Revival Review (5 of 5)

If Christians are saved by grace, if good works don't earn God's favor, or obligate Him to let you into heaven, then what should motivate Christians to do good works?

That was the question answered by Dr. J.B. Hixson, Executive Director of the Free Grace Alliance and featured guest at the Little River Congregational Church's February revival.

In Luke 19:11-27, the Parable of the Minas, Jesus speaks directly to believers today about what we should be doing and why. In short, we should be busy doing God's business. Dr. Hixson emphasized five points:

Be patient (vv. 11-12)
The Kingdom of God has not yet arrived. It will arrive, but not now. Jesus has gone away.

Be busy (v. 13)
God has given us work to do. Preach the Gospel of sin and salvation. Love God and your neighbor.

Be aware (v. 14)
Some people are opposed to God. They live by their own agenda.

Be ready (v. 15)
The King will eventually return. Jesus will come back. He will ask us to give an account for how we lived on His behalf-- how we used the mina given to us by Him.

• Rewards gained (vv. 16-19). Here the motivation for good works. God will give his faithful servants eternal rewards. On Dr. Hixson's website, read 30 biblical reasons why believers should pursue good works.
  
• Rewards lost (vv. 20-24). Here is the negative motivation. Some who are saved failed to be busy while Jesus was gone.
• Summary principle (vv. 25-26). God will reward his servants as He sees fit. Here, Dr. Hixson explains in detail the doctrine of eternal rewards.
  

Be in awe (v. 27)
What Jesus says here is shocking. Unbelievers who oppose Him will be killed.

Jesus is away, but soon he will return. The King is coming. Be ready. And get busy!