Verses:
Psalm 145:13 says, “Your kingdom [God] is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations.”
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
1 Corinthians 9:25 says “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
Reading:
At the beginning of 2021, there were 333 Hall of Fame baseball players of the hundreds of thousands of players who have entered the MLB. They are the best of the best. In the minds of the fans, their names, “live on forever” through this major accomplishment. Most of them have statues made of their images. They are as close to being worshipped by baseball lovers than anybody.
What some people don’t realize is that you are made to live forever with your spirit. Jesus, the man that purchased your salvation if you believe in him, said this: “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.” According to John 3:16, you have the way to eternal life through Jesus.
Psalm 145:13 tells us that God’s kingdom is a forever-kingdom, unlike the kingdoms of this world. The baseball hall of fame will pass away too one day, but Jesus’ kingdom will last forever! Are you ready and willing to join him? 1 Corinthians 9:25 shares why we should start to train and compete for God. There is a crown to be won pursuing his kingdom – we will have conquered this life and we get to be with God forever in the next.
Let’s look back at where we’ve come from through this study. God created a perfect world in the beginning. Then, we were exiled from his presence because of our sin. We were stained by that sin and couldn’t do anything about it on our own. We couldn’t make it back to God by our works! But God made a way through a sacrifice. He made a way by his gracious gift of himself. He paid for our sin. We can live for him today and do something purposeful with our lives in his kingdom if we choose to have faith in him and live for him.
Will you take the gift of salvation and compete for the crown?
Prayer Prompt:
Father, I accept the salvation given to me through Jesus. I want to live forever working for you – and not on things that will pass away. Give me a heart for the building of your kingdom on earth. I can’t wait for the opportunities that you will give me to live for you. I want a better relationship with you every day. Thank you, God, for all that you do for me. Thank you for this message of hope for my life.
Reflection Questions:
What things in your life do you focus on that won’t last forever?
What is one thing you can do to further God’s kingdom today that will last forever?
Response:
Do something! Do a “good deed,” not in any way to earn anything from God, but do it out of thankfulness to God for what he has done for you. Go and do your good deed without expecting anything in return. Don’t even expect a thank you! Then, thank God for the opportunity to help someone today.