stand outside knocking and pleading, 'Sir, open the door for us. "ButHe will answer, 'I don't know you or where you come from. Luke 13:24,25

Finding Salvation requires more concentrated effort than most people are willing to put forth. Obviously we cannot save ourselves---there is no way we can work ourselves into God's favor. 

The effort we must put out "to enter through the narrow door" is earnestly desiring to know Jesus and diligently striving to follow Him whatever the cost. 

We dare not put off making this decission because the door will not stay open forever.

Psalm 12:6

"And the Words of the Lord are flawless, like silver refined in a furnace of clay, purified seven times."  - Psalm 12:6

Sincerity and truth are extremely valuable because they are so rare. Many people are deceivers, liars, flatterers; they think they will get what they want by deception. 

As a king, David certainly faced his share of such people, who hoped to win his favor and gain advancement through flattery. 

When we feel as though sincerity and truth have nearly gone out of existence , we have one hope-- the Word of God. 

God's Word are as flawless as refined silver. So listen carefully when He speaks.

Luke 15:17

‎"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death !" - Luke 15:17

The younger son like many who are rebellious and immature, wanted to be free to live as he pleased, and he had hit bottom before he came to his senses. 

It often takes great sorrow and tragedy to cause people to look to the only One who can help them. 

Are you trying to live life your own way, selfishly pushing aside any responsibility or commitment that gets in your way ?

Stop and look before you hit bottom.

You will save yourself and your family much grief.

Psalm 119:105

"Your word is a lamp into my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105

To walk safely in the woods at night we need a light so we don't trip over tree roots or fall into holes. 

In this life, we walk through a dark forest of evil. But the Bible can be our light to show us the way ahead so we won't stumble as we walk. 

It reveals the entangling roots of false values and philosophies. 

Study the Bible so you will be able to see your way clear enough to stay on the right path.

How to Behave

Moving from the theological to the practical, Paul gives guidelines for living as a Redeemed people in a fallen world. We are to live ourselves to Christ as living sacrifices, obey the goverment, love our neighbors, and take special care of those who are weak in the faith.

1. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY
A. Living Sacrifices
Text : Romans 12:1, 2:
a. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but
b. Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
v. 1, God has good, pleasing, and perfect plans for His children. He wants us to be transformed people with renewed minds, living to honor and obey Him. Because He wants only what is best for us, and because He gave His Son to make our new lives possible, we should joyfully give ourselves as living sacrifices for His service. 
v.2, Christians are called to "not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, "with its behavior and customs that are usually selfish and often corrupting. Many Christians widely decide that much worldly behavior is off limits for them. Our refusal to conform to this world's values, however, must go even deeper than the level of behavior and customs---it must be firmly planted in our mind." It is possible to avoid most worldly customs and still be proud, covetous, selfish, stubborn, and arrogant. only when the Holy Spirits renews, reeducates, and redirects our minds are we truly transformed.
Romans 8:5,
Paul divides people into two categories--- those who let themselves be controlled by their sinful natures, and those who follow after the Holy Spirit. All of us would be in the first category if Jesus hadn't offer us a way out. Once we have said yes to Jesus, we will want to continue following Him, because this way brings life and peace. Daily we must consciously choose to center our lives on God. Use Bible to discover God's guidelines, and then follow them.

Romans 6:6-8,
The power and penalty of sin died with Christ on the cross. Our "old self", our sinful nature, died once and for all, so we are freed from its power. The "body of sin" is not the human body, but our rebellious sin-loving nature inherited from Adam. Though our body willingly cooperates with our sinful nature, we must not regard the body as evil. It is the sin in us that is evil. And it is the power of sin at work in our body that is defeated. Paul has already stated that through faith in Christ we stand acquitted, "not guilty" before God. Here Paul emphasizes that we need no longer live under sin's power. God does not take us out of the world or make us robots---we will still feel like sinning, and sometimes we will sin. The difference is that before we were saved we were slaves to our sinful nature, but now we can choose to live for Christ. (see Galatians 2:20)
v. 8, Because of Christ's death and resurrection, His followers need never fear death. That assurance frees us to enjoy fellowship with Him and to do His will. This will affect all our activities---work and worship, play, Bible study, quiet times, and times of caring for others. When you know that you don't have to fear death, you will experience a new vigor in life.

Ephesians 4:22-24,
Our old way of life before we believe in Christ is completely in the past. We should put it behind us like old clothes to be thrown away. This is both a once -for all decision when we decide to accept Christ gift of Salvation (2:8-10) and also a daily conscious commitment. We are to be driven by desires and impulse. We must put on the new role, head in the new direction, and have the new way of thinking that the Holy Spirit gives.

