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[0:00] The judgment scene of Christ. What a subject. You will have your day in court. It's a somber thought, isn't it? There's a judgment awaiting for believers. Christians will be judged. This is a judgment where believers will give account of their lives to Christ.

[0:23] This is something that's planned. It's in the future. And you'll be there. All of us who trust him, who know Christ, will be there at the judgment seat of Christ. So there's a sense where there's going to be a throne set, a judgment seat, a place of the seat for the judge. And the judge will be Christ, our Saviour.

[0:49] The judgment seat of Christ. It's for believers. This is not to be confused with the great white throne judgment, which is a different judgment altogether. The great white throne judgment, that is for unbelievers.

[1:05] If you go to that one, that's it. You're done for. There's no getting out. If you go to the great white throne judgment, it means that your sins were not paid for on your part. The payment made was not received by you.

[1:25] And so at the great white throne judgment, the only outcome is hell. We're not talking about that judgment tonight. We're talking about the judgment seat of Christ.

[1:38] So at the judgment seat of Christ, that's where believers will face the Lord. Now, the believers' sins are judged already. The believers' sins are judged at the cross of Calvary. At the moment that you are saved, you can know release, pardon, forgiveness, cleansing.

[2:05] So at the judgment seat of Christ, there's not judgment for the sins of the believer. So I'll try to elaborate as we talk more on that theme.

[2:18] So if we go to Romans 14, it tells us of this judgment seat of Christ. Romans 14 verse 10, it says, The judgment seat of Christ is a divine necessity.

[2:53] It is universal. It is inevitable. It must happen. And you, believer, will be there. So it's good to know about it. There's no escaping this.

[3:06] No one will be exempt. We will all have our time at the seat, at the throne, at this judgment time. What is the purpose then of this judgment? Eternal destiny is not the issue.

[3:19] Eternal destiny is not at issue at this judgment. Eternal reward is. It's not about your destiny, heaven, hell. It's about the reward that you will receive then.

[3:31] So at some point before heaven, God will weigh the value of everything you have done. There'll be a sense where everything you have done will be weighed. And it will be reckoned.

[3:42] And we see it tells further of this judgment seat in 2 Corinthians 5 from verse 10. Further reference to this specific judgment place and time.

[3:53] It says 2 Corinthians 5 verse 10, So Paul's saying to the current church, He's saying we must all appear there.

[4:27] Every one of us will receive according to what we have done. And so it's prompting us that know Him, the terror of the Lord. For those who don't know the Savior, the fear of God.

[4:40] We persuade men. We want to reach souls because there's judgment ahead. We persuade men. And we're made manifest.

[4:52] We are exposed. We are revealed unto God. God knows the hidden things of our heart. He knows who we are. There's no hiding the real you.

[5:03] And there's no getting out of this time. There's no adjournment here. I know I've had occasion, friends of mine going to court, and they keep saying it's adjourned. It's adjourned.

[5:14] You know, they keep putting it off. It's kind of the lawyer's ploy to get more money, I think. The sense of they keep adjourning it, putting it off, delaying it. But, yeah, there's no adjourning of this one.

[5:26] Once that appointment's set in God's calendar, it's set. It's set. And there's no excuse it's going to be allowed. You can't say, oh, I'm feeling sick today. I call for an adjournment.

[5:38] No, there's no excuse. None of that will be allowed. We must, it says, we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ. There's no getting out of it.

[5:49] We must appear. And so everything will be on view. There'll be no hiding. Everything will be apparent. We'll be exposed. Those things that we'd like others not to see, they'll be seen.

[6:02] Nothing will be hidden. And our character will be revealed. Everything will be on show. You see, I've seen some little chick comics. It's almost like there's a screen there. And they're going to show what's been going on.

[6:15] You know, everything's going to be on show. All the things we'll be seen, including the counsels of the heart, the attitude that we've had when we've done some things.

[6:26] Maybe there might be ulterior motives or some, you know, we might not have had a wholesome intent for some of the good things we've done.

[6:38] Doing them just to be seen of men or doing them because we wanted a pat on the back or some earthly gain. It'll all be exposed to anything like that, any hypocrisy.

