Scripture Reading- Matthew 28:18-20
Authority has the power of Judgement and of Blessing, judgment is guaranteed be it good or bad. The same can be said for consequences, they can be good or bad. Submission to God isn’t needed for judgement to be meted out; whether you’re faithful to God or not is what dictates the verdict of said judgement.
1. Deuteronomy 30:15-20
2. Psalms 1
3. As the title for this section would suggest God has absolute power and authority as Judge. He, at the appointed time of his choosing, will be the one passing justice over all. All means everyone who has ever been and all who ever will be, all the humans to ever exist.
4. John 5:19-30
5. His Son, Christ Jesus, will be the standard by which we are judged by. It will not be a matter of knowing Christ but a matter of following Christ.
1. Submission to God is willful obedience to doing what has been commanded of us.
2. Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
3. John 14:5-21
4. Following Christ is more than just hearing his teachings and commandments, it is living them actively going out of your way every single day to follow them to the letter within the best of your ability. When someone follows Christ is it the same way we “follow” a Television Series or a Radio Show? “Yeah I was listening to this Jesus feller, and he was giving lessons and I think he had some decent points.” Or when we hear someone say, “I don’t believe in the bible I follow only what Jesus said.” What that indicates is deviance from the scripture, that is negligence of duty. Be it in an intentional or ignorant mindset, it is still wrong.
5. In Genesis 3 we read about the first negligence of duty against our commandments and the immediate consequences, it was not done out of spite or malice or with the willful intent of opposing what was instructed of them. But it was deviance none the less.
6. Romans 8:1-8
7. Luke 9:23-26
8. If we live this life in faithful service to the Father we have a reward awaiting us at the time of Judgement.
1. Matthew 28:18-20
2. 2 Timothy 4:1-5
3. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
4. Titus 2:11-15
5. We have a judgment day appointed to us, we know not when, so stand diligently and make ready for that day, if you’re not prepared you will be found wanting. If you have any need to repent of a public sin or the prayers of the church come forward as we stand and as we sing.