City Life Starter

I. THE WORD:

So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. Ps 90:12

Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16

Yes, each one of us will give a personal account to God. Romans 14:12

II. REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. ‘Time is money’ is a popular saying. Does it agree with Scripture?

2. What is more valuable to God, your time or your money?

3. Do you spend your time with the End Times in mind?

The Holy Bible is the most incredible book ever composed, for many reasons. From the perspective of time, it covers all the bases. It’s a historical book, still relevant to the present day, and by faith reveals to us a very specific future that awaits humanity and indeed all of creation itself.

I began reading another book recently that has done a lot to reorient my perspective on time to a more biblical, Christ-centered viewpoint. Before this book, it was easier to tell myself that I couldn’t really know for sure what’s going to happen after my time on Earth.  This particular book has helped me grasp by faith the forward-looking scriptures in the Bible, which has brought the way I spend my present time into clear focus in light of the way Christ will evaluate it at the end of time. I hope it has the same effect for you as it did for me.

Going For The Gold

Reward or Loss at the Judgment of Believers

By Joe L. Wall

Co-founder of College Of Biblical Studies Houston

Chapter 1

In the Presence of The King

The scene is breathtaking. You have died, and the Lord has come for those who believe in Him. You have been rejoined to your resurrection body and now stand in the presence of your glorious Savior, the matchless Lord of the church, the absolute Monarch of the entire creation.

Your life flashes before you with three-dimensional vividness and stereophone clarity (1 Cor 3:13). Your beloved Lord publicly sets the record straight. Full vindication at last (Romans 14:6-12; 1 Corinthians 4:3, 5; 2 Thess 1:4-10). Jesus then examines all that you have said, thought, and done in the light of your purposes and motives. Why did you do that? Why didn’t you do this? His fiery eye reveals the true value of all that you have brought before him (Revelation 1:14; 1 Corinthians 3:13).

You are awestruck and defenseless as you hear Jesus’ declaration of all that is worthless and sinful, and you are pierced with a deep sense of shame (1 John 2:28). Your true spiritual maturity in life is examined, and He decrees the kind of welcome you will experience when you enter His glorious kingdom (2 Peter 1:11).

You are commended publicly for your faithful service (Matthew 25:21) and for your public loyalty to Him (Luke 12:8, 9). Then he awards you incorruptible symbols of honor that are accompanied with the announcement of your responsibilities in Jesus’ glorious eternal kingdom. Because Jesus Himself is ultimately the source of all that is good in your life, He is glorified by every honor He bestows on you.

You have just been through the judgment seat of Christ.

III. PRAYER

 Jesus, it’s all about you. Every second I have belongs to you, and you are worthy of all my days. Forgive me for trying to be the god of my time. Forgive me for paying more attention to how much money I have left in the bank instead of how much time I have left on earth. Help me to number my days, Holy Spirit, and give me the faith and confidence to trust all of scripture, even the parts about the future. Right now, I recommit my time to you, Lord. Teach me how to spend it wisely. May my life and the way I spent my time bring you honor and praise at the judgment of believers. Amen.