How are you?

Yesterday, we talked about the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Because that email was pretty meaty, this Word of Encouragement will be pretty short. Sort of. There is one verse from our passage from Sunday that I want us to focus on this week:

26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us. -Luke 16:26

This is speaking of eternity. Once you die, you cannot go back. There are no second chances. Eternity is set forever. You will either be in heaven or hell. You will either be in eternal paradise or eternal torment. There is no in-between. There are no take-backs.

This makes us question our faith. Do we truly believe? Are we truly saved? Are we truly confident with where we will be after we die?

Also, it drives us to our knees for our loved ones who do not know Jesus. If we love them, we will do all that we can to share the gospel with them, even if it means discomfort and sacrifice.

How are we truly saved from hell? How are we saved from eternal torment? It’s because Jesus took on the hell for our sin on the cross. He took on the eternal torment and judgment on the cross so that we may experience eternal life in paradise.

This is the gospel. This is the heart of the Reformation: Christ paid it all. Be in awe of His grace and love today, this week, and forevermore.

See you this Sunday for Lord’s Day Worship! Our football teams will be playing one another. Do you know what’s better than seeing our team win? It’s worshiping together in Christ.

Also, there is an interest meeting for Hurricane Harvey Relief! Please attend the meeting after fellowship if you’re interested!

In Christ,
Pastor Tim

Photo credit: http://onewayjesus.weebly.com/eternity.html