Why God’s Judgment Matters

As we gather in worship today, this article is for you, the reader. I encourage you to reflect on significant themes in our faith, we conclude our series on matters that truly matter. These past weeks have seen us delve into leadership, vision, the Word, testimony, worship, and witnessing. Today, we tackle the solemn but crucial topic of judgment. Why does God’s judgment matter? This exploration is not only vital for our understanding of God’s character but also for our lives and relationships today. 

Listen to the sermon here. 

A Personal Perspective: My Journeys in the Courtroom

To set the context, let me share a bit about my experience. I have served in the courts for over a thousand hours, primarily advocating for at-risk youth and engaging in various civil matters. As a court-appointed special advocate, I witnessed firsthand the complexities of the judicial system, from spending weeks in federal court to navigating the intricacies of local governance in the Chicagoland area. 

Through these experiences, I've come to understand that while I am not a lawyer, the authority of the judge—whether in civil or criminal cases—holds a weighty significance. This emphasis on authority leads us into our discussion about God’s judgment—a topic that, though heavy, is essential for our faith journey. 

Judgment: A Distinctly Divine Act

When we speak of judgment, especially in a biblical context, we must clarify that judgment is reserved for the righteous. While humans may often take it upon themselves to judge, we must recognize that true judgment requires discernment and is ultimately in the hands of a righteous God. 

Judgment is more than condemnation; it is an evaluation—a rendering of choice. It serves to guide us toward the best possible outcomes. Every believer should bear personal discernment, guiding choices as we navigate life. 

The Three Characteristics of Judgment

To understand the biblical notion of judgment, we can explore three essential characteristics:

1. Self: Judgment begins with ourselves. Before we cast our gaze outward, we must first examine our hearts and actions.

2. For Good: Judgment should lead us to better choices and healthier outcomes—not merely condemn but direct.

3. In Love: Our approach to judgment must be wrapped in love, echoing the heart of God’s message.

Be Wise

The importance of wisdom in our judgments cannot be overstated. Proverbs 9:10 tells us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." As we engage with the world around us, it’s imperative that we discern right from wrong. 

In today's society, we often witness the folly of humanity—individuals making ill-informed choices driven by emotion, opinion, or the loudest voices. We are cautioned that while knowledge may abound, true wisdom—understanding applied knowledge—will be scarce. 

The Nature of Wisdom

Wisdom is not merely the accumulation of facts; it is the application of God’s Word to our lives. To be wise, we must focus on:

- Worthy Knowledge: Knowledge grounded in God’s Word leads to true wisdom rather than simply regurgitating popular ideas.

- Insightful Experience: Wisdom grows with life experiences, leading to deeper understanding.

- Sacred Values: These principles guide us in making decisions that yield positive outcomes.

- Purposeful Action: Wisdom requires intent, not random choices.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 reminds us that there is a time for everything under heaven. Solomon also emphasizes that our actions, past, present, and future, must be evaluated, for God will judge everyone based on their deeds.

Be Aware

The second pillar we must grasp regarding God’s judgment is the necessity of being aware. Only God is entirely righteous. Though humans may occasionally judge others from specific standpoints, true judgment belongs to the Almighty.

Consider the power of Psalm 2, which portrays God’s reactions to humanity's rebellion. The nations conspire, and the rulers take a stand against the Lord. Yet, despite this mockery and rebellion, God remains sovereign, and His righteous authority prevails. He laughs at those who defy Him, reflecting not amusement, but a deep sense of justice.

Understanding God’s judgment also means recognizing that:

- Judgments should be internal; we must first evaluate ourselves.

- The Holy Spirit's role is critical in guiding our understanding of righteous living.

- Love should always surround any correction we offer to others, as we act out of a desire for restoration and healing.

In Galatians 6:1, we are instructed to restore those who fall into sin gently, while being cautious of our vulnerabilities.

The Pursuit of Wisdom Through Humility

Alongside awareness, humility is essential in seeking wisdom. I recently engaged in a thoughtful debate, where I realized that humility opens doors to deeper understanding and stronger relationships. When we are quick to defend our positions without a willingness to learn, we miss out on growth.

This pursuit of humility allows us not just to gain knowledge, but to cultivate a loving community where the truth can be discussed and explored safely.

Be Warned

Recognizing God’s judgment leads us to the sobering truth that there is an eternal price to be paid for our actions. Scripture warns us time and time again: God will not be mocked. Deuteronomy 8 emphasizes the importance of remembrance—not just of blessings but of the commands of God. We are warned that in our prosperity, we may forget Him.

Consider this: how often do we take God’s blessings for granted? During times of plenty, we may relax and fail to heed His commands, forgetting from whom those blessings flow.

