Here's your coffee...I hope it's not too sweet. I like to put a little bit of that Hazelnut syrup in mine; I can get you some if you want it.

Now as I was saying, what if you died today -- what would happen to you? Do you know?

When I say 'you have to be right with God', some folks know what I mean. Others don't. Some folks get real offended by that. They think I don't have any business worrying about what goes on in their heart. Let me explain it better.

Remember back in elementary school when you were learning to spell? Your teacher spent all that time giving you new words, and the thing was, it was up to you to learn how to spell them correctly. At the end of the year, you either knew how to spell them, or you didn't. There was an objective measurement. You spelled them right, or it was wrong. Even if that teacher was your own momma, she couldn't let you pass unless you got it right. It was pretty simple.

Being right with God is pretty simple too. He uses an objective measurement. Either we get it right, or it's wrong.

I bet I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking you're in good shape because in general you get a passing grade. You don't cuss and lie and cheat and steal and murder and all that. You're good to your family, you don't kick the dog, wave at everybody you know (plus a few you don't). You figure you've lived a good life by the objective standards of the day, so if you were to appear before the Pearly Gates they'd have to let you in on account of your passing grade.

You might be surprised to learn you've missed the mark. Let me open my Bible and I'll show you what I mean by that...