Bible Study - Authentic (2) - Sharing CHRIST - Matthew 28 and 2 Corinthians 5 - April 21, 2024

 

Bible Study – Authentic (2) – Sharing CHRIST – April 21, 2024

We are to invite others into a relationship with CHRIST.

Our focus scriptures are Matthew 28:18-20 and 2 Corinthians 5:16-21.

Let’s read Matthew 28:18-20:

 ¹⁸ Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹ Go, therefore, and make disciples of^[e] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember,^[f] I am with you always,^[g] to the end of the age.”

JESUS came near because HE wanted them to hear every word that HE uttered. HIS message is the same today for all who know HIM. Don’t hide the Good News but share it as GOD gives us opportunity.

GOD’S redemptive plan had been accomplished through the life, death, and resurrection of JESUS. JESUS had conquered the penalty of sin, which is eternal death, by the shedding of HIS blood. Now all who place their faith in JESUS are Spiritually born into GOD’S eternal family, never to be unborn. That part has been Finished!!!

The temple, the sanctified body had not been prepared to be occupied by GOD’S Holy Spirit. That would take place at Pentecost when JESUS sent the Holy Spirit to occupy the human body of all who place their faith in JESUS. The visible confirmation is captured in Acts 2:1- When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. ² Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. ³ They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. ⁴ Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues,^[a] as the Spirit enabled them.

Those in Jerusalem heard the sound and saw the flames. Why? GOD wanted to get the attention of those in Jerusalem. Wind is powerful and useful when directed. When grain was thrashed, the grain, the edible part of the grain would be separated from the chaff/straw. The grain was tossed into the air as the wind blew and the edible grain would be separated for the straw or non-edible.

Notice that this sound came down from Heaven to distinguish it from ordinary wind.

Think about what was happening an established religious system was being changed from observing the Law to GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS. A major change in the way the Jews and the world would worship was taking place. The Apostle Peter was the barrier of the Good News of GOD’S Grace through faith in JESUS.

This Good News is the same today through faith in JESUS THE CHRIST.

Three-thousand people became Spirit-born Christians during this time and spread throughout the land as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

When the Holy Spirit comes upon a person who has placed his/her faith in JESUS that moment can be manifested in many ways. Speaking in some known language or a special prayer language. Caution, which will be repeated later “¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he (GOD) wills.” Never forget GOD is the distributor of Spiritual Gifts.

What is the purpose of the Holy Spirit? In 2 Corinthians 5:5: ⁵ He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

The Holy Spirit is given to true believers as their assurance and guarantee of salvation. When the Hoy Spirit comes into a person’s life, HE brings Spiritual Gifts from GOD to be used as that person grows Spiritually and obediently serves GOD upon earth.

What are some of the Spiritual Gifts? Let’s read 1 Corinthians 12 to see a few. There are about 29 or more Spiritual gifts listed in GOD’S Word.

Diversity of Spiritual Gifts

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts:^[a] brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be unaware. ² You know that when you were pagans, you used to be enticed and led astray by mute idols. ³ Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.

⁴ Now there are different gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵ There are different ministries, but the same Lord. ⁶ And there are different activities, but the same God works all of them in each person. ⁷ A manifestation of the Spirit is given to each person for the common good: ⁸ to one is given a message of wisdom through the Spirit, to another, a message of knowledge by the same Spirit, ⁹ to another, faith by the same Spirit, to another, gifts of healing by the one Spirit, ¹⁰ to another, the performing of miracles, to another, prophecy, to another, distinguishing between spirits, to another, different kinds of tongues,^[b] to another, interpretation of tongues. ¹¹ One and the same Spirit is active in all these, distributing to each person as he (GOD) wills. (This is a vital statement. Spiritual Gifts are distributed to each person as HE Wills.)

Unity Yet Diversity in the Body

¹² For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body—so also is Christ. ¹³ For we were all baptized by^[c] one Spirit into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and we were all given one Spirit to drink. ¹⁴ Indeed, the body is not one part but many. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “Because I’m not a hand, I don’t belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “Because I’m not an eye, I don’t belong to the body,” it is not for that reason any less a part of the body. ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? ¹⁸ But as it is, God has arranged each one of the parts in the body just as he wanted. ¹⁹ And if they were all the same part, where would the body be? ²⁰ As it is, there are many parts, but one body. ²¹ The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” Or again, the head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body that are weaker are indispensable. ²³ And those parts of the body that we consider less honorable, we clothe these with greater honor, and our unrespectable parts are treated with greater respect, ²⁴ which our respectable parts do not need.

