Testing. Testing.

Before every worship service we do a microphone check.  I go to the pulpit and you can hear me say, “Testing. Testing. 1-2-3.”  My son Daniel will fix all the levels so that a clean, clear, sound free from distortion and feedback comes through the speakers.  Testing is done in so many areas of life…

-The mother of one will test to see if she is pregnant again.

-From childhood, students are tested in all academic areas.

-A senior in High School will be tested if he can drive a car properly.

-A diabetic will check his fasting sugar to see if the reading is normal.

-A computer programmer will test her new program before it goes live.

-And in the middle of this pandemic, all we hear about is testing, testing, testing.  Long lines all over neighborhoods are a sure sign that people are concerned about their health.  They want to be tested to see if they have COVID-19 or not.

All of this thought about “Testing” got me thinking about the most important test we could ever go through.  Paul spells it out for us in 2 Corinthians 13:5 which says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.  Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you–unless, of course, you fail the test?”   

Examine yourselves.  

Are you in the faith?  

Test yourselves.  

Is Christ Jesus in your life?

Thoughtfully read through those same questions and statements.  Has there ever been a time in your life when you have embraced the good news of Jesus Christ for yourself?  You might be asking, “What is the good news?”  Jesus died for all of our sins.  Jesus was buried.  Jesus rose again on the third day, proving He is the Son of God.   Today, anyone who places their faith in Jesus will be saved.  Everyone must accept Christ as Lord before it is too late.  We could die at any time.  That truth was never more real to us than in this pandemic.  Jesus could come back at any time.  Only those who have placed faith in Christ will be ready for His return.  So while we are still here, let’s test ourselves and make sure we are ready for Jesus.  If you are not ready, there is hope for you!  Read on.

John 1:12 says, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  Receive Jesus.  Believe Jesus.  That’s His Word to you and me.

Jesus said in John 3:3, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God, unless he is born again.”  You can be born again right now!

Jesus said in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Our sins separate us from the Lord. We are all guilty before Him. But Jesus, the pure, holy Son of God took our sins upon Himself.  Believe that His perfect, full payment for our sins upon the cross can make you clean.  Turn away from your sins.  Turn to Jesus.  He can forgive you and give you a new life.  Jesus really forgives all sin.  1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”  I hope you noticed the word “all.”  What exciting news!!!  

 2 Peter 1:10-11 says, “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.  For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”   Make sure that you have fully embraced the gift of salvation.  Talk with your family and friends and see if they have tested themselves as well.  This can be done as an at home test!  

Here is a simple prayer you can pray to receive salvation.  Jesus will hear you and save you as you place your trust in Him…

Dear Jesus,

I believe You are the Son of God.  You died on the cross for me.  You rose again to give me life.  I need You.  I am a sinner.  I have failed.  I confess my sins to You.  Please forgive me and make me clean by Your holy blood.  I receive You into my life.  Please come in and change me.  Make me new.  I surrender to You.  I want to live a holy life that honors You.  Please save me and fill me with Your precious Holy Spirit.  I need You more than ever.  Thank You for saving me.  I commit my life into Your Hands.  In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture Verse for Memorization and Meditation:  

Romans 8:10-11

“But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.  And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.”

Additional Reading:

Genesis 22

What test did Abraham pass in this story?

What tests in life have you gone through?  

Where have you failed?  Where have you succeeded?  Talk to the Lord about it all.  

You are loved.  You matter.  You are prayed for.