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Burned Up In Heaven?

Burned Up in Heaven?

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul paints a picture of what happens to our actions when we get to heaven. True believers in Jesus won’t face judgment for our salvation—Jesus paid that in full on the cross. Instead, we’ll be judged on what we did with our lives here on earth. So, what does Paul mean when he talks about things like gold, silver, wood, hay, and stubble? In this study, we’ll look at why every action will be judged, how it will be tested by fire, and what will last.

1. Why Does God Judge Our Works?

In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, Paul explains that everything we do will be tested by God. Burned up in heaven? Yes! God will evaluate every choice, every act of kindness, every time we shared the gospel, and every moment we spent helping others. The Bible says God loves us and knows that what we do on earth has an eternal impact.

Think of it like building a house. Some materials are strong, like brick and steel, and others are weak, like wood and straw. When tested by fire, only the strong materials will stand. In the same way, when we live our lives out of love for God, those actions will survive God’s fire, like gold, silver, and precious stones. But if we only live for ourselves, those works are like wood, hay, and stubble—they’ll burn up and leave nothing behind.

2. God’s Fire Reveals Our True Intentions

Paul explains that God’s fire will test the quality of our work, not the quantity. So, what will be burned up in heaven? If our actions were done with pure hearts, to serve others and glorify God, they will stand the test. Think about someone who volunteers or gives generously, not for attention but because they truly want to help. God sees that heart, and those actions have lasting value in His eyes.

However, if we’re only doing good things for praise or to make ourselves look good, those actions will burn up. Wood, hay, and stubble represent things done out of selfishness or pride. When we live only for ourselves, none of it will last. The Bible says God’s fire will burn away all these selfish motives, showing what was truly valuable.

3. Living for What Will Last

Paul’s message isn’t to scare us but to remind us to live for what matters. Jesus taught us to love others, be generous, and share His gospel. When we make choices that honor God, our actions have eternal worth. They won’t be burned up in heaven but will endure like gold, silver, and precious stones.

One day, every believer will stand before God and see their life’s work tested. Imagine what it will feel like to see God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Knowing that God values even our smallest act of kindness should inspire us to live for Him.

Conclusion: Will Your Works Stand the Test?

Burned up in heaven? That’s exactly what happens to works done out of selfishness or pride. When we choose to live for God, our lives build something eternal. So let’s strive for actions that glorify Him, serve others, and share the gospel—these are the things that last, and these are the things that bring God joy.

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Do We Need God’s Rules?

In Romans 2:15, Paul writes about how God’s laws are already written on our hearts. This passage brings up a good question: Do we need God’s rules? After all, don’t we already know right from wrong? Do we need to read the Ten Commandments to know we shouldn’t steal or lie? In this study, we’ll explore why God’s rules matter, what our conscience does, and why we can’t ignore the guilt that comes from wrongdoing.

1. God’s Rules Are Written on Our Hearts

Romans 2:15 tells us that even people who don’t know God’s law still have His rules written in their hearts. When we feel guilty after lying or ashamed after cheating, that’s our conscience reminding us of God’s rules. This inner feeling, given by God, nudges us back in the right direction. So, do we need God’s rules? Yes, because they remind us of His standards, but God’s law is also imprinted within us to guide us toward living right.

When we read the Ten Commandments, we see rules like “Do not steal” or “Do not commit adultery.” But most of us don’t need someone to tell us these things are wrong. Why? Because God has already given each of us a conscience. It’s that little voice in our hearts that reminds us when we’ve done something wrong, and it helps us feel guilt or shame. Those feelings guide us toward making better choices, but they don’t come from nowhere. They’re there because of God’s law in our hearts.

2. Ignoring Our Conscience Has Consequences

When we go against what our conscience tells us, it hurts our relationship with God and others. If we ignore that inner voice long enough, we risk “callousing” over our hearts. Just like calloused skin stops feeling pain, a calloused heart stops feeling guilt or shame. But does that mean we’ve erased God’s rules from our hearts? Not at all. God’s rules don’t disappear just because we’ve stopped feeling bad for breaking them.

Romans 2:15 reminds us that even if we no longer feel bad about our choices, we’ll still face God’s judgment. It’s like driving with a broken speedometer. Just because you can’t see the speed doesn’t mean the speed limit doesn’t apply. Ignoring guilt doesn’t make the consequences go away; it only makes us less sensitive to God’s guidance.

3. Given Out of Love

So, why do we need God’s rules? They aren’t just a list of do’s and don’ts to make us feel guilty. God gives us these guidelines because He loves us and wants what’s best for us. When we follow His ways, we live in a way that pleases Him and brings us peace. God’s rules help us understand His character, and following them brings us closer to Him.

