GOD’S WORD FOR JANUARY 19

We have finished Erwin Lutzer’s book, CHISELED BY THE MASTER’S HAND, and have hopefully learned about the Lord of the Universe, and about ourselves and our walk with Him.  Dr. Lutzer sums it up nicely, as usual, in his epilogue to the book.  The next three days we will see him pack it up for us to remember in our lives.

EPILOGUE

THE LEGACY OF ONE LIFE

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WHAT WE DO

What did Peter do with what he knew?  He shared his faith with all who would listen.  Whether on the Day of Pentecost or in the house of Cornelius, he explained the truths of the gospel.  He never tired of telling others that Christ’s death at the hands of evil men was God’s providential response to man’s need.  Sin nailed Him there, but through faith He became the Sin-bearer for those who believe.

Peter also was able to do miracles to confirm the wonderful works of God.  Although this gift seems to have faded after the times of the Apostles, we also have the opportunity to do good works.  As Christ promised, no one who leaves father or mother will be unrewarded for his commitment.  Those who are faithful in the least will be granted a greater place in the kingdom.

Remember that God never lets us see the full impact our good deeds have here on earth.  All this is hidden from us, though it will be revealed at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Every good deed sets in motion a series of “domino effects” that stretch to eternity.  We have no idea of the hidden connections that fit into the divine mosaic.

Perhaps the reason the dead are not rewarded immediately for their good deeds, but must wait until the Rapture, is so that the effects of their lives may be fully seen. “ ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on!’  ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘That they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow with them.’” (Revelation 14:13).

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Mark 10:29-30

So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s,  who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

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2 Timothy 4:7-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.

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Matthew 24:13-14

But he who endures to the end shall be saved.  And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

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Matthew 20:16

 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.

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Matthew 7:21

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.

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Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

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