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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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When Jesus Returns: Why All the Tribes of the Earth Will Mourn

Matthew 24:30 gives us a vivid picture of the moment Jesus returns. The verse says that “all the tribes of the earth will mourn.” But who are these people, and why are they so sad when Jesus comes back? Let’s take a closer look at what this means.

1. Who Are the Tribes of the Earth?

The term “all the tribes of the earth” refers to everyone on the planet who has rejected God’s love and mercy. These are people who chose to live in sin rather than follow Jesus. In the Bible, there is a warning about taking the “mark of the beast” on the right hand or forehead. This mark represents loyalty to the Antichrist—a world leader who is against everything God stands for.

These people embraced the Antichrist’s way of life, thinking it would bring them power, security, and happiness. They proudly followed his world order, believing it would last forever. But as the Bible tells us, the Antichrist’s reign is short-lived. After seven years of ruling, Jesus returns to take back His rightful place as King. The people who followed the Antichrist realize their terrible mistake too late.

2. Why Are They Mourning?

When Jesus returns, He does so in power and great glory, splitting the sky wide open. For those who believed in Him, this is a moment of joy and hope. But for those who rejected Him, it is a time of mourning and fear. They are mourning because they now understand they’ve made a tragic choice. They rejected God’s love, grace, and forgiveness. Now, they must face the consequences. Their worst nightmare—the reality of living without God forever—is coming true.

These people mourn because they know they will have to pay the price for rejecting Jesus. They realize that their choice to live in sin and follow the Antichrist has led them to a place of eternal separation from God. Their short-lived power and pleasure under the Antichrist have come to an end, and now they must face judgment.

Conclusion: A Sobering Reminder

Matthew 24:30 serves as a warning and a reminder. Jesus is coming back, and everyone will see Him when He does. For those who love and follow Him, it will be a time of great joy. But for those who rejected Him, it will be a day of sorrow and regret. The phrase “all the tribes of the earth” helps us see that no one is left out of this moment. Every person will experience the return of Jesus—either with joy or with mourning.

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God’s Love in the Day of Judgement

Isaiah 13:6-16 is a vivid prophecy concerning the “Day of the Lord,” a time of catastrophic judgment upon Babylon. At first, the passage appears to focus on God’s wrath on the Day of Judgement. Yet, it actually reflects His deep love for humanity by forewarning us of judgment to offer an opportunity for repentance and salvation.

1. The Day of the Lord: God’s Love in the Day of Judgment

The passage begins with a call to “Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come as destruction from the Almighty” (v. 6). The verses describe terrifying events such as the trembling of hearts, cosmic disturbances, and the cruel judgment that will come upon sinners. This might seem like pure wrath, but within this prophecy lies a message of God’s love and mercy in the Day of Judgement.

2. God’s Loving Warning: An Opportunity for Repentance

God’s decision to warn through prophecy is motivated by love. He forewarns the people of the impending disaster, giving them a chance to turn from their sin. The prophecy is not meant to crush the spirit, but to lead people to repentance before the calamity arrives. This shows that God doesn’t desire for humanity to suffer (2 Peter 3:9), but He is holy and must address sin.

3. God’s Desire to Save, Not Destroy

The extreme imagery used here, like the heavens trembling and the earth being shaken out of place (v. 13), emphasizes the severity of sin and the necessity of judgment. Yet, through this, we see that God’s love drives Him to issue these warnings. He desires to save people from the destruction that sin brings. If there were no warning, there would be no way to escape.

4. The Love of God: Deliverance through Judgment

Although the destruction seems certain, God’s ultimate purpose is to lead humanity to salvation. The passage serves as a reminder that judgment and mercy are not mutually exclusive. In fact, His judgment points to the need for deliverance, which He ultimately provides through Jesus Christ. God does not leave humanity hopeless in the face of the Day of the Lord; instead, He provides a way out through faith and repentance.

Conclusion: God’s Loving Purpose in the Day of Judgement

Isaiah 13:6-16 underscores a critical aspect of God’s character: His love for humanity is so great that He warns us of the coming catastrophe. His desire is not to destroy, but to offer salvation. By forewarning us, He gives us the opportunity to turn away from sin and embrace His grace. The prophecy reveals not only the holiness of God. It also reveals God’s love in the Day of Judgement, showing that His warnings are acts of compassion designed to save us.

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