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December 17, 2017 Sunday Week 3 Day 1

For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10



            We forget that there is the bad side to the Good News.  Or more likely we really just want to forget that the Good News that Jesus came to save us if that He came to save us from our sin.

            We like to forget that we are broken and that we have not just allowed sin into our lives but that we have enjoyed it!  We like to remember our good deeds while trying to forget the bad deeds and to not see the darkness in our hearts.

            And judgment is something that brings fear into our lives like for many seeing a police car makes them slow down even if they are not speeding.  Guilt and our hearts drive us to fear judgment.

            I remember a teacher I once had who told me that a test was not something to fear but that it was to show where I needed to improve.  From that I learned that judgment in my life was also God showing me where I needed to see His help to improve.

            But why is there judgment in heaven?  I think there are two very good reasons for this.  First, is that we will see how much God has forgiven us.  Second, we will see the deep love God has shown in forgiving us and dying for us.

            As you honestly look at the bad news in your life may that increase your joy in the Good News we discover in Christmas!



            I HATE TO MISS WORSHIP!  I also hate I didn’t get to go to the Cantata at First which had their choir and Panther Creek UMC’s choir.  But I knew if I went I wouldn’t make it through the service and I didn’t want someone to have to take me home and have to miss the Cantata.  I listened to the podcast of an earlier service at First and worshipped with them.  Worship while better when joined with others is still possible when alone.  In fact we never are alone.  We join with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ and heaven itself when we worship God!

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