Colossians 3:3-15,

v. 3, What does it mean that a believers life is "hidden with Christ"? Hidden means concealed and safe. This is not only future hope, but an accomplished fact right now. Our service and conduct do not earn our Salvation, but the are results of our Salvation. Take heart that your Salvation is sure, and live each day for Christ.

v. 4, Christ gives us power to live with Him now, and He gives us hope for the future---He will return. so prepare for Christ return.

v. 5, We should consider ourselves dead and unresponsive to sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed. Just like deseased limbs of a tree, this practices must be cut off before they destroy us. We must make a conscious, daily decision to remove anything that supports or feeds this desires and to rely on the Holy Spirit's power.

v. 6, The "wrath of God" refers to God judgement on this kind of behavior, culminating with future and final punishment of evil. When tempted to sin, remember that you must one day stand before God.

v. 8-10, We must rid ourselves of all evil practices and immorality. Then we can commit ourselves to what Christ teaches. 

v. 9, Lying to one another disrupts unity by destroying trust. It tears down relationships and may lead to serious conflict in a church. So don't exaggerates statistics, pass on rumors or gossip, or say things to build up your own image. Be committed to telling the truth.

v. 10 What does it mean to "put on the new self "? It means that your conduct should match your faith. If you are a Christian, you should act like it. To be a Christians means more than just making good resolutions and having good intentions; it means taking the right actions. This straight forward step that is as simple as putting on your own clothes.

v. 14,15, Christians should live in peace. To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences in opinion are eliminated , but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to meet others' needs. (see 1 Corinthians 13). To live in love leads to peace between individuals and among the members of the body of believers.

Do problems in your relationships with other Christians cause open conflicts or mutual silence ?
What you can do to heal those relationship with love? 
The word rules comes from the language of athletics: Pauls tells to let Christ's peace be referee in our hearts . Our hearts are the center of conflict because there our feelings and desires clash---our fears and hopes, distrust and trust, jealousy and love. How can we deal with these constant conflicts and live as God wants ? 
Paul explains that we must decide between conflicting elements by using the rule of peace--which choice will promote peace in our souls and in our churches ?
Philippians 4:9, 
It's not enough to hear or read the Word of God, or even to know it well. We must also to put it into practice. How easy to listen to a sermon and forget what the preacher said. How easy it is to read the Bible and not think about how to live differently. How easy it is to debate what a passage means and not live out that meaning. Exposure to God's Word is not enough. It must lead to obedience.

Training for the Christian Life

Text: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 

v.24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize ? Run in such a way to get the prize. v.25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training, They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. v.26 Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. v.27 No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 


A. Go into strict training in order to get the prize. 

Winning a race requires purpose and discipline. Paul uses this illustration to explain that Christian life takes hard work, self denial, and gruelling preparation. As a Christians, we are running toward our heavenly reward. The essential discipline of Prayer, Bible study, and Worship equip us to run with vigor and stamina. Don't merely observed from the grandstand, don't just turn out to jog a couple of laps each morning. Train diligently, your Spiritual progress depend upon it. 

At times we must even give up something good in order to do what God wants. Each person's special duties determined the discipline and denial that he or she must accept. Without a goal, discipline is nothing but sel- punishment. With goal of pleasing God, our denial seems like nothing compared to the eternal, imperishable reward that will be ours. 

When Paul says he must be disqualified, he does not mean that he could lose his salvation, but rather that he could lose his privilege of telling others about Christ. It is easy to tell others how to live and not to take our own advice. We must be careful to practice what we preach. 

We train ourselves to run the race of life. So we keep our eyes on Christ--the goal--and don't get sidetracked or slowed down. When we do this, we will win a reward in Christ's kingdom. 


B. Race ---- Focus all your energies toward winning the race. 

Philippians 3 : 13,14 

v.13 Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. v.14 I pressed toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. 

Paul had reason to forget what was behind, he had held the coats of those who stoned Stephen, the first Christian martyr (Acts 7:57,58, Paul is called Saul here, v.57 At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, v.58 dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile , the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul). 

Stephen saw the Glory of God, and Jesus the Messiah standing at God's right hand. Stephen's word are similar to Jesus' words spoken before the council. (Matthew 26:64, "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied, "But I say to all of you : In the future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming in the clouds of heaven). 

Jesus declared His royalty in no uncertain terms. In saying He was the Son of Man, Jesus was claiming to be the Messiah, as His listeners well knew. He knew this declaration would be His undoing, but He did not panic. He was calm, courageous, and determined. 