[6:49] And there'll be triumph and there'll be tears on that day. We're talking about the judgment seat of Christ. So some, there'll be triumph. Others, there'll be tears there. They'll think, oh, if only, if only I'd been more faithful.

[7:04] If only I'd been stronger. If only I had done something more fervently. And there'll be no making up for it then. It's too late. So when the Lord comes for his people, then judgment will come.

[7:18] We see that in 1 Corinthians 4, verse 5. It tells of this theme of judgment. 1 Corinthians 4, verse 5. Paul says, Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.

[7:38] And then shall every man have praise of God. So everything's going to become, it's going to be exposed. The bright light of God will just expose those dark recesses of our hearts, those hidden things, the counsels of our hearts.

[7:58] So this examination, it's putting, really, to us, it's going to be very thorough. It's very thorough. Now there's no kind of, as in earthly courts, where they kind of hide things.

[8:13] Don't they? People get away with stuff. It's none of that. And we see of this reckoning time. It's told of us in 1 Corinthians 3, how there's going to be some kind of exposure of the quality of the works that we've done, of life's works, of life's actions.

[8:33] We see in 1 Corinthians 3, from verse 12, Paul writes this. He says, Now if any man build upon this foundation. He's talking about the foundation, which is Jesus, the Saviour.

[8:45] So this is of believers. They're building on a foundation. Yes, they're saved people. And it says, You can build on this foundation. It says, He talks about some different materials, building materials.

[9:01] Yeah. So, now if any man build upon this foundation, he talks about gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. Gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble.

[9:15] Verse 13, Every man's work shall be made manifest, for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire. And the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.

[9:28] So there's a fire going to expose these gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble. It's going to be put to the fire chest. And it says, verse 14, Notice here, it's not the quantity of the works, but the quality that is really tested and judged.

[10:00] The excellence of the works that you do, the worth of them. We read that every man's work shall be scrutinized. Our spiritual works will face a test.

[10:11] Notice that it is personal. Every man's work. One man, one woman, one man, one woman, everyone. Everyone's work. Every one of us, we've got to have that personal testing.

[10:24] Each person is judged individually. And question is, are we living with eternity in mind? This day of judgment, it says it's going to be like a fire. And, you know, a fire just does what a fire does, doesn't it?

[10:39] It's going to do something. It's going to burn stuff. And then it's going to purify, it says, this first group of works, and then it's going to consume the second group of works.

[10:50] The poor quality works, the wood, hay and stubble, put some fire on wood, on hay, on stubble, whoosh, poof, gone. A pile of ashes is left.

[11:04] Put gold, silver, precious stones to the test of fire. It'll be remaining. It will stand that fire test. The poor quality works will be destroyed.

[11:17] The other group of works will be purified. And then it tells of a giving out of rewards.

[11:29] Now remember this, this is not just talking about some symbolic time. This is an actual event.

[11:41] It's an actual place. It's an actual encounter that you will have with the almighty God. So this is something we should take to heart and truly think through.

[11:54] Remember this, that you will be there. And woe betide me if I don't urge you, prepare. You ought to prepare. I pray you're prepared.

[12:05] I urge you, prepare. Prepare now. Or don't we? Prepare now. The question we have to answer is, how do we live in the life of this? The judgment seat of Christ, it's ahead of us and maybe it's not that far ahead in the scheme of eternity.

[12:26] Verse 13 says, there'll be an evaluation of our work, of what sort it is. There's no getting around this one. We can have evaluations on this side of heaven.

[12:37] And I know some of you university students, you probably can get away with a bit of slack work here and there and just sort of put in some half-hearted effort and the teacher will still give you a tick and a pass mark and sometimes that's all you want, isn't it?

[12:53] But there's an evaluation. We don't just want to pass. We want to excel. We want to credit, don't we? A distinction, a high distinction. We want to have such that there's an evaluation of our work.

[13:04] And there's no kidding, this one who's going to examine us about shoddiness. He knows the work. He knows he's going to evaluate it of what sort it is.