Romans 2:15 shows us that we don’t have to read the Bible to know that certain things are wrong; God has made His truth clear in our hearts. But reading His Word keeps our hearts sensitive to what pleases Him.

Conclusion: Do We Need God’s Rules?

Do we need God’s rules? Yes, because even though He’s written them on our hearts, they’re there to help guide us closer to Him. Ignoring our conscience and pushing aside guilt only damages our hearts and our relationship with God. His rules exist to protect us and lead us to a life of peace, truth, and love. God loves us so much that He gave us a conscience to help us feel the weight of wrongdoing so that we can choose to turn back to Him.

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Jesus Gives Us Talents

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. This story explains how God has given each of us something valuable. The master in the parable represents Jesus, who has gone to prepare a place for us in heaven. Until He returns, He entrusts each of us with gifts, or “talents,” that we are meant to use and grow. In this study, we’ll dive into what Jesus’ story teaches about using what talents He gives us and being faithful in all things.

The Master’s Journey and Our Calling

In the parable, the master leaves on a long journey and entrusts his wealth to his servants. This represents Jesus, who returned to heaven after His work on the cross. Before He left, He entrusted His followers with something precious: the gospel and the gifts He’s given to each of us. Jesus promises in John 14:2-3 that He’s gone to prepare a place for us and that He will come back. In the meantime, we’re called to make good use of what He’s left in our care.

Each of us receives different gifts, or talents, from God. Some of us have the ability to teach, some to serve, some to encourage, and others to share the gospel with ease. The gifts, like the talents, are priceless because they carry the life-changing message of Jesus.

How We Use What Jesus Gives Us Matters

Jesus gives us talents for a reason. In the parable, one servant receives five talents, another receives two, and the last one receives one talent. The first two servants use their talents and double them. The master is pleased when he returns and finds that they’ve invested well. This teaches us that God doesn’t measure our success by how much we start with but by what we do with what we have. Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to help others and share His love.

But the third servant hides his talent, fearing he’ll lose it. When the master returns, he isn’t happy with this servant’s lack of effort. This part of the story teaches us that we must not hide what God has given us. Whether it’s our ability to encourage someone, share our faith, or show kindness, God wants us to be active and engaged, using our talents to glorify Him.

Faithfulness Leads to Joy and Reward

When the master returns, he tells the first two servants, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Because they used their talents, they were rewarded with more responsibility and joy. This shows that when we faithfully use what God has given us, He blesses us even more. Jesus gives us talents not only so that we grow but so we can bless others and share His love. And as we do, we find joy and purpose.

Conclusion: Jesus Gives Us Talents

Jesus gives us talents, and He wants us to use them to serve others and spread the gospel. The parable of the talents teaches us that God values faithfulness and expects us to make the most of what He’s entrusted to us. He doesn’t want us to hide our gifts out of fear or insecurity but to use them boldly. When we are faithful with our talents, we find joy, purpose, and a closer relationship with Him. So let’s make good use of what Jesus has given, investing in others and sharing His love as we wait for His return.

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How God Uses Oil

When the prophet Samuel anointed David’s head with oil, something powerful happened. The oil wasn’t just a symbol; it represented the Holy Spirit coming upon David. The moment that oil touched his head, God’s Spirit filled him with power and wisdom, setting him apart for a great purpose. In this Bible study, we’ll take a closer look at how God uses oil and what this means for us today.

1. The Anointing of David: Oil Represents the Holy Spirit

In 1 Samuel 16:13, Samuel anointed David with oil, and from that moment, the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon him. Oil, in the Bible, often symbolizes the Holy Spirit. When God uses oil to anoint someone, He’s saying that person is chosen and set apart for His work. In David’s case, the Holy Spirit filled him with strength and wisdom to become Israel’s greatest king.

Without the Holy Spirit, David would have never accomplished all that he did. He faced giants like Goliath, overcame countless enemies, and led his people with great courage. God uses oil to show that His Spirit is present, guiding and empowering His people.

2. The Holy Spirit Poured Out Like Oil

Just as oil was poured on David, the Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is poured out into our hearts. Romans 5:5 says, “the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who is given to us.” This means the same Spirit that filled David is also given to us. God uses oil in a symbolic way to show how His Spirit fills us and guides us.

Without the Holy Spirit, how could any of us follow the Lord? We need the Spirit’s wisdom, guidance, and direction every day. In these last days, when the world is full of distractions and challenges, the Holy Spirit is what keeps us awake and diligent in our walk with God. Just like oil lights a lamp, the Holy Spirit lights our hearts to keep us on the right path.

3. Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit

David’s anointing wasn’t just for a moment. The Holy Spirit stayed with him throughout his life, helping him through trials, victories, and even his failures. The same is true for us. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, the Holy Spirit comes into our lives. God uses oil to represent His presence in us, but the real power is in the Holy Spirit working in our hearts.

In today’s world, we need the Holy Spirit more than ever. The worries of life can easily distract us, but just as David relied on the Spirit to lead Israel, we need the Spirit’s help to stay close to God. The Holy Spirit gives us the strength to live for God, resist temptation, and share His love with others.

Conclusion: How God Uses Oil

God uses oil in the Bible to symbolize His Holy Spirit. When Samuel anointed David with oil, it wasn’t just a ritual. It was a powerful moment where the Holy Spirit came upon David, equipping him for his future as king. Today, God pours out His Spirit on us through the Holy Spirit, just like oil is poured out. We need the Holy Spirit’s guidance and power in our lives to stay strong in our walk with God.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Ten Virgins Decoded

In Matthew 25:1-4, Jesus tells the parable of the Ten Virgins. This story teaches us about being ready for His return. In this study, we’ll break down the elements of the parable and see what they represent. Getting the parable of the Ten Virgins decoded is all about being prepared for when Jesus, the bridegroom, comes back.

1. The Ten Virgins Decoded

The ten virgins in the story represent people who are waiting for Jesus to return. These virgins can be seen as bridesmaids who are waiting for the bridegroom to arrive for a wedding. Out of these ten, five are wise, and five are foolish. The five wise virgins stand for true believers. These are the people who are living their lives for Jesus and are prepared for His second coming. They have oil in their lamps, meaning their faith is alive and they are ready to meet Jesus.

On the other hand, the five foolish virgins look like they are believers, but they aren’t really prepared. They don’t have any oil for their lamps. This means that they may look like they are living for Jesus, but their hearts are far from Him. When the bridegroom (Jesus) comes, they won’t be ready to go with Him.

2. The Lamps and the Bridegroom

The lamps in this story represent how we live out our lives. Just like the virgins needed lamps to light their way, we need our lives to show that we are followers of Jesus. But here’s the important part: it’s not just about having a lamp (or looking like a believer), but also having oil. The oil represents the Holy Spirit, the power and faith that keep our lamps burning. The wise virgins kept their lamps full of oil, meaning they stayed faithful to Jesus. The foolish virgins, however, didn’t keep their lamps filled, showing that their faith was empty.

The bridegroom in the parable represents Jesus. His coming symbolizes His second coming when He will return for His people. The wise virgins were ready to meet the bridegroom because they had oil in their lamps. The foolish virgins, though, were not ready because they hadn’t prepared.

Conclusion: Are You Prepared?

This parable reminds us that we need to be ready for when Jesus returns. Just like the wise virgins, we need to keep our lamps filled with oil—living out our faith and staying close to Jesus. The foolish virgins missed their chance because they weren’t prepared. Let’s make sure we’re living for Jesus every day, so we’re ready when the bridegroom comes.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Jesus Wants Slaves?

In Matthew 24:45, Jesus talks about the “faithful and wise slave,” which might sound strange at first. The word “slave” can bring negative thoughts to mind, but it’s important to understand what Jesus really means and why He wants slaves. Let’s take a closer look at this verse and how we can be a “slave” to Jesus in the best way possible.

1. What Does Slave Mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, the word “slave” is often used interchangeably with the word “servant.” In this context, being a slave to Jesus means willingly serving Him. It’s not about being forced into slavery like in the negative ways we might think about it. Instead, it’s a choice we make. We come to Jesus out of our own free will, wanting to be His servant because we love Him and know He is a good Master.

If Jesus is our Master, then being His slave is the best possible thing we could ever choose. He watches over us, cares for us, and leads us in a way that is good. When we serve Him, we live the life God intended for us, free from the bondage of sin.

2. Why Would We Want to Be Jesus’ Slaves?

Think about every wrong thing you’ve ever done. Lying, cheating, hurting others—these are all things that would make us stand guilty before God. Without Jesus, we would face judgment for these sins. But here’s the good news: for those who believe in Jesus, God has forgiven all of those sins. He has wiped them away. Not only that, but He also promises to be with us every single day. He will never leave us or forsake us.

Choosing to be a slave to Jesus means choosing to be free from sin and to live a life that pleases God. Jesus doesn’t demand this from us; He invites us to serve Him because He knows that His way leads to true life. We’re not forced into this relationship. Instead, we willingly serve a Master who loves us deeply and has our best interests at heart.

