====Two Sons====
<p><em>For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things [done] in [his] body, according to that he hath done, whether [it be] good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) </em></p>
<p>In the day of reckoning God called two of His sons to stand before Him. </p>
<p>To the first son God said: "Son, I have loved you with an everlasting love. I found you when you were a Gentile without hope, in the guilt of your sins, in the filthiness and pride of your self-centeredness and self-love. I said to you at that time, ‘Live!' And you came to life in My Presence. </p>
<p>"I forgave your many sins. I taught you to take up your cross so you would have the opportunity to overcome your self-centeredness. I gave you the gift of My Son and put My Spirit in you. I watched over you night and day and guided you with My eye. Many times I forgave your ignorance and foolishness. All these things I did for you that I may be your God and you may be My son. </p>
<p>"What, therefore, have you done with your life?" </p>
<p>The first son answered God and said, "My Father and my God. I thank and praise You that You saw fit to reach down from Heaven and save me. Since that time I have served You with all my heart. Although I behaved ignorantly and foolishly on many occasions, when You corrected me I changed my ways and ceased from sin and rebellion. </p>
<p>"I redeemed the time to the best of my ability. I never sinned knowingly and willfully. Many times I set aside my greatest desires and chose to do Your will instead. </p>
<p>"I have laid down my life, have taken up my cross, and have followed Your Son, Jesus Christ. Whatever He has said to me I have done, as He has given me wisdom and strength. </p>
<p>"I have prayed, studied the Scriptures, and have fellowshiped with the saints. I have been loyal to my wife, family, and friends. I harbor hatred against no person but would rejoice to see everyone enter the Kingdom of God. </p>
<p>"I have been diligent in the ministry Christ has given to me and have placed the work of the Kingdom of God first in importance. I did not spend my days cultivating my own abilities or insuring my own security. Many have turned to righteousness as a result of my testimony. </p>
<p>"I have cheated no person but have made restitution whenever it has been clear that I should do so. </p>
<p>"This is what I have done with my life, as the Lord Jesus has helped and guided me through the Holy Spirit. </p>
<p>"I stand ready now to do, by Your grace, whatever You would have me to do." </p>
<p>To the second son God said: "Son, I have loved you with an everlasting love. I found you when you were a Gentile without hope, in the guilt of your sins, in the filthiness and pride of your self-centeredness and self-love. I said to you at that time, ‘Live!' And you came to life in My Presence. </p>
<p>"I forgave your many sins. I taught you to take up your cross so you would have the opportunity to overcome your self-centeredness. I gave you the gift of My Son and put My Spirit in you. I watched over you night and day and guided you with My eye. Many times I forgave your ignorance and foolishness. All these things I did for you that I may be your God and you may be My son. </p>
<p>"What, therefore, have you done with your life?" </p>
<p>To be continued. [[Two Sons 2]]
[[Category:Sermons WOR]]