Instead, God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the less honorable, ²⁵ so that there would be no division in the body, but that the members would have the same concern for each other. ²⁶ So if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

²⁷ Now you are the body of Christ, and individual members of it. ²⁸ And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, leading, various kinds of tongues.^[d] 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all do miracles? ³⁰ Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? ³¹ But desire the greater gifts. And I will show you an even better way.

We have to be careful and not get caught up in the Gifts and overlook the Giver. The key is to wait upon GOD to give you the gift, HE desires for you. You can desire a gift, but GOD gives a gift to be used for HIS purpose. We now move on to reconciliation.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:16-19:

The Ministry of Reconciliation

¹⁶ From now on, then, we do not know anyone from a worldly perspective.^[b] Even if we have known Christ from a worldly perspective,^[c] yet now we no longer know him in this way. ¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he/she is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has^[d] come! ¹⁸ Everything is from God, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and has given us the ministry of reconciliation. ¹⁹ That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and he has committed the message of reconciliation to us.

What is Spiritual reconciliation?  Spiritual reconciliation helps ensure Spiritual integrity and transparency. How? JESUS paid for all of our sins in full, therefore no person is prevented from coming to GOD to seek reconciliation through Faith in JESUS.

As Christians, we have been given the gift of reconciliation.

Let’s read 2 Corinthians 5:20-21:

²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” ²¹ He (GOD) made the one who did not know sin to be sin^[e] for us, so that in him (JESUS) we might become the righteousness of God.

If you are a born-again Christian, did you know that you are GOD’S Ambassador and represent GOD and JESUS to others?

This is an awesome responsibility. GOD’S redemptive plan is for those who know the truth, present the truth of salvation through faith in JESUS to others. How does a Christian know who is in need of salvation? Ask GOD to reveal them to you and when HE does trust that HE will give you the words to say.

I recall the first time I witnessed to a person. It was on a plane headed to New York. I was scared but I knew that GOD had ordained this time. We had small talk and before I knew it, I was into my testimony. As I got close to the end of my testimony, I didn’t know what to expect, but to my surprise the person said, “I have been thinking about such things lately.” Yes, I felt relief. It opened up a friendly conversation.

We must trust GOD to open and prepare the way as we go into the world. Ask GOD to give you the opportunity to present GOD’S plan of salvation through faith in JESUS. It is simple. JESUS willingly left HIS home in Heaven to come to earth to live a 100% human life. To be tempted in all ways humans are tempted to sin. JESUS was perfectly capable of sinning, but he chose not to sin. Why? Because he had to remain sinless in order to be the perfect acceptable sacrifice to GOD to pay in full for the sins of mankind.

Once a person asks JESUS to forgive him or her and asks JESUS to come into that person’s life or heart a miracle takes place, quicker than the twinkle of the eye. That person is Spiritually born into the Family of GOD, never to be unborn.

Then what? That is when a person begins eternal life and is taught by the indwelling Holy Spirit.

As a Spirit-born person, GOD gives you not only eternal life but Spiritual Gifts for you to use as you obediently serve GOD and JESUS upon earth.

These gifts benefit you and others as needed.

Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study - Authentic (1) - Built on CHRIST - 1 Peter 2:1-12 - April 14, 2024

 

Bible Study – Authentic (1) – Built on CHIRST – April 14, 2024

Our focus scripture is 1 Peter 2:1-12

Everything in the church centers on JESUS CHRIST.

JESUS THE CHRIST is foundational established by GOD, “I AM.”

There is only One True GOD (I AM) and only ONE TRUE SON (JESUS THE CHRIST), WHO PAID THE SIN DEBT FOR ALL PEOPLE, WHO place their faith in HIM. JESUS willingly left HIS home in Glory to come to earth to be the only pure, acceptable sacrifice to GOD to pay, in full, for the sins of all humanity for all who will accept HIS PASSION and place their faith in HIM.

GOD established JESUS as the corner stone of the Christian church. The corner stone is the stone that is used to align all the walls of the building being built. The cornerstone determines the future of the final building.

In Ephesians 2: ²⁰ Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.

JESUS is the foundation and The ONE upon which all true Christians build. Do you recall last week’s study regarding building upon the solid foundation which has been laid by JESUS? We either choose the building materials as we work in GOD’S Vineyard or as led by the Holy Spirit, to guide us as we work in GOD’S vineyard.

All of the building materials we use, as Christians, will be tested by fire. Certain building materials will combust, but others will withstand the fire. Those that withstand the test of fire will be our heavenly reward which will be used to fashion our crown which, in turn, we will lay at the feet of JESUS.

