PRAYER PROMPT ••• My favorite verses in scripture are Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
These verses leave no ambiguity about it – nothing we do is good enough to earn a place in heaven.
We are sinners and God’s grace is what saves us.
Yesterday, our preacher started a series on grace, and referenced the passage these verses come from.
He spoke of how some people just can’t seem to accept the simplicity of grace.
People think they can earn this.
Verses like the ones I’m about to write about, taken alone, may cause confusion which only serves to emphasize that the Bible HAS to be read!
You can’t pull excerpts here and there and expect to understand who God is!
Make the Bible a part of every day!
Don’t assume you know the Truth!
But I’m getting off track…
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 speak of our good works being tested on Judgment Day.
Now – let’s stop here.
If you’re not a Christian- please go back to Ephesians 2:8-9, then John 3:16.
I cannot emphasize this enough: your good deeds are NOT going to get you into heaven.
Yet our works will still be measured!
For Christians, on Judgment Day, God is going to ask us what we did to further His kingdom.
The foundation of our faith is Jesus Christ, but our deeds are built upon it.
The Apostle Paul compared our deeds to gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, and straw.
When our work, motives, and heart are tested by judgment fires, what deeds will be able to withstand the fire?
Those are the deeds that have endurance and lasting impact.
As children of God, the things we do here matter.
You don’t have to leave it up to the preachers or choir directors!
Share a Bible verse.
Pray with someone.
Invite them to church!
These deeds of lasting impact don’t have to be big scale – but should come from a genuine heart who loves Jesus.
How will your deeds handle the fire?
Today, as you pray, ask the Holy Spirit to show you opportunities to create lasting, impactful deeds that have eternal significance.
Ask Him to guide you through a pure heart based on the grace of God and love of Jesus Christ.
