Beyond the Weekend: EPIC
Stories of Trust, Failure and Faith That Point to Jesus
What does it look like to believe God, not just believe in God? This fall, we're diving into the raw, unfiltered stories of biblical heroes who wrestled with doubt, took dangerous detours, and discovered that trusting God means following him even when you can't see the outcome. Their epic journeys of trust, failure and faith all point to the ultimate hero—Jesus.
Key Messaging Points:
- There's a difference between believing in God and believing God
- God speaks in life's detours and disruptions
- Wrestling with God transforms us
- Trusting God means obeying before you see the outcome
- Every story of human struggle points to Jesus
Question 46: Final Judgment
Read: 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 Listen: 2 Corinthians 5
Question: Will there be a final judgment?
Answer: Yes, all people will appear before Christ for judgment, with believers receiving rewards based on their earthly lives.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Paul writes to believers about a sobering reality—everyone will stand before Christ's judgment seat. For believers, judgment isn't about salvation, which is secured through grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul previously taught the Corinthian believers about judgment using a metaphor—we build on Christ's foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw. Fire will test the quality of what believers build. What survives receives reward (1 Corinthians 3:11-14). Jesus also declares he will reward each person according to what they have done (Matthew 16:27).
Our choices matter for eternity. While salvation is God's free gift through grace, our eternal lives connect to our earthly lives, shaping who we will always be. Final judgment, for believers, is about our stewardship of what God entrusted to us. Scripture calls us to build on the reality of God in Christ and to treat our time on earth as an investment in God's eternal kingdom. For example, Jesus teaches that whatever we do for the least fortunate, we do for him (Matthew 25:40). Final judgment motivates us to make a difference in this life and invest our time and energy in things that glorify God and earn eternal rewards.
TODAY: Consider how you're investing your life. Ask God to help you live with eternity in mind. Thank him that your salvation is secure and pray for wisdom to serve faithfully in ways that will matter forever. Learn more about eternity in our We Believe document.