 

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:1-5:

The Living Stone and a Holy People

2 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander. ² Like newborn infants, desire the pure milk of the word (Truth),^[a] so that by it you may grow up into your salvation, ³ if you have tasted that the Lord is good.^[b] 4 As you come to him, a living stone—rejected by people but chosen and honored by^[c] God— ⁵ you yourselves, as living stones, a spiritual house, are being built to be a holy priesthood^[d] to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 

Be genuine and realize that as new Spirit-born Christians, we are like newborn babies. We have so much yet to learn.

We are just like newborn infants, and we are totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit to teach us in these formative years to Spiritually grow into mature Spiritual adults, fully equipped to serve and fully equipped for Spiritual battle.

FATHER, we ask YOU to lead and guide every Spirit-born Christian to a fellow Spiritually mature Christian who can teach them the magnificence of serving YOU through the good times and the not-so-good. But it is in the not-so-good times that we get to experience YOU and learn to trust in YOU as YOU carry us through the rough spots in life.

We as Spirit-born Christians are building upon the foundation that JESUS has laid, the church also is building upon the foundation that JESUS has laid. That is why there are so many denominations which are still being modified today. Where do we draw the line?

JESUS gave HIS sinless life for all people.

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:6-8:

⁶ For it stands in Scripture:

See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and honored^[e] cornerstone,
and the one who believes in him (JESUS)
will never be put to shame.^[f]

⁷ So honor will come to you who believe, but for the unbelieving,

The stone that the builders rejected—
this one has become the cornerstone,^[g]

⁸ and

A stone to stumble over,
and a rock to trip over.^[h]

They stumble because they disobey the word; they were destined for this.

What is the importance of the cornerstone of any building? It determines the future alignment of all the walls of the building. The cornerstone dictates the final building but if people decide a different building, it will become the vision of people and not GOD.

The Bible describes Jesus as the cornerstone that HIS Church would be built upon. JESUS is foundational. Once the cornerstone was set, it became the basis for determining every measurement in the remaining construction; everything was aligned to it. As the cornerstone of the building of the true church, not the brick-and-mortar church, JESUS is our standard of measure, direction, and alignment. The leadership of the church and the individual church body decide whether or not the church is headed in the right Spiritual direction as guided by the Holy Spirit.

In the early 19th and 20th centuries, cornerstones were hollowed out and placed in a prominent location on the front of a building. These stones often had an inscription, such as the name of the owner, the name of the builder, or the year the structure was built. Often, the cornerstone was hollowed out, and important documents, newspaper clippings, books, or photographs were placed into a metal receptacle and then placed inside the hollowed-out area in the cornerstone before it was put in place.

You may pass by cornerstones without ever noticing them; however, you can find a great deal of information about the building from these inscribed stones. They are often found on historic buildings and homes in communities around the world.

JESUS is the CHRIST and is the Chief Cornerstone of HIS Church. Often the cornerstone was hollowed out and excellent information was placed inside. Such information about JESUS has been placed in the Bible and authenticated by the life, death, passion, resurrection, ascension of JESUS and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. In 1 Peter 10:24:

He (JESUS) personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed. JUST THINK JESUS DID THIS JUST FOR YOU AND ME!

What did JESUS tell Nicodemus, a member of the Sanhedrin who helped Joseph of Arimathea bury JESUS after HIS crucifixion. We read in John 3:1-21:

3 There was a man from the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. ² This man came to him at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one could perform these signs you do unless God were with him.”

³ Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born again,^[a] he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

⁴ “How can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?”

⁵ Jesus answered, “Truly I tell you, unless someone is born of water (Physically) and the Spirit (Only from GOD), he cannot enter the kingdom of God. ⁶ Whatever is born of the flesh is flesh, and whatever is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷ Do not be amazed that I told you that you must be born again. ⁸ The wind blows where it pleases, and you hear its sound, but you don’t know where it comes from or where it is going. So, it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

⁹ “How can these things be?” asked Nicodemus.

¹⁰ “Are you a teacher^[b] of Israel and don’t know these things?” Jesus replied. ¹¹ “Truly I tell you; we speak what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but you do not accept our testimony. ¹² If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven —the Son of Man(JESUS).^[c]

¹⁴ “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ so that everyone who believes in him may^[d] have eternal life. ¹⁶ For God loved the world in this way:^[e] He gave^[f] his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. ¹⁷ For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. ¹⁸ Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God. ¹⁹ This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. ²⁰ For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it,^[g] so that his deeds may not be exposed. ²¹ But anyone who lives by^[h] the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

Everything a Denomination or Church builds upon must be governed and guided by JESUS THE CHRIST/The Holy Spirit. HE establishes the current and future direction of a Denomination or a Church. But do we look to JESUS for direction and the leadership of the Holy Spirit? Or do we lean upon our own understanding? What do we learn from proverbs 3:5-6? Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
⁶ In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths.