We must remember that God demands justice. Scripture makes it clear that everything concealed will eventually come to light, and the true dispositions of our hearts will be revealed. For those who have lived in rebellion, this reality may bring dread. 

Facing Judgment Day

Though the messaging across many cultures and religious interpretations can sometimes diminish the truth about judgment, we must acknowledge that God will separate the righteous from the unrighteous on that great day of judgment.

The good news for believers is that while we are all accountable, those who have accepted the grace of Jesus Christ will find mercy rather than condemnation. We will not merely escape punishment; we will receive a reward for our faithfulness.

The Outcome of Judgment

God’s judgment is just and fair. For believers, it brings the promise of eternal reward:

- Those intimate with Christ will experience joy upon entering His presence.

- Our deeds, rooted in love and humility, will be celebrated.

- Our motivations will become clear, revealing the heart behind our actions.

When facing the Lord, will we hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant?” Or will we face the chilling words, “I never knew you?” The reality is that sin must be accounted for, and rebellion cannot go unaddressed.

Conclusion: The Gift of Life Eternal

God, in His righteousness, established a way for us to escape the penalties of sin through Jesus Christ. His sacrifice not only wiped our slate clean, but it also invites us into a renewed relationship with Him. 

As we consider God’s judgment, let us choose to be revealed rather than judged. Embrace the mercy available to us through faith in Jesus, recognizing that there is no condemnation for those who are in Him. 

A Benediction for Our Journey

As we close, let this prayer resonate within us:

"Heavenly Father, we confess our need for You and humbly approach You. We acknowledge our dependence on You. We come to You with our brokenness and deep need. We receive Your grace to forgive, restore, and renew. We rejoice because of You! In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Let us walk away today, not in fear of judgment but in the freedom and love found within God’s righteous path. As we navigate the complexities of life, may we remain wise, aware, and humbled in our pursuit of His truth.

Our Lifeguard Walks On Water!

It’s amazing to think that God takes an interest in mere humans! Really, it’s extraordinary! We should all be amazed to think that God cares about even our most simple and basic experiences. He knows us and is not blind to the things that happen in our lives.

Indeed, we need to recognize that God is fully acquainted with our suffering, as well as in our good times. We have to remember that He once walked this earth as a human framed in a body of flesh and blood. Does that seem absurd to you? Is it hard to get your mind wrapped around it?

It should astonish us that Jesus came and lived in this world. John chapter 1 tells us that Jesus is the logos, he is and was before any creation. Jesus is and Jesus was before all things. 

John 1:1-5

Prologue: Christ, the Eternal Word

In the beginning the Word already existed.

The Word was with God,

and the Word was God.

He existed in the beginning with God.

God created everything through him,

and nothing was created except through him.

The Word gave life to everything that was created,

and his life brought light to everyone.

The light shines in the darkness,

and the darkness can never extinguish it.

A basic doctrine of our Christian faith reminds us that God understands His creation. We, mere humans are His creation, made in the image of God, yet fallen because of sin, He sacrificed His son for our salvation. Just like Abraham in the story of Isaac, God, who is righteous, provides for our purchase and redemption. Romans 6:6 tells us that we are crucified with Christ! 

How can this be? It is because our God loves His creation and desires to redeem us through Christ! Thanks be to God!

Like a rainbow in the sky that beams the Truth of God’s love as a reminder from the days of Noah. I love the church sign message with the incredible saying recently posted someone from our Church community. (Thanks Jesse.) It’s a simple expression that is both inviting as well as informing. The sign simply says that “our lifeguard walks on water.”

It is profound and complete without having to go into great depths of theology to find its meaning. Simply put, Jesus is the One who called Peter out of a boat while walking on water during a stormy sea. In faith, Peter too was able to walk to Him, but doubting he began to drown. If not for Jesus, lifting him out of the stormy sea, he would’ve would have perished. You see, Jesus is that lifeguard, from a simple metaphor, and for purpose of illustration transforms our understanding that He is willing to be present and is the only One that can rescue us.

It is as refreshing as a morning dew and a sunrise, we feel hope and are guided by a fresh faith-walk with God! Like a friend reminded me recently of a song by Michael W. Smith in his song, Surrounded. Listen now! 

Why do we exist? As a church people gathered in this humble setting yet, are we just simply a white chapel at the edge and the end of the road? Perhaps that too is a wonderful metaphor that, as a preacher, I need to share as an illustration as well. When we are at the end and see no other way, there is hope found through Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of our lives. We’ve been there all along, catching those who seek and want to be saved. We give hope through Jesus and via our testimony.

