Monday, July 21, 2008

The Goal

My husband and I went to a friends house for dinner and a movie the other night. Our friend told us that this was not a professional movie, but rather, an amateur drama put on by a church in Florida. It was called, "The Bema Seat". The word Bema means judgement and it was about the final judgement seat of Christ, you know, the judgement that the Christians will have to go through after His second coming.

This was an AMAZING movie. The pastor was "talking" to us as if the rapture had occurred and he was describing everything about heaven and the final day of judgement. I had not thought much about this upcoming day until now. I'd like to share with you just a few of the important things that I took away from this drama.

First, this was not a time to judge us for our sins. Our sins are already washed in the blood of the Lamb. This was a day to judge us for anything we did of eternal value. All of the other stuff, even if it seemed good, will be burned up. Only things that will work toward eternity will stand, and we'll be given rewards for our good works.

Second, sowing into the lives of others is the only thing of eternal value. Saving souls is one of the few things that will stand through the fire. Encouraging others in their christian walk is another thing that will be rewarded in heaven.

Third, we don't know when the end will come. It will happen so suddenly and so fast!

Fourth, what others think of us doesn't matter on earth. Our economical status, our position in a company, our wealth, none of these things play any role in the final judgement day.

What a life changing movie! I left realizing that I don't have the kind of unconditional love for others that I need. I knew that I needed to start looking at every encounter with others from the perspective of the Lord. How will this conversation look on "that" day? It has been very enlightening.

1Corinthians 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.(KJV)

Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (KJV)

When was the last time you gave the final judgement seat some serious thought? My friend over at Streams of Living Waters has a post that shows us how to live for the day. Please take a few minutes and go to the link (just click on streams of living waters)you'll be blessed for it!

5 comments:

Kelly said...

Our posts are remarkably similar today. Not that I talked about the judgement seat, but that I can be judgemental. "why doest thou judge thy brother?"

Also, the part about our social position at the end times.

Isn't it amazing that God gave us similar posts. He must be wanting this message to hit home today! And then with Streams of Water too. Wow.

Jennifer said...

This is awesome! I teach the youth sunday school, at the church I'm interning with, every other sunday. Yesterday, our lesson was out of Revelation 19. In verse nine, I believe, it talks about the righteuous acts of the saints make up the fine linen for the body of Christ on that day. This verse is basically talking about how when Jesus returns every bad thing we have done will completely disappear. All that will be left of us is our righteousness that comes from Christ and the Righteous acts that we have done out of love for him. We will be the perfectly pure people we can't be on earth.Sorry that took so long, but I enjoyed the post. :)

Starr LaPradd said...

I always say that I would hate to get to heaven only to have God ask my why I did not do what He had asked of me. I feel like we all fall a little short of using all He has offered to us. Maybe we just are afraid to believe that He will provide everything we need to carry out His purpose for our lives. I don't know.
That is what I think about when I think of the Bema seat...God questioning me about what I left undone. Asking why I didn't trust Him to fill in the gaps. Does that make sense? It's something I think about alot.
Love,
Starr

Bonita said...

Wow! That gives new meaning to "set your minds on things above." I guess I've always pictured myself standing there and feeling guilty for all of my wrongs, but I love what he said about all of that being burned up. It just won't be an issue. Thank the Lord!

You are so sweet to link to my blog. I hope it helps someone!

Latanya Wagner said...

Sonya,

Thanks so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It is great to meet other moms who work form home and have a passion for the Lord! There is a story to go along with the blog that you commented on. At the time I was a little too close to the situation and have since had time to let go of my mother hen response I had wanted to give to the person that judged my ability to home school my special needs son. I wil be writing about it today so check back by when you can.
Latanya