Why does GOD do this for HIS chosen? Let’s read on ----

Let’s read 1 Peter 2:9-12:

⁹ But you are a chosen race,^[i][j] a royal priesthood,^[k] a holy nation,^[l] a people for his possession,^[m] so that you may proclaim the praises^[n][o] of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

My, my look what we are as Spirit-born people through faith in JESUS:

-        A Chosen Race

-        A Royal Priesthood

-        A Holy Nation

-        A people of HIS possession

WHY? so that you may proclaim the praises^[n][o] of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. How did we receive mercy? Through the shed blood of JESUS.

A Call to Good Works

¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you as strangers and exiles to abstain from sinful desires that wage war against the soul. ¹² Conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles,^[p] so that when they slander you as evildoers, they will observe your good works and will glorify God on the day he visits.

Live so that others will see JESUS in you. May our lives be a witness to others but caution, Christians have an enemy but as we read in 1 John 4:1-6: Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of God; for many false prophets have gone out into the world. ² By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit which confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, ³ and every spirit which does not confess Jesus is not of God. This is the spirit of antichrist, of which you heard that it was coming, and now it is in the world already. ⁴ Little children, you are of God, and have overcome them; for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. ⁵ They are of the world, therefore what they say is of the world, and the world listens to them. ⁶ We are of God. Whoever knows God listens to us, and he who is not of God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

In the latter days we who are the truth must know how to deal with the unholy spirit world. JESUS IS OUR DEFENDER AND OUR PROTECTOR. Blessings!!!

 

Bible Study (6) – All About JESUS (6) – Luke 24:44-53 – April 7, 2024

Focus scripture is Luke 24:44-53

The truth about JESUS is too big to keep to ourselves. Salvation has eternal rewards.

In Luke 24:25-27: ²⁵ He (JESUS) said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow^[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” ²⁷ Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. 

Often, we overlook the obvious. JESUS was walking and talking to two disciples on the road to Emmaus, after HIS resurrection, as recorded in Luke 24: ²⁵ He (JESUS) said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow^[f] to believe all that the prophets have spoken! ²⁶ Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” ²⁷ Then beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted for them the things concerning himself in all the Scriptures. WOW!!! I would love to hear JESUS teach about these things. Well, we can. When we study GOD’S Word, The HOLY SPIRIT gives us understanding and comprehension as we study scripture.

Often, preconceived notions cause us to lean on our own understanding and block the revelations which come from the HOLY SPIRIT!

JESUS is preparing to ascend into Heaven and HE is giving those present a parting Bible lesson which is as much for us today and for them at that moment. Let’s explore! JESUS’ parting words to all who desire to build a solid Scripture based foundation built upon truth. 

Let’s read Luke 24:44-45:

⁴⁴ He (JESUS) told them (those assembled), “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then he (JESUS) opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. (JESUS opened their minds because HE had not sent the Holy Spirit. Since Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was sent to indwell every true Spirit-born believer to teach, reveal truth, come along the side of all who believe in JESUS, grant the gifts of the Holy Spirit, as GOD chooses, confirm truth and so much more.)

Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible. Then the other authors of the Old Testament are the Prophets, and Psalms, all were inspired inspired by GOD. The New Testament was written by those inspired by the Holy Spirit and compiled into 66-books. (39 Books in the Old Testament and 27 Books in the New Testament.)

Brief History of compiling the current 66-Books of the Bible:

Eventually, Christian church leaders worldwide gathered to answer major questions, including which books should be regarded as "Scripture." These gatherings included the Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 and the First Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381, which decided a book should be included in the Bible if it was:

• Written by one of Jesus' disciples, someone who was a witness to Jesus' ministry, such as Peter, or someone who interviewed witnesses, such as Luke.
• Written in the first century A.D., meaning that books written long after the events of Jesus' life and the first decades of the church weren't included.
• Consistent with other portions of the Bible known to be valid, meaning the book couldn't contradict a trusted element of Scripture.

After a few decades of debate, these councils settled which books should be included in the Bible. A few years later, all were published by Jerome in a single volume.

By the time, the first century A.D. ended, most of the church had agreed on which books should be considered Scripture. The earliest church members took guidance from the writings of Peter, Paul, Matthew, John, Luke, James and others. The later councils and debates were useful in weeding out inferior books that claimed the same authority.