Conclusion: Serving Jesus as His Slave

In Matthew 24:45, Jesus calls us to be like the “faithful and wise slave” who serves his master well. When we choose to be Jesus’ slaves, we are choosing to follow a loving Master who forgives us, cares for us, and never abandons us. Serving Him is a privilege, not a burden. Jesus ultimately wants slaves who He Himself can serve. We may not know when Jesus will return, but we do know that being His servant is the best place to be when He does.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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The Rapture Is Global

In Luke 17:30-37, Jesus gives us a powerful picture of the end times and how the rapture is global. These verses tell us that the rapture will not be limited to one part of the world, but will happen all at once, across the globe. Some people will be working, others will be sleeping, but the rapture will happen in the same moment for everyone. Let’s take a deeper look at these verses and see what Jesus is telling us about this incredible event.

1. Two People in One Bed: A Global Event

In Luke 17:34, Jesus says, “I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed; one will be taken and the other left.” This verse is talking about the rapture. The phrase “one will be taken and the other left” means that when Jesus returns, some people will be taken to be with Him, while others will be left behind.

What’s really interesting here is that Jesus specifically mentions night. He says that two people will be in one bed, which means they will be sleeping. But, in the very next verse, He talks about two people working. This means that while some people are sleeping, others will be awake and going about their day. This shows us that the rapture will happen at the same second, all over the world. It might be night for one person, but it will be morning or afternoon for someone else.

2. The Rapture Will Happen Instantly

In Luke 17:35-36, Jesus continues by saying, “There will be two women grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.” These verses further show us that the rapture is a global event. While some are working in the fields or grinding grain, others are still in bed. This tells us that no matter where you are in the world, the rapture will happen at the exact same moment.

People in one part of the world may be starting their day, while others are going to sleep, but Jesus will come in an instant and take His believers with Him. The fact that the rapture is global highlights the sudden and unpredictable nature of Jesus’ return.

3. Who Will Be Taken?

So, who are the ones that will be taken in the rapture? Jesus makes it clear that those who are taken are His followers, the ones who have put their faith in Him. They are the ones who are ready and waiting for His return. The ones left behind are those who have not followed Jesus and have not placed their trust in Him.

This global event will happen suddenly, and there will be no time to prepare once it starts. That’s why it’s so important to live each day with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment. We must be ready, keeping our faith strong and our focus on Him.

Conclusion: The Rapture Is Global

In Luke 17:30-37, Jesus gives us a clear picture of the rapture. It will happen at the same second all over the world, with some people working, others sleeping, and still others going about their daily lives. The rapture is global, and those who are ready—those who follow Jesus—will be taken to be with Him. The ones left behind will face the consequences of not being prepared. Let’s make sure we are ready for Jesus’ return, living each day with Him as our focus.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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Who Does Jesus Take First?

In Matthew 24:39-41, Jesus gives us a snapshot of the end times and the rapture. These verses describe people being “taken” while others are “left behind.” But who exactly does Jesus take first? Some scholars disagree on the meaning of these verses, but when we look at the original language, we get a clearer picture. Let’s dig into this and figure out what Jesus is telling us about the rapture.

1. The Days of Noah and the Word “Took”

In Matthew 24:39, Jesus compares the end times to the days of Noah. In Noah’s time, people were living their normal lives—eating, drinking, and marrying—until the flood came and “took” them away. The word “took” here means they were swept away in judgment. They didn’t listen to Noah’s warnings and didn’t prepare for the coming flood. When the flood came, it was too late. They were taken away to face God’s judgment.

Some scholars argue that this context carries over into verses 40 and 41, meaning the ones who are “taken” are taken to judgment. But when we dig deeper into the original Greek, we find a different meaning for the word “taken” in these next verses.

2. Two Are in the Field: Who Is Taken?

In Matthew 24:40-41, Jesus says, “Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and the other left.” The Greek word for “taken” in these verses is different from the word used in verse 39. Here, “taken” comes from the Greek word “paralambanō,” which means to take someone along with you or to receive someone to yourself.

This changes everything! Instead of the “taken” ones being taken to judgment, they are taken to be with the Lord. They are the ones who are raptured, taken up to meet Jesus in the air. The ones left behind are those who will face the trials and judgments of the tribulation period.

