IT JUST MAKES SENSE

 

          In one of the strongest condemnations in the Bible we read, “But 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.” (Revelation 21:8) It just makes sense that if we live and die in sin that we will not go to heaven. Here are eight people who will not go to heaven. They could go but they are unwilling to obey God. These eight are (1) The Fearful, those who care more about what man thinks of them than what God thinks, (2) The unbelieving, those who refuse God and God’s things, (3) The abominable, this includes the homosexual, the adulterer, the child molester and the pornographer, (4) The murderers, this could be the physical act of murder or it can be hatred which is murder in your heart, (5) The whoremongers, those who are unfaithful to their marriage vows, (6) Sorcerers, those who deal in demon worship, (7) Idolaters, those who bow down to the things of the world, and (8) Liars, “Do not lie.” “Do not deceive one another.” It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven that you would not do those things that are going to cause people to go to hell. In light of what God has done for us, it is only reasonable for us to respond in love and obedience to Him. (Romans 12:1-2)

 

          It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven you will love Christ and His church. Say good things about the church that Christ purchased with His own blood. (Ephesians 5:25) It just makes sense to talk about the love that exists in the church of Christ. It just makes sense to talk to your friends about the good lessons that are taught in the pulpit and in our Bible classes. It just makes sense to honestly apply the teachings that you receive to your own life; this can help to inspire and encourage you. It just makes sense to encourage our elders, deacons and teachers. It makes sense to talk about our mission work and our great youth work in a positive way. I will be very careful never to say anything to discourage others. "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." (Ephesians 4:29) It just makes sense that if you want to go heaven that you will love Christ and His church.

 

          It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven you will use your talents for God. If every member of the Walnut Street Church of Christ would use their talents for God, many lives could be touched. It is easy to be critical of others when we are guilty of not using our own talents. Those who do what they can will be blessed and they will be a blessing to others. But what a terrible fate awaits those who do not use their talents for God! "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:14-30) Thank the Lord for the talents or gifts you have been given, use them to the best of your abilities and God can do great things through you even if you never see the full effect of your efforts in this life. It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven you will use your talents for God.

 

          It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven you will be an active participant in the work of the Lord. I want to think of God as "My God" and His work in the church as "My work." "But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:19) I will make every possible effort to attend every assembly of the church. I will be certain to attend Sunday and Wednesday Bible classes. I will determine that the Lord and His work are going to be first in my life. What needs to be done? Everything! The possibilities for involvement in the work of the Lord are endless. What skills has God blessed you with? Do what you can for Jesus. If we are willing participants in the Lord’s work, we will soon understand that working for Lord is one of the most enjoyable experiences of a Christian’s life. We learn to become a part of something larger than ourselves. "For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's." (Romans 14:7-8) It just makes sense that if you want to go to heaven you will be an active participant in the work of the Lord.

 

          We live the Christian life to serve others and to bring praise to God. Serving is not about us receiving attention or glory; it is for Him to receive glory. (1 Peter 4:10-11) To become a Christian hear the word (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (John 8:24), repent of sins (Acts 17:30-31), confess Jesus as Lord (Romans 10:9-10) and be baptized into Christ. (Galatians 3:26-27) Come to Jesus today if you are lost in your sins! All heaven is interested in your salvation from sin. God is love and He wants you saved! The blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin. Obey Him now!

 

By Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ, 306 Walnut Street,

Greenville, Alabama 36037