[13:15] So will it be gold, silver, precious stones? What kind of works are these? Perhaps we could think of it this way. Gold! Our spiritual walk with God.

[13:26] That's gold, isn't it? Our communion with God. Our devotional life. Our prayer life. Do our works glorify our God? Do we bring Him glory?

[13:38] Are they truly spiritual? And I think, you know, I'm not meaning that sometimes the humdrum things we do are actually gold. I know there's some people helping people in the car park just then.

[13:50] That's gold. That's loving your brother, isn't it? It's doing spiritual work because there's a need there. A spiritual work can be why, as God wants you to do something, isn't it?

[14:04] When His Spirit moves you to do something, that's gold. That's gold. Gold quality. And then we see silver. Silver. Maybe you could think of witnessing as silver.

[14:15] As it tells in Proverbs 10, verse 20, it says, The tongue of the just is as choice silver. You can use your words to be like choice silver.

[14:28] That's Proverbs 10, verse 20. Maybe that talks about witnessing. When you tell someone the gospel, isn't that precious? What more precious thing can you do than tell another soul of the Saviour?

[14:40] That's precious. That's silver, I put to you. Our words, our witnessing. Then we see precious stones. Precious stones may be deeds of kindness, of thoughtfulness, of those unnoticed things.

[14:51] You know, jewels can be tiny little things, can't they? Like the diamonds on the ring, like the little jewellery that people like to wear. Those little things that are so small and yet so precious, so valuable, so wonderful and meaningful.

[15:10] So that could mean, I put to you, you could think of your own thoughts about what it might intend. But maybe those small, unnoticed works, you may not get credit for. They've been done just secret works, without fanfare.

[15:24] Those secret works that you've done so quietly, you know, the secret giving, the secret fasting, the secret praying, the secret love that you extend to the brothers and sisters and bless them in so many ways.

[15:42] You know, that's precious. That's precious. And that's something God sees there. Sometimes, in a way, it's better the secret ones, isn't it? It's like our Lord says, if you do things to be seen of men, you've got your reward.

[15:57] Better that, it's actually the reward is yet then. At the judgment seat of Christ, those little things that you do to bless people, the giving, the love, the care, the time, the reaching out, the, you know, some of you are giving out leaflets.

[16:14] Hey, you know, that's time. That's time. You could be, you could be earning money with that time, but instead, you're wanting to do something that's eternal, in value. That's precious. That's, that's something, we can't put a price on that.

[16:27] This side of eternity, you know, we know the little witnessing team that goes out, you know, it can be, it can be a, irksome thing.

[16:40] And, and it can be, uh, a, an action that, it's hard. It goes against the grain, against the flesh. And especially, when you get the big dog chasing you down the street, and, uh, or, even worse, the big man.

[16:55] Yeah, well, there was one time, we knocked on the door, and it looked like he was a warlock, or something, and he had these robes on, and his funny beard, and I thought he'd just come out of a, a seance, or something. I thought, has he got an axe in his hand, behind his back?

[17:07] You know, there's a sense where, those things that, the things that are tough to do, but you do them anyway. That's a good thing to do, isn't it? That's precious. They're souls. Nothing matters more, really, souls.

[17:21] The things you do quietly, and without fanfare, you don't brag on about them. People don't even know you're doing them. There's people blessed in this church, that I don't, I don't know how much time, and money they actually put into, what they did for this church.

[17:35] And, in a way, God knows, that's what matters, isn't it? The secret things, and the, the secret, you know, people put money in the, in the bag, people put money, in the account, and it helps the church, and it helps us be more, able to do things.

[17:52] And, you know, God's provided abundantly, we thank God for that, and for your, blessing us, as a church. And then there's this, the wood, hay and stubble, what could that mean?

[18:02] What kind of works is the wood, hay and stubble? Perhaps we could think of it this way, could it be work, it's kind of, half-heartedness, carelessness, oh, kind of looks good enough, it's work, it's, you know, it looks like it's, fits the part, but when the fire test comes, the wood is going to be burnt up.

