“BOTTOM LINE CHRISTIANITY”

INTRO: What is bottom line Christianity? WHEN WE ARE BORN AGAIN AND BECOME A CHILD OF GOD AND A MEMBER OF THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THEN THERE ARE A FEW MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF GOD THAT WE SHOULD BE WILLING TO DO.

THE MODERN CHRISTIAN CHURCH HAS VEERED AWAY FROM THESE BASIC, “MINIMUM STANDARDS” OF THE CHURCH. THESE THINGS “MUST BE” IN ORDER FOR THE GOSPEL TO GO FORWARD. WE MUST NOT FORGET THE “BEMA SEAT” JUDGEMENT OF CHRIST. THIS JUDGEMENT IS FOR THE WORK WE HAVE DONE SINCE BECOMING CHRISTIANS. THIS WILL PROBABLY HAPPEN ON THE DAY OF THE RAPTURE OR SOON AFTERWARD.

REMEMBER THESE WORDS OF GOD.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is your reasonable service].
Rom 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

God would never ask us to do anything “unreasonable”.

At the judgement seat of Christ we will receive any reward that has been earned. The book of Revelation says:

Rev 4:10  The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and [cast their crowns before the throne], saying,
Rev 4:11  [Thou art worthy, O Lord], to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

We will realize that we are so unworthy even to be before The Lord that we will cast them back at His feet. Another thing we should consider is what God told the children of Israel. We know God never changes.

Exo 23:15  Thou shalt keep the feast of unleavened bread: (thou shalt eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded thee, in the time appointed of the month Abib; for in it thou camest out from Egypt: and [none shall appear before me empty]:)

**********GOD EXPECTS US TO RENDER OUR REASONABLE SERVICE. IF HE DID NOT HAVE WORK FOR US TO DO AFTER SALVATION THEN HE WOULD HAVE TAKEN US HOME TO HEAVEN AT THAT TIME.

I.) THE “WORK” OF THE CHURCH:

   a.) It is the JOB of the Church to EVANGELIZE the WORLD.

Act 1:8  But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem,(your home area) and in all Judaea(your nation), and in Samaria(your surrounding area), and unto the uttermost part of the earth(everywhere else in the world).

2Th 1:12  [That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him], according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mar 16:15  And he said unto them, [Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature].
Mar 16:16  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

GOD SAVED US FOR HIS “EMPLOYMENT” NOT JUST HIS “ENJOYMENT”.

Luk 14:23  And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

God wants His houses (the local churches) to be full.

   b.) To “GLORIFY” God:

Eph 3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

We all have a “Testimony” if we are Born Again. We have been saved from the coming wrath of God. HEAVEN IS OUR HOME. Home is the place to start when we witness.

1Ch 29:11  Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.

There is “none” greater than Our Lord.

Rom 11:36  For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

If we “talk the talk” then we must “WALK THE WALK”.

Psa 29:2  Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.

   c.) To “INSTRUCT” believers:

Mat 28:20  Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

This is an ongoing thing.

Gal 6:6  Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

When Luke wrote down his Gospel he had this very thing in mind.

Luk 1:1  Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us,
Luk 1:2  Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word;
Luk 1:3  It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,
Luk 1:4  [That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed].

THE WORD OF GOD IS TRUE.

Gal 6:10  As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

DOING GOOD IS ALSO INSTRUCTION IN GOD’S WORD.

   d.) To “Baptize” converts:

Mat 28:19  Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

The Apostle Peter writes:

1Pe 3:21  The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Peter says the water does not clean the flesh BUT THE DEATH AND RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR ANSWER. Baptism represents the death, burial, and resurrection of Our Lord.

“YOU KNOW THAT GRAVE IS STILL EMPTY”.

   e.) To “ENCOURAGE” one another:

1Th 5:11  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
1Th 5:12  And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
1Th 5:13  And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
1Th 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
1Th 5:15  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
1Th 5:16  Rejoice evermore.
1Th 5:17  Pray without ceasing.
1Th 5:18  In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
1Th 5:19  Quench not the Spirit.
1Th 5:20  Despise not prophesyings.
1Th 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1Th 5:22  Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Jesus Christ Our Lord is the “HEAD” of the Church. He wants His church in “one accord”.

Eph 4:15  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:
Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

   f.) To “SHOW” the world the goodness of God:

1Pe 2:9  But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that [ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light]:

Jesus said to make His Church a GLORIOUS THING.

Eph 3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

Christ Jesus was transfigured before some of the apostles:

Mat 17:2  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

When we are born again into the Church of the living God, He expects this same transfiguration from His children.

Php 2:15  That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
Php 2:16  Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The very words of Our Lord.

Mat 5:16  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

   g.) To HELP ONE ANOTHER in the time of NEED:

1Ti 5:16  If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

The Church is expected to help those in need but this verse says we should help as individuals and not suffer the Church to try to do it all.

1Th 2:6  Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
1Th 2:7  But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

As individuals as a nurse to children.

These traits come with being “born again”.

