Do You Know for Certain That You Are on Your Way to Heaven?

Do you know for certain that you are on your way to heaven?

Today’s Scripture: Matt 25: 31-46

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all. Rom 10:12

1. Who exactly are they helping?

Whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Matt 10:42

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea. Matt 18:6

It is not the will of my Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. Matt 18:14

The Judgment is Based on Our Treatment of Christ’s Followers

I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Gen 12:3

2. Is this teaching us that salvation is by works?

Though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad--in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls. Rom 9:11

3. How do we live this way today?

PRINCIPLES 1. This kindness & love is unspectacular.

By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:35

2. Our treatment of other believers is the best practical indicator of our love for Christ.

3. We must, therefore, see Christ in his followers. 2

4. Conversely, true belief & love for Christ, will always demonstrate itself in true love toward his followers.

We love each other because He loved us first. If someone says, "I love God," but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don't love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And He has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters. 1 Jn 4:19-21 NLT

PRACTICES 1. INVEST quality time into your relationships believers.

2. Look for the emotional needs, as well as material needs in believers around you.

3. Don’t forget the believers in your own family.

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1 Tim 5:8

4. Get to really know the people in your small group.

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Heb 10:25

5. We MUST develop a tangible expression of this care for our brothers and sisters in the third world.

“Scripture is very clear in teaching that the evidence for assurance of true salvation is not found in a past moment of decision but in a continuous pattern of righteous behaviour” John MacArthur