AN IMPORTANT EXAM

Introduction

  A.  Text: 2 Corinthians 13:5  --  "Examine yourself!"
  B.  There will be 15 questions on this test.
        1.  Each will be answered with a simple "yes" or "no."
        2.  Each person will grade his/her own test.
        3.  However, the FINAL results will be checked by the "Master
	 Teacher" in the judgment!
        4.  Get a pencil/pen & get ready for the test.
        5.  NO CHEATING!  (Men, don't look at your wife's answers!!)

The Test

1.  DO YOU BELIEVE THAT JESUS IS THE CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD?
    a.  Jesus not only claimed to be God's Son, He also taught that
         others must believe that fact.  John 8:24; Mark 16:16.
    b.  John said that the purpose of his writing was to produce this belief.  
         John 20:30-31.

2.  HAVE YOU CONFESSED THAT BELIEF?
     a.  Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:8-10.
     b.  The confession is a vocal one, that will take a form similar to
	the confession of the man from Ethiopia.  Acts 8:37.

3.  HAVE YOU REPENTED?
     a.  Acts 2:38; 17:30, 31.
     b.  Repentance is a reversal, a "change of direction."
     c.  That "change" is away from sin, and toward God.

4.  HAVE YOU BEEN BAPTIZED?
     a.  Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38.
     b.  Baptism is as much a part of God's plan as the first three steps we've
          discussed.

5.  HAVE YOU BEEN IMMERSED?
     a.  There is a need for this question along with the previous one.
     b.  "Baptism" may mean different things to different people.
          (1)  Infant baptism.
          (2)  Sprinkling/pouring, etc.
     c.  N.T. baptism was immersion.
         (1)  It is a "burial."  Romans 6:3-4. 
         (2)  It requires a "going down into" water.   Acts 8:38-39.

An Important Exam, page 2.

6.  HAVE YOU BEEN IMMERSED FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS?
     a.  This question concerns the purpose of your baptism.
     b.  Many reasons why people are baptized:
          (1)  To please parents, spouse, girl/boy friend.
          (2)  To "join" a church.
     c.  Only one scriptural reason to be baptized.   Acts 2:38.

7.  ARE YOU A CHRISTIAN?
     a.  You can only answer this question "yes" if you have answered "yes" to all six 
          of the previous questions.  2 Cor. 5:17; Gal. 3:26, 27.
     b.  Even one "no" compels you to answer "no" to this question.  

8.  DO YOU LOVE GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, SOUL, MIND &   
     STRENGTH?
     a.  Matthew 22:37.
     b.  Before you answer this question, take a moment to consider
          what it means to "love" God.    John 14:15; 1 John 5:3.
     c.  If you love the Lord you WILL receive His words.   James 1:12, 21.

9.  DO YOU ATTEND EVERY SERVICE OF THE LOCAL CHURCH OF 
    WHICH YOU ARE A MEMBER?
    a.  If you answered "yes" to #8, we will assume that you answered 
         "yes" to this one as well!
    b.  James 4:17; Acts 5:42 (cf. "did not cease").
 
10. ARE YOU SINCERE IN YOUR DAILY SERVICE TO GOD?
      a.  I did not say "on Sunday!"
      b.  Luke 9:23; Matthew 5:13-16.
      c.  A soldier is ALWAYS a soldier, whether or not he is on active duty!

11. ARE YOU TOTALLY COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE OF CHRIST?
      a.  Romans 1:16-17.
      b.  Notice that I asked, "Are YOU . . . ", not "Is Brother or Sister so-in-so!"
      c.  This is a SELF exam! 

12. DO YOU GIVE AS GOD HAS PROSPERED YOU?    2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

13. DO YOU "PRAY WITHOUT CEASING?"    1 Thessalonians 5:17.

14. DO YOU STUDY THE BIBLE REGULARLY?
      a.  Some mistakenly believe that this is the duty of the preacher,
           elders, Bible class teachers, and of them ONLY.
      b.  2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Peter 3:18.

An Important Exam, page 3.

15. DO YOU WANT TO GO TO HEAVEN?

Conclusion

  A.  Did you pass the exam?
  B.  Illustration: Too late to begin thinking about whether or not you have your
       driver license when you see the blue lights flashing in your rear-view mirror!
  C.  Whether you like it or not, you ARE going to take this test again someday!  
        2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 4:12-13; 9:27; Revelation 20:11-12.
  D.  Why not successfully "pass" the test now, while it can still help to prepare you 
        for Heaven?

This lesson was prepared by:	Modified slightly by:
  Gary C. Kerr	David Arnold                             
  245 Chickering Rd.	September 9, 1995
  Jackson, TN  38305-1754