JESUS cited three sources, Moses, Prophets, and Psalms. These three sources are foundational regarding the Messiah and can be trusted regarding the building of our faith in JESUS as the promised Messiah. JESUS was and is the promised Messiah, which we can confirm by studying these sources which were available to the scribes and priests.

The Apostle Paul teaches on the building materials Christians use to build on the solid foundation of faith in JESUS, as we read in 1 Corinthians 3:9-17:

⁹ For we are God’s coworkers.^[c] You are God’s field, God’s building.

¹⁰ According to God’s grace that was given to me (Paul), I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder,^[d] and another builds on it. But each one is to be careful how he builds on it. ¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than what has been laid down (JESUS CHRIST and HIS righteousness.) JESUS was and is GOD’S only perfect acceptable sacrifice to annihilate sin. Annihilate means to obliterate or completely destroy.

In JESUS, you are a new creation. A new person bound for Heaven. In the meantime, while we are upon earth, those who have been Spirit-born confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, seek the power of the Holy Spirit to keep on, keeping on as we obediently serve our LORD, as led by the indwelling Holy Spirit. AMEN!!!

That foundation is Jesus Christ. ¹² If anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he (The Spirit-born person) has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

¹⁶ Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you? ¹⁷ If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is holy, and that is what you are.

Go back and consider the foundational materials, we as Christian’s use, as we serve GOD and reflect JESUS in our walk, as directed by the Holy Spirit.

Notice that the materials Christians use to build their Spiritual foundation consists of materials which will burn and others which will not be consumed in a fire. Which do you think will survive the test of fire and those that won’t? Keep in mind these are Christians building on the foundation already laid by JESUS.

Gold is our reflection of CHRIST as we serve in GOD’S vineyard (Earth). It is likely that we never know when we earn a gold reward. The key is we who know CHRIST, as our SAVIOR, do something that reflects HIM, we earn a gold reward. It does not have to be something big, but it could be a sweet smile that blesses a person who is having a bad day.

Silver is our salvation and the salvation of others we may be instrumental in leading to a saving knowledge of JESUS. Again, our reflection of CHRIST can lead a person seeking JESUS to accept JESUS as his/her Savior e.g., Gold and Silver.

Precious stones – Knowledge of GOD’S WORD, THE Bible. Knowing and applying GOD’S Word earns precious stones that stand up when tested by fire.

So where does this consuming fire come from? Let’s read on ---

Christians also build with wood, hay, and straw.

Wood which are the things we think are grand and glorious, but they honor the person and not GOD.

Hay is the money we earn or make. We decide where it goes and how it is to be used.

Straw is what is left over after the hay has been cut and can be referred to as stubble. After a believer has bought and done all he/she desires to do, what is left over is given to GOD. GOD desires the first fruits.

When all of these foundational materials are tested by fire, which do you think will survive the fire?

Notice in verse ¹³ each one’s work will become obvious. For the day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire; the fire will test the quality of each one’s work. ¹⁴ If anyone’s work that he has built survives, he will receive a reward. ¹⁵ If anyone’s work is burned up, he will experience^[e] loss, but he himself will be saved—but only as through fire.

The person himself/herself will be saved. But guess what survives? The person’s salvation, which is a silver reward and other rewards – Gold and/or precious stones.

The disciples of JESUS wrote about their journey with JESUS, and we can learn from their experiences. Christianity is all about each one teaches one and living what we teach.

Let’s read Luke 24:46-49:

⁴⁶ He (JESUS) also said to them, “This is what is written:^[h] The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for^[I] forgiveness of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things.

⁴⁹ And look, I am sending you^[j] what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city^[k] until you are empowered^[l] from on high.”

What was JESUS telling those who were present? The power you will receive will be from GOD!

Remain in Jerusalem to receive what MY FATHER, GOD, promised. FATHER GOD was sending a guarantee to all who accept JESUS as their Savior and that is the HOLY SPIRIT.

We can read all about it in Acts 1 and 2. It is an informative read. Because if you have asked JESUS to come into your heart, The Holy Spirit is within you and is your guarantee of eternal life. Plus, when the Holy Spirit comes into your life, HE gives you at least one or more Spiritual Gifts.

Let’s read Luke 24:48-53:

⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ And look, I am sending you^[j] what my Father promised. As for you, stay in the city^[k] until you are empowered^[l] from on high.”

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ Then he led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. ⁵¹ And while he was blessing them, he left them and was carried up into heaven. ⁵² After worshiping him, they returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they were continually in the temple praising God.

Blessings!!!