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Again James writes:

Jas 3:17  But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Jas 3:18  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

   h.) TO HOLD BACK “SIN” IN THIS PRESENT WORLD:

2Th 2:7  For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: [only he who now letteth will let], until he be taken out of the way.

The Evil of this world is held at bay by the Holy Spirit. Each individual that is a child of God is endowed with God’s Holy Spirit. When the Church is raptured out of this world, the Holy Spirit will go back to His function as in the Old Testament. SIN WILL RUN RAMPID AND THE ANTICHRIST WILL APPEAR.

2Th 2:8  [And then shall that Wicked be revealed], whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

IT IS THE JOB OF THE CHURCH TO HOLD BACK AS MUCH OF THIS EVIL AS WE CAN WHILE WE ARE HERE ON EARTH.

    i.) TO LOVE THE LORD FERVENTLY:

Rev 2:4  Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

If we do not keep that love we had for Christ throughout our time on this earth, He will also have somewhat against each and every one of us.

Mat 24:12  And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

Jesus Christ said in the end times the love of many will wax cold. We can see that with our own eyes. Many so called churches do not even recognize Christ as the truth anymore but think there are other means and ways to Heaven. How soon we forget.

Rev 2:5  Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and [will remove thy candlestick out of his place], except thou repent.

Christ is not found in many places that at one time were mighty for the Lord.

GOD IS LOVE:

1Jn 4:6  We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.
1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
1Jn 4:8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
1Jn 4:9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
1Jn 4:10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
1Jn 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
1Jn 4:12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
1Jn 4:13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
1Jn 4:14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
1Jn 4:15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
1Jn 4:16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
1Jn 4:17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
1Jn 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us.
1Jn 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
1Jn 4:21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

II.) THE “JUDGEMENT” OF THE CHURCH.

(We will give an account for what we have done since our salvation)

   a.) How many souls we witness to and win over to God:

Pro 11:30  The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and [he that winneth souls is wise].

Does this mean that, he that does not win souls is unwise. I think so!

Daniel wrote:

Dan 12:3  And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and [they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever].

Matthew wrote the words of Jesus:

Mat 4:19  And he saith unto them, Follow me, and [I will make you fishers of men].

James wrote:

Jas 5:20  Let him know, that [he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death], and shall hide a multitude of sins.

John wrote:

Joh 4:36  And [he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal]: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

Rewards come to those who serve.

   b.) How we have used our “abilities”:

Mat 25:14  For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
Mat 25:15  And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
Mat 25:16  Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
Mat 25:17  And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
Mat 25:18  But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
Mat 25:19  After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
Mat 25:20  And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
Mat 25:21  His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:22  He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
Mat 25:23  His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
Mat 25:24  Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed:
Mat 25:25  And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
Mat 25:26  His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Mat 25:27  Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
Mat 25:28  Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
Mat 25:29  For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

WHAT IS YOUR TALENT?

HOW ARE YOU USING IT?

   c.) How we treat other Christians:

Mat 10:41  He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

The Bible says:

Luk 14:13  But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:
Luk 14:14  And thou shalt be blessed; for they cannot recompense thee: [for thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just].

This must be a willing and loving thing to do. From the heart.

1Co 9:17  For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

Let’s hold on to the things of God.

2Jn 1:8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.

   d.) How much we have suffered for Our Lord:

Mat 5:11  Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Mat 5:12  Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

God knows how we will suffer.

Isa 66:5  Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: [but he shall appear to your joy], and they shall be ashamed.

Even in this be like Jesus:

1Pe 2:23  Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; [but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously]:

From the Old Testament to the New Testament: (we are not alone)

Rom 8:36  [As it is written], For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

That’s when people can see Jesus “in us”.

2Co 4:11  For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, [that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh].

Our Lord will never forget what happened:

Rev 2:3  And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and [hast not fainted].

   e.) How well we spend our time:

Col 4:5  Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time.

LET EVERY MINUTE BE PRECIOUS IN OUR SERVICE TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The Psalmist wrote:

Psa 90:12  So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

Eph 5:15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
Eph 5:16  Redeeming the time, (because the days are evil).
Eph 5:17  Wherefore be ye not unwise, [but understanding what the will of the Lord is].

Again Paul:

Col 3:16  [Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom]; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

   f.) How well we support our church:

Heb 10:25  [Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together], as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and [so much the more, as ye see the day approaching].

The tendancy of the modern day church is to go less often.

THE BIBLE STATES TO NOT FORSAKE THE ASSEMBLING OF THE CHURCH AND ACTUALLY MORE OFTEN AS WE SEE THE JUDGEMENT DAY APPROACHING.

Only the blind can say these are not the end times.

1Co 5:4  In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [when ye are gathered together], and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Rom 13:11  And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Rom 13:12  The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
Rom 13:13  Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

2Pe 3:14  Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

and to Pastors and Preachers:

Col 4:17  And say to Archippus, [Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it].
 
1Ti 4:16  [Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and (them that hear thee)].

These are just the minimum requirements. God loves to bless for added effort!

Amen