More Than a Bus Ticket (2 Corinthians 5:10)

On the way to work

DeWayne said this verse landed on him during his commute the day before, with a clear sense he should teach it.

The bema

Every Corinthian could picture the bema, the raised seat where a judge announced a verdict. Paul says all believers will appear before Christ's. That's different from the great white throne in Revelation 20, which is for those who aren't saved.

Saved, so why judged?

This judgment isn't about getting into heaven. It's an accounting of what we did with what we were given. Scripture talks about rewards and crowns, and DeWayne admits he doesn't know what they look like. The thief on the cross made it to paradise. How his experience compares to Billy Graham's, nobody knows. One participant joked that he might have to fetch Billy Graham's coffee.

Not a bus ride

DeWayne compared salvation to boarding a bus: it isn't just punching your ticket and riding along. Participants added that grace isn't opposed to effort, and that works don't save you but show the faith is real.

Try this

• Ask the Holy Spirit what your assignment is in this season.
• Do one thing this week that will outlast you.