So You're Dead...Now What (Groeschel)

After a casket is wheeled onto the stage and several minutes go by, Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv comes on stage saying, "You thought I was going to come out of that casket, didn't you? Well, it's not gonna happen." Talking about death can make people uncomfortable. There's a store in Dallas, TX that says in big flashing lights, "The Casket Store". What would it be like to be a salesman there? "What would it take you to get into this coffin?" Veeerryy uncomfortable. Oddly, next door to the casket store is a "Boxes to Go". What we believe about death and eternity will determine how we live. For example, atheists believe that, once we die, it's over whereas other people believe in pergatory. Some people think we become angels while others believe in reincarnation. When Craig was in school, one of the ladies he didn't get along with believed in reincarnation and that she would come back as a tree. Craig said that if there was such a thing and she was going to be a tree, he was going to come back as a dog. What we know about death is that 1) We will ALL die. Our sin separates us from God, but God sent His son, Jesus, to die for us. By faith, when we believe in Him, we are called righteous before God. We know that 2) The soul and the body separate. When Craig first resided over a funeral, he got to the part, "ashes to ashes, dust to dust", but he forgot his lines and replaced what should have been said with, "I hope this coffin doesn't rust." The reality is that the body may die, but the sould doesn't have to. 3) Eventually, we will will face the judgement. The thought of being judged by God is sobering. Just being judged by people is nerve-racking. What does the Bible say about Judgement? Craig believes there will be 2 different judgements; 1) the Great White Throne of Judgement. There's the book of Life, a book on our Deeds and our Sins. Scripturally, we know that no one is good enough to enter based on works. In Ephesians, it says we are not judged by our works so that no one can boast. 2) The Judgement Seat of Christ - this is only for Believers. Craig believes that this is probably a judgement as to whether we will receive rewards in Heaven. "Bema" is the Greek word for judgement. It was a word used to describe the area where Greek athletes would be rewarded for achievement. Craig actually recently had his first Annual Groeschel Awards for his family. He gave each family member a reward for demonstrating honorable traits throughout the year. Imagine what it would be like to be rewarded by Christ in Heaven!. There are crowns in Heaven. The Bible tells us there are at least five. 1) The Inorruptible Crown - This is for those who spend time with God and pray and Fast 2) The Crown of Righteousness - This is a crown for those who do not care for things of the earth, but seek after Righteousness. The Crown of Rejoicing - The soul-winning crown. This is for those who engage others with Christ. 4) The Crown of Glory - The shepherd's crown, for those who train up disciples. 5) The Crown of Life - For those who endure Life and hold on to Jesus. Not only are we given rewards in Heaven, but we are even given an idea of what we can pursue to receive them! So let's live our lives according to what we believe!

Created almost 5 years ago