Recompense and Rewards
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of spiritual purity and the reality of rewards and judgment in the Christian faith.
Erlo Stegen emphasizes the urgency of being prepared for Christ's return, highlighting that Jesus will come quickly with rewards based on our deeds. He stresses the importance of 'washing our garments'--a metaphor for living a pure and righteous life--so that we are not classified among the wicked. Stegen warns that judgment will be severe, and only those who abide in Christ and follow His commandments will inherit the kingdom of God. He challenges listeners to examine their lives and ensure they are truly living in accordance with Jesus' teachings, as the time for recompense is near. The sermon calls for self-reflection and a commitment to spiritual integrity in anticipation of Christ's return.
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Summary of sermon by Erlo Stegen, 01 Jan 2014
Rev 22
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.
16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.
17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
He who says these things is the Amen, Jesus. Some very easily say amen during a service but we should not take the name of the Lord in vain.
Jesus will judge even the inner thoughts of a person. Judgement Day will be a terrible day.
Then He continues, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end".
He comes with His recompense and rewards. Blessed is he who washes his garments, the garment of the heart. If those will be blessed then you should be busy washing your garments - that your garments may be white, completely white. It's of greatest importance that you wash your garments thoroughly.
Nowadays we have washing machines but they used to wash washing using soap and scrubbing it. Then they would rince it and squeeze it out and if it's not done properly it would still be stained.
We also read that outside are the dogs and sorcerors and every one that makes and practices a lie.
Make sure to wash your robes properly or you'll be classified with the sorcerors. Those who are not busy washing their robes are classified as the dogs.
A certain person had a dream of three people claiming to be on their way to heaven. Jesus met them and told them how mistaken they were for he told them to look at their garments which were stained.
Gal 5
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
John 15
7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Do you experience this? Do you bear fruit and so prove to be a disciple of Jesus.
You might claim to be baptized, sing in the choir, but the question is whether you are abiding in Him.
Jesus said we must ask and then it will be given.
These words are not lies, they are His very words. He also said that if we abide in Him we will do greater works.
Examine yourself thoroughly or will it be said of you, "a dog or sorceror"?
If you say you believe in Him He says we will do his works. Is that true in your life?
The word of the Lord is sharp. It will bring many to heaven and condemn many to hell.
The one who spoke this is the Amen.
If our lives is not in accordance with Jesus let's stop playing Christianity. Test yourself if your life is in accordance with the words we heard.
Girls and boys, is this being accomplished in your life? When Jesus comes back to reward you according to your works what will you receive?
The prayers you pray is it like His? When will it be that you pray, "Lord let it be to me as your word says".
You might say it's terribly dry where you come from; well don't you have the rivers of living waters?
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the concept of rewards - The significance of Jesus as Alpha and Omega - The urgency of His return
- II points: - The importance of washing our garments - Consequences of unclean garments - Biblical examples of judgment
- III points: - The works of the flesh and their implications - The necessity of abiding in Christ - Self-examination in faith
- IV points: - The sharpness of God's word - The reality of eternal consequences - Call to action for true discipleship
Key Quotes
“Blessed is he who washes his garments, the garment of the heart.” — Erlo Stegen
“If our lives is not in accordance with Jesus let's stop playing Christianity.” — Erlo Stegen
“The one who spoke this is the Amen.” — Erlo Stegen
Application Points
- Regularly examine your heart and actions to ensure they align with Christ's teachings.
- Commit to a daily practice of prayer and seeking God's guidance in your life.
- Strive to live a life that reflects the love and teachings of Jesus to others.