[18:20] Maybe it's carelessness, about our spiritual life. What about hay? The hay could be, the works done, while looking for the praises of men. You know, it's just hay, it's just light and fluffy, it looks like the substance there, but it's just a load of hay.

[18:35] You know, it's just going to blow away, in the wind. Could it be a lukewarmness, that's in us, when we want to do something for God, and we just don't really have, the fire of God, that zeal, that we ought to have, stubble.

[18:50] Could that be works done, with the wrong motive? With hypocrisy? You know, stubble, it's just like, it's empty, isn't it? It's not really, got that, depth to it, that strength to it.

[19:05] And so we've got the gold, silver, precious stones, think about that, what can I do, what have I done, what can I do? That's gold, silver, precious stones. And the wood, hay and stubble, maybe it seems to, actually, stuff I've been doing, with the wrong motive, with a half-heartedness, and not really, spiritually, just doing it, because I'm expected to do it, or because I'm, you know, whatever it reads, whatever, reason, which really doesn't stand up.

[19:33] Let it go. Remember, you will be there, at the judgment scene, of Christ. Are you ready? Will our work, survive the heat, of Christ's holy fire?

[19:46] There'll be a great, rewarding, ahead. And we can have, a glad anticipation, of that day. I'm not meaning, to paint this, as a time, of dread, of irksome, of woe, of inadequacy, but an anticipation, that what, even those little things, that you've done, they will be a reward, they won't be missed.

[20:08] He will see them, he has seen them, and he will reward them. As mentioned, it stands, of various crowns, in the word of God, and we could, consider, perhaps, those crowns, might be, yielded to us, on this judgment, time, the judgment seat, of Christ.

[20:24] Whatever the case, there's rewards, in the sense, of these crowns. We could consider, these crowns, as I go through them now, we see firstly, the incorruptible, or the imperishable crown.

[20:35] This is incorruptible, it's not going to perish, it's going to stand, and it will be eternal. Not a perishable crown, not a corruptible crown, such as the, athletes of the, the arena would have, with some, placid leaves, and such, that would then, wither and drop, and crumble, perish, but this is a crown, that is going to be, solid gold.

[21:00] This is a crown, that will be, lasting. And it's given, it says, really you could consider, it's for faithful, endurance through trials. We see, Paul writes this, in 1 Corinthians 9, 24, and every man, that striveth, for the mastery, is temperate, in all things.

[21:18] It's got a sense, of this, striving for the mastery, like some of you blokes, this day, you're doing some, weightlifting on here. So some of you, striving for the mastery, you know, I don't think, it'll catch up, to my muscles, but there's a striving, for the mastery, isn't there?

[21:32] You want to be, temperate in all things. There's that sense, of a spiritual athlete, that we want our body, to be, you know, really trim, taught, terrific spiritually speaking. And, it's saying here, that we should be temperate.

[21:45] In other words, there's an endurance, there's a faithfulness, picture here. And it says, you shall obtain, an incorruptible crown. So lay before the master, there's a crown for that.

[21:56] There's a reward. Another one is the crown of rejoicing. And this is seen as the soul winner's crown. Paul speaks of this crown, as the presence in heaven, of others, that we've invited there.

[22:11] You know, it's been said really, that the only thing we can take to heaven, is another soul. It's other souls, isn't it? And so, it's precious, very precious. Paul speaks of this crown, as others, that you've invested, your time, and you've reached for Christ.

[22:26] And as I touched on this morning, it says, our Lord, endured the cross, despising the shame, for the joy that was set before him. Paul talks about believers, the believers, the church, as being his joy, his crown, as we sing here in 1 Thessalonians 2, verse 19.

[22:43] For what is our hope, our joy, or crown, of rejoicing? Not even, sorry, are not even ye, in the presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ, at his coming.

[22:54] So, won't it be wonderful to think, at his coming, when we are with him, that we will have others with us. We'll be, we'll be, seeing them come, those that we've, witnessed to, those that have trusted Christ, our loved ones, our family, our friends, our enemies, that have trusted Christ.

[23:17] They'll be there, and they'll be rejoicing. And you'll have a crown, of rejoicing. Another crown is a crown, of righteousness. It tells us, it's like the watcher's crown, the ones who are watching, and waiting.