3. Who Does Jesus Take First?

So, who does Jesus take first? Based on the word “paralambanō,” we can understand that those who are “taken” in verses 40 and 41 are the believers. These are the people who have placed their faith in Jesus and are ready for His return. When the rapture happens, Jesus will take His followers to be with Him. This is why it’s so important for us to be ready, living our lives for Jesus and staying faithful until the end.

Those who are “left behind” will face the difficulties of the tribulation. They are not taken to be with Jesus, and they will have to endure the chaos and judgments that follow.

Conclusion: The Rapture and the Taken

In Matthew 24:39-41, Jesus gives us a picture of the rapture. Some people will be taken to be with Him, while others will be left behind. The ones who are “taken” are not taken to judgment like in Noah’s day, but are raptured to be with the Lord. The key is to be ready, to be among those who are taken, and to live faithfully for Jesus so we are prepared when He returns.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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End Times and Noah

In Matthew 24:36-39, Jesus gives us a clear warning about the end times. He says no one knows the day or hour of His return, but He compares it to the days of Noah. Let’s explore what this means and how it helps us understand what the world will look like before Jesus comes back.

1. What Were the Days of Noah Like?

Jesus said that the end times will be just like in Noah’s day. So, what was happening then? People were living life as usual—they were eating, drinking, getting married, and doing all the things they normally did. But something was wrong. According to Genesis 6:5, the wickedness of mankind was huge. Every thought and action was full of evil. People had completely turned away from God and lived however they wanted.

Noah built the ark while everyone else ignored God’s warnings. People didn’t believe that judgment was coming, and they continued in their sinful ways right up until the flood began. When it started to rain, it was too late for them to change.

2. The End Times Will Be Similar to Noah’s Day

Just like in Noah’s day, people in the end times will be focused on themselves. Many will party, eat, drink, and go about their lives without thinking about God. Sexual sin and perversion will run wild, just like it does today. People will ignore the seriousness of sin and its consequences. Uncontrolled sexual behavior will lead to unwanted pregnancies and, tragically, many abortions. In the place where a baby should feel safest—the womb—there will be no safety.

Divorce rates will also remain high, as Jesus mentioned that people will be marrying and divorcing as if it’s nothing. In our world today, the divorce rate in many places, like the U.S., is close to 50%. This shows how far people have drifted from God’s design for marriage and family.

3. Jesus’ Warning About the End Times and Noah

Jesus said that the end times will look just like the days of Noah. People will live for themselves, and many won’t believe that Jesus is coming back. But, like the flood, judgment will come suddenly. Jesus tells us to pay attention to the signs of the season. We may not know the exact hour, but we can see when the world starts to look like it did in Noah’s time. This is our wake-up call to stay alert and keep our eyes on God.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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God Gathers the Elect in Matthew 24:31: Who Are They?

God Gathers the Elect

Matthew 24:31 talks about a powerful event that happens when Jesus returns: God gathers the elect, His people, “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.” But who are these people the angels will gather? Let’s dive into this verse to better understand.

1. Who Are the Elect?

The term “elect” refers to God’s chosen people. In the Bible, God promises to gather His people at the end of the age. Moses talked about this in Deuteronomy 30:3, where he said that God would bring back His people from all the places they were scattered. But who are these people in Matthew 24:31?

Note that this gathering happens after the rapture, so it doesn’t refer to Christians who have already been taken up. Instead, the “elect” here are likely the Jews—God’s chosen people—and also Gentiles who have come to know Jesus during the tribulation. Many people will turn to God during this difficult time, and they will be gathered by the angels when Jesus returns.

2. Surviving the Tribulation

Some of these elect will be people who somehow survive the seven-year tribulation. During this period, the world will be full of hardship and judgment, but many will come to faith in Jesus as their Savior. These are the ones the angels will gather from the “four winds,” meaning from all over the world. No true believer will be left behind. God knows where each of His people is, and He will send His angels to gather them from every corner of the earth.

3. God Gathers the Elect: A Gathering of True Believers

The gathering in Matthew 24:31 is a beautiful picture of God’s care for His people. Whether they are Jews who have long awaited their Messiah or Gentiles who turned to Christ during the tribulation, they are all part of God’s family. On that day, every true believer will be found and brought together, showing God’s perfect plan for His people.

Conclusion: God’s Faithfulness in Gathering the Elect

God promises hope to all who belong to Him. They are the elect who He gathers in Matthew 24:31. Therefore, whether they are Jews or Gentiles, those who trust in Jesus will not be forgotten. God will send His angels to gather His people from the four winds, ensuring that no one is left behind. God gathers the elect from every corner of the world, showing God’s amazing faithfulness to those who love Him.

To watch the full message and bible study on this topic, CLICK HERE.

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