Sometimes, though, it can make for some interesting moments for people who are visiting the church. This coming weekend is no exception. There will be people in town for Christmas, but as we work our way through 2 Corinthians we find ourselves in chapter 5 verse 10:
We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
That's not what most people are expecting to hear two days before Christmas! At the same time, it is a passage that is incredibly real to me right now. Last night Celinda Johnson, who had recently started attending our church, was killed in an accident not far from our house. Earlier this week I was stopped in traffic on 169 while officers cleaned up after a head-on collision. Earlier this month I blogged about almost sliding into 169 after picking up one of the boys from basketball practice.
The truth is you never know when your days will come to an end. Hebrews 9:27 says that "it is given man once to die and after that to face judgment." Everyone needs to be ready for that day...our "day in court."
I also know that most people will not think about what might happen. To cause people to think about their day of judgment takes an act of God. John 16:8 says that the Holy Spirit will "convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." That's what I'm praying for this Sunday: that the Holy Spirit will convict people and apply a "pre-test" to let them know where they are standing now in light of that day.
Take time to read 2 Corinthians 13:5-6 and 1 John 5:11-13 and pray that people would be ready for that awesome day when they stand before Him.
No comments:
Post a Comment