Life With Jesus is Better (Matthew 25:31-46)
Gary McManus, 08/21/2022Part of the Life With Jesus is Better series, preached at a Sunday Morning service
August 21, 2022 Matthew 25:31-46 Life With Jesus is Better
Jesus’ story: “the sheep and the goats”?
Jesus’ story: “the judgment of the nations”?
Jesus’ story: “the final judgment”?
OR is Jesus’ story about living a Christian life
UNTIL the final judgment?
Sharon Randall: http://sharonrandall.com/ and a column first published in 2016 and reprinted in August, 2022: “Celebrate Life”
The columns is Biblical and Christian although she does
not start with the Bible or quote the Bible.
[But we now read of plenty of American Pastors who
may have read the Bible and quote it, but don’t understand what the Bible says when it says, “Love your neighbor” or Jesus’ words: “love your enemies.”(Matthew 5:44) ]
If “God is love” (1 John 4:8 ) then when authors talk about love, are they not talking about God? Some are. Some do..
Today’s message is based on Sharon Randall’s column. Pastor McManus will provide the Bible notes.
Her talk was an event, a “Celebration of Life,”
hosted by United Hospital Center in Bridgeport, W.Va..
Sharon Randall has also been a Sunday School teacher!
Sharon Randall’s first husband was a cancer patient for four years, given six months to live. “Along the way, we learned several lessons.
The first lesson was kindness.”
Jesus had compassion. Jesus had compassion and acted on it. (Matthew 14:14, Matthew 20:34, Luke 7:13) Jesus rarely acted in order to make people believe. Jesus refused that temptation from Satan himself! But when Jesus was moved by compassion, Jesus acted.
[Sharon Randall]
The second lesson was how to embrace change.
As the cancer took its toll, he adapted.
Pastor McManus:
Jesus said, it isn’t sin that is causing this (John 9:3).
Take up your cross daily and follow me. (Luke 9:23).
[ Sharon Randall]
That was the third lesson: Gratitude.
Pastor McManus:
“Thank the Lord” is a phrase that shows up in the Bible between 50 and 80 times. Alternative: “Thank God.” Pastor McManus has recommended a gratitude list. Pastor McManus suggests the first thing in the morning.
[Sharon Randall]
“Those who do get to live longer, owe it to those don’t, to live well; to keep moving forward; and to be more, not less, alive.”
Pastor McManus:
Jesus said, John 10:10: “a thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.”
Susan Randall concluded:
If there is any art to living, it might be this: Be kind.
Embrace change. Be thankful. Live well. And always celebrate life.
Pastor McManus concludes with Jesus’ words:
Matthew 25:34-36: “Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was. . .”
Our Lord continue to bless Sharon Randall and all of you. Amen.
Award-winning writer Sharon Randall is a syndicated
columnist whose work has been distributed to more than 400 newspapers and an estimated 6 million readers nationwide. A frequent speaker for conferences and fundraisers, she receives thousands of letters and emails each year from readers who connect with her stories.
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