Judgement

When we think of judgment we often think of the world.

Yes, we often think of judgment coming to a lost world that has rejected Christ and celebrates immorality.

But, the Bible says judgment starts at the Church.

1 Peter 4:17 (Amplified Bible)17For the time [has arrived] for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will [be] the end of those who do not respect or believe or obey the good news (the Gospel) of God?

Judgment begins with you and I and the entire body of Christ.

We have two choices. We can either judge ourselves according to the Word of God or the Word itself will judge us.

As individuals we are accountable to the Word. But, also as a corporate body we are also accountable.

I believe there will be three primary areas the Church will be judged on:

1) The Cross of Christ - By cross I refer to the finished work of Christ and all of its redemptive truths. At the Cross we are saved and totally redeemed from sin, sickness, and poverty. Without the Cross there is no Gospel and there is no hope for mankind. (1 Corinthians 1:18). The Cross is the answer for the lost and saved.

2) The Holy Spirit – If mentioned at all the Holy Spirit has become an afterthought in much of the Church. The Holy Spirit has said He would not have us ignorant of the gifts of the Holy Spirit ( 1 Corinthians 12: 1); yet, these gifts are seldom taught on in many mainline churches. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit has been forgotten.

3) Moral Stands – We cannot place our pocketbook over the Good Book when in the voting booth. We cannot place church membership growth over the truth of the Word. Abortion, homosexuality, immorality, and other sins of the flesh are destroying America and are being tolerated in the Church. Yes, we should walk in love but love tells the truth. It is the lie that you can live like the devil with no consequence that is sending untold millions to an eternity in hell.

It is the Chruch that must stand for truth and draw a line in the sand and say “No More!”

Let us judge ourselves and repent where needed and get busy doing the Lord’s work.