Zane Hodges Library

Our Lord has committed to each Christian, responsibility in line with the capacity that He knows that each Christian possesses and in accordance with His knowledge of what each Christian is able to do for Him by His grace. There is a day of reckoning for every Christian, not to determine our eternal destiny, but to evaluate the kind of life and service that each Christian has lived here on earth. Faithful Christians may be commended, promoted and invited to share in their Lord's joy in the kingdom to come. Other passage mentioned include 2 Corinthians 5:10.

How do I really know that I have eternal life? We, as Christians, need the assurance that our basic relationship with our heavenly Father is not altered even by our failures or even by our sins. Does assurance come from seeking and serving God with the utmost diligence? Does assurance really rest on our perseverance in good works until the end of life? The fundamental grounds for assurance that we possess eternal life rests always on the promise of God. If we are searching for assurance in anything that we find in ourselves, we will never find assurance if we are candid and honest with ourselves. Faith is not occupied with itself. Faith is occupied with God and faith is occupied with the testimony of God. We are not invited to believe that we believe, but to believe that what God says is true. Passages mentioned include: 1 John 5:9-13, 1 John 1:3-4; 2:1,12-14,20-21,24-26; and John 3:16, 5:24, 6:35. Given at Dallas Theological Seminary Chapel in 1976.

Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his house? There is no greater incentive to faithful living then the realization that our Lord Jesus Christ may come back at any time. When that realization is lost, very much else may be lost also.

Jesus Christ, our Lord, is the Friend who comes in when all the world has come out. As believers in Jesus Christ all of our temporary sorrows will be swallowed up in unbelievable eternal joy. Other passages mentioned include: Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; and 2 Timothy 2:13

If you lose your compassion for other people and if you lose humility of heart, there is danger that you will lose your confidence in the Word of God. If we are people who care about other people and if we are men and women who have a humble heart, then we can also be men and women who have great confidence in God's grace. If you would like to bring up the ragtag rear of the Christian army, then build your life on the shifting sands of your opinions and desires. But, if you want to stand tall in the army of faith, build your life on the solid rock of the absolute authority and power of the Word of God. Other passages mentioned include: Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 5:5-7 and James 4:6.

The words that come out of our mouth are the fruit of our inner life. The way we act in response to the Word of God decides the way we end. In eternity there are no monuments to people who live life their own way. The monuments of eternity belong to those whose good character is revealed in their words and whose commitment to Jesus Christ is revealed in their deeds of obedience.

Three pieces of advice for Christian advisors: First, you get back what you give. Second, you cannot lead the way if you do not see the road. Third, if you need major surgery, operate on yourself first.

What is the antidote for the sickness of hostility and resentment towards others in the human heart? The very best antidote to that kind of sickness is a medicine whose ingredients include loving, doing good, blessing and praying. What does it mean to turn the other cheek? Other passage discussed includes: John 18:19-23.

What is real success all about? What is your lifestyle really worth? If you are a born again person who has received from Jesus Christ the free gift of everlasting life, and if in addition to that, you are a disciple of His by following Him, then every negative experience is a doorway to spiritual and eternal success. One of the best things that can ever happen to you as a Christian is to have somebody reject you for your Christian faith and for your commitment to Jesus Christ.

What is the future of mankind in eternity? This Lord's Supper discussion looks at mankind from creation to eternity.

Handout available here.

Passages discussed include: Genesis 1:1-2, 3:1; Job 1:6, 2:1, 38:1,4-7; Isaiah 40:22; Ezekiel 28:13-15; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1-4, 21:24-22:2.