Sunday Morning Podcast November 2, 2014. Bro. Dave Goble.
TEXT: MATTHEW 13:47-50
47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:
48 Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.
49 So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just,
50 And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
EPHESIANS 5:25-27
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing;but that it should be holy and without blemish.
There is only going to be righteousness people allowed in heaven. We need to think about if we are as ready as we need to be. If we aren’t, we have work to do. In Matthew we are given the example how while gathering the fish, the good fish was kept, but the bad cast back out. It says here that the kingdom of God is likened to this example. If God’s not pleased with us, if what we do is not ordained of Him, we also will be cast away. We need the cleansing of anything that is lacking in us spiritually to produce righteous works, in order to be “without spot or wrinkle.” (Ephesians 5:27). It is allowing God’s word to cleanse and admonish us, that prepares us to be righteous to please Him.
Can you see yourself in Heaven the way you are, right now? There won’t be any hiding places in heaven for our shame of not being measured up. Yes, we are weak and fallible. But God supplies mercy and grace in order that we might measure up to all the fullness in Him, through His sacrifice for us. None of us is worthy without it, but all can be because He died so that we can choose to be. Don’t worry about other people’s approval, but only God’s approval. Examine yourself for anything God would be displeased with.
I Thessalonians 5:16-22 Verse 16, says to rejoice evermore (always). 17: Pray without ceasing (prayer going up from your heart always). 18: In everything give thanks. This will cause you to not be cynical of anything, (politics, economy,etc.), which would then cause you to be unthankful. 19: Quench not the Spirit:. (Don’t watch, listen,etc. that which is not of God’s Spirit. 20: Despise not the prophesies of God’s Word. (despise not the ministry’s correction by God’s Spirit, in whatever form He would send it to you). Without it, there is no power with effect in our life. 21: Prove all things. Make sure what you testify of in your life, is proven by your actions, and then don’t let it go This will help you to: 22, Abstain from all appearance of evil. Keep away from even the “appearance” of evil. Can you see yourself in heaven, in the way that you are today?
Paul exhorts for the grace of God to be with us all. (Romans 16:24). Paul was inspired to command us of this.Why? So that we would be ready to make heaven our home, not letting the “appearance” of evil be in our lives anywhere.
Can you see yourself in heaven, as you are right now?