If you find yourself battling all alone, perhaps in a stormy sea, or you are sinking deeply, let me remind you that our lifeguard walks on water!

 

Why Generosity Matters (The Why Series)

As we continue our series exploring essential topics within the church and our faith, today we focus on a profound and transformative principle: generosity. Over the past weeks, we’ve delved into themes of Leadership, Vision, Worship, and more, but now we turn our attention to "Why Generosity Matters."

It is intriguing that our recent Bible study and discussions have all converged on this very subject—as if God is underscoring its significance to our lives.

The World’s View on Money

Before dismissing this topic as merely about money, we should recognize that it’s a universal concern. Many people work primarily for financial reasons, and our materialistic culture often leads to an obsession with possessions:

- Money drives many of us to work and strive.

- A significant portion of the population struggles with debt, feeling ensnared by financial burdens.

- Relationships frequently experience stress due to financial conflicts.

- Ultimately, many seek fulfillment through material gain, though they may remain unsatisfied.

The world view of money has more to do with self and unfortunately, the desire and hunger for more! It is not for others but for self! 

Given this pervasive societal focus, the church must engage in these discussions, offering guidance and understanding drawn from biblical principles.

The Spiritual Discipline of Giving

The Bible makes it clear that giving is a spiritual discipline, a vital aspect of stewardship that Christians should cherish. Stewardship goes beyond mere financial management; it encompasses managing all the resources God provides, including time and talents. Scripture discusses money and giving extensively—over 2,350 times—highlighting its importance in our lives.

John Wesley articulated a balanced approach to financial stewardship: “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” This guideline reminds us to acquire wealth honestly, spend wisely, and generously share with those in need. 

When we give, we enact stewardship for God's glory. It reminds us that everything we have ultimately belongs to Him. In Proverbs 11:24-25, we read, "Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." This illustrates the joy of giving and the rewards that often accompany it—not as a prosperity doctrine but as a reflection of God’s faithfulness.

The Heart of Generosity

Generosity is not merely about money; it is fundamentally a matter of the heart.

- Unselfishness: True giving stems from our desire to support others.

- Dutifulness: We have a responsibility to share.

- Generosity: It should flow freely from a grateful heart.

As Proverbs reminds us, the generous will prosper, but we must understand that true prosperity is about more than financial gain; it encompasses spiritual growth and a deeper connection with God.

God’s Provision

Deuteronomy 8:15-20 emphasizes that it's God who provides: "Remember the LORD your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful." This passage serves as a reminder that our ability to succeed is anchored in God’s grace.

The Missional Call of Generosity

Generosity helps us embody Christ's mission. It encourages us to operate out of a missional mindset, aligning with the Great Commission and the early church’s practices in Acts 2. 

- Ownership: Acknowledging that God owns everything shifts our perspective from scarcity to abundance.

- Neighborly Love: Generosity involves responding to the needs of others, reflecting Christ’s compassion.

- Eternal Focus: Investing in God’s kingdom yields dividends that extend beyond our earthly lives.

The Transformation Through Giving

Giving is transformative, impacting both the giver and the recipient. It changes our attitudes, cultivates humility, and fosters a spirit of worship. 

- Releases Self: As we give, we let go of control and open ourselves to God’s leading.

- Produces Joy: In 2 Corinthians 9:6-10, Paul teaches that generous givers reap bountifully. Giving creates joy—“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

The act of giving not only blesses others but also enriches our lives, creating a ripple effect of kindness and generosity.

The Discipline of Generosity

Generosity demands discipline and intentionality. It means practicing responsible stewardship, acknowledging that what we have is not ours but God’s.

Malachi 3:10 invites us to test God in our giving: “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse... I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!” This isn’t simply about financial returns; it gestures toward spiritual blessings that overflow into every corner of our lives.

The Joy of Generosity

When we embrace a lifestyle of giving, we find joy in our actions:

- It blesses others: Generosity creates a positive impact on lives around us.

- It conveys God’s love: Sharing our resources expresses our faith and love for others.

- It strengthens our faith: Each act of giving deepens our trust in God’s provision.

As we conclude, let’s remember that generosity encompasses our time, talents, and treasures. It requires a shift from self-interest to a focus on God’s glory and the good of others.

Conclusion

Generosity matters deeply. It establishes connections, conveys love, and ultimately reflects the heart of our faith. As we grow in our understanding of biblical generosity, may we embrace the joy that comes from giving and the satisfaction of living fully surrendered to God.

In closing, let us pray: 

Heavenly Father, we thank you for your unfathomable gift of life and eternity through Jesus Christ. Help us to manage our resources wisely, share generously, and live joyfully for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.