Stephen's vission supported Jesus claim and angered the Jewish leaders who had condemed Jesus for blasphemy. They will not tolerate Stephen's words, so they dragged him out and killed him. People may not kill us for witnessing about Christ, but they will let us know they don't want to hear the truth and will often try to silence us. Keep honoring God in your conduct and words; though many may turn against you and your message, some will follow Christ. Remember, Stephen's death made a profound impact on Paul, who later became the world's greatest missionary, Even those who oppose you now may later turn to Christ. 

Saul is also called Paul (see Acts 13:9). the great missionary who wrote many of the letters in the New Testament. Saul was his Hebrew name; Paul his Greek name, was used as he began his ministry to the Gentiles. When Luke introduces him, Paul was hating and persecuting Jesus' followers. This is a great contrast to the Paul about whom Luke will write for most of the rest of the Book of Acts--a devoted follower of Christ and a gifted Gospel preacher. Paul was uniquely qualified to talk to the Jews because he had once persecuted those who believed in Jesus, and he understood how the opposition felt. Paul is a powerful example of how no one is impossible for God to reach and change. 


We have all done things for which we are ashamed, and we live in the tension of what we have been and what we want to be. Because our hope in Christ, however, we can let go of past guilt and look forward to what God will help us become. Don't dwell on your past. Instead, grow in the knowledge of God by concentrating your relationship with Him now. Realize that you are forgiven, and then move on to a life of faith and obedience. Look forward to a fuller and more meaningful life because of your Hope in Christ. 

C. Exercise--- Spiritual Exercise = will help you grow in faith and character. 

1 Timothy 4:7-10 


v.7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. v.8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. v.9 This is trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance v.10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is our Saviour of all men, and especially of those who believe. 


Are you in shape both physical and Spiritually ? In our society, much emphasis is placed on physical fitness, but Spiritual health (godliness) is more important. Our physical health is susceptible to disease and injury, but faith can sustain us through this tragedies. To train ourselves to be godly we must develop our faith by using our God-given abilities in the service of the church (see 4:14-16). Are we developing our spiritual muscles ? 

As we must repeat exercises to tone our bodies, so we must steadily repeat Spiritual exercises to be Spiritually fit. When we do this, we will be better Christians, living in accordance with God's will. Such a life will attract others to Christ and pay dividends in this present life and the next. 



D. Fight Race-- Fighting the good fight and persevering to the end. 

2 Timothy 4:7,8 

v.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. V.8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing. 


In romans athlethic games, a laurel wreath was given to the winners. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke at a "crown." But his would be a crown of righteousness. 

2 Corinthians 5:10 

For we must all appear before the Judgement seat of Christ, that each may one recieve what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 

While Eternal Life is free gift on the basis of God's Grace (Ephessians 2:8,9-- For it is by Grace you have been saved, through Faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the Gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast). 

Each of us will still be Judge by Christ . This Judgement will reward us for how we have lived, God's Gracious Gift of Salvation does not free us from the requirement for faithful obedience. All Christians must give an account for how they have lived. 

Matthew 16:27 

For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's Glory with His angels, and then He will reward each person according to what he has done. 

Jesus Christ has been given the authority to judge all the earth (Romans 14:9-11). Although His Judgement is already working in our lives, there is a future , final Judgement when Christ returns (25:31-46) and everyone's life is reviewed and evaluated. This will not be confined to unbelievers. Christian too will face a Judgement. Their Eternal destiny is secure, but Jesus will look at how they handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities in order to determine their heavenly rewards. At the time of Judgement , God will delivered the righteous and condemned the wicked. We should not Judge other's Salvation, that is God's work. 


The Christian life is a fight aganst evil forces from without and temptation from within . If we stay true to God through it all, He promises an end, a rest, and a crown. 


As a great amount of training is needed for athletic activities, so we must train diligently for the Christian life. Such training takes time, dedication, energy, continued practice, and vision. We must all commit ouselves to the Christian life, but we must first know the rules, 

as prescribed in God's word (2 Timothy 2:5). 

Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not recieve the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. 

As Timothy preached and taught, he would faced suferring, but he shoul be able to endure. Paul used a comparison with soldiers, athletes, and farmers who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want. Like soldiers, we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline. Like athletes, we must train and follow the rules. Like farmers, we must work extremely hard and be patient. But we keep going despite suferring because of the thought of victory, the vission of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our hope of suferring is Glorifying God, winning people to Christ, and one day living Eternally with Him. 

Amen !!!