[23:28] The ones who are, as it were, their faith in Christ, is that crown, of righteousness. He is our only source, of righteousness. If you try to make, your own righteousness, it's going to fall short, isn't it?

[23:43] You can't manufacture, your own righteousness. You need his, his righteousness. And so, and Paul tells Timothy this, in 2 Timothy 4, verse 8, henceforth there is, laid up for me, a crown, of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me, at that day.

[24:00] And not to me only, but unto all them, also that love, is appearing. If you love, the appearing of Christ, if you're getting ready, for the Christ, our Saviour, to come, to appear, there's a crown for you.

[24:14] There's a crown, as you watch, and as you live, in the light, of his coming. A crown of righteousness. We see next, a crown of glory. This is the shepherd's crown.

[24:25] 1 Peter 5, 4, And when the chief shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. The context is, of the shepherd. And there's a sense, where all of us can, have some measure of that, that we're shepherds.

[24:41] In a sense, it's not just, as I can conceive of it, it's not just one shepherd, as in one pastor, but there is pastoral care. There's pastoral care, that you can give to others.

[24:53] And some of you, are giving that. I was talking to someone, just before, someone, I think, it'd be good to talk to, this one, and just get alongside them, and come alongside them, and encourage them. There's pastoral care.

[25:05] We can all have that. I know some of you, are very active, going to the hospitals, visiting the shut-ins. It's pastoral care, isn't it? There's a sense, where we care for the sheep, and we all can have that heart.

[25:17] It's not just reserved, to the pastor, as such. And it says, of you that care such, there's a crown of glory, that fadeth not away. And it tells us, in Romans 8, verse 18, Paul says, I reckon the sufferings, of this present time, are not worthy, to be compared, with the glory, which shall be revealed, in us.

[25:40] There's an expectation, of glory, that we all have. You know, as the saying goes, when someone passes, into heaven, who knows the Lord, we say they've been promoted, to glory.

[25:53] Promoted to glory. Glory awaits you, that know him. There's a wonderful glory, that we can have, an expectation of, that awaits every believer. So there's a crown, of glory. And another crown, is this one, the crown of life.

[26:06] And this is really, as related, in Revelation 2, speaking of the martyrs, you know, the absolute witnesses.

[26:17] If you want to, if you want to get to the, the highest degree, of witnessing, it's actually to be a martyr. Alright? That's the ultimate. You know, you haven't arrived there yet, I know Peter's pretty keen, doing the witnessing, but you know, to get to the, the high distinction, as it were, in the course of soul winning, is to actually be, and I'm not meaning, to make light of this, but the real sense, that the ultimate witness, is the one who's a martyr, for Christ.

[26:41] Isn't it? You know, that's, and I'm not, again, I'm not meaning to, make light of that, in a, in a, careless way. But, the Lord says, that those who die for Christ, will have the crown of life.

[26:55] That's something precious, isn't it? You know, if it, God forbid, but if it comes, hang in there. when, if you, you know, if we were, to suffer for Christ, if it comes to it, that we, have to be, tortured, and killed, know that there's a crown, there's a crown for you.

[27:18] And, that's going to make, make that, all the sweeter, isn't it? There's a crown of life. And, it tells us, about there, in Revelation 2, some of you are going to be, cast into prison, tried, have tribulation, be thou, be thou faithful, unto death, and I will give thee, a crown of life.

[27:38] And then, James 1, verse 12, along the same lines, talks about this crown, the crown of life. It says, blessed is the man, that endureth temptation. So, this sense of enduring trial, enduring testing.

[27:50] When he has tried, he shall receive, it says, he shall receive, the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised, to them, that love him. So, you might think, of earth's trials, and tribulations, of the endurance, that you have to go through, in life, and, you know, the irksome times, of life.

[28:08] Endure it, as a crown of life. Just hang in there, sister, brother, hang in there, endure, as a crown of head. God has promised that, for them that love him. So, remember, we're talking about, the judgment seat, of Christ.

[28:21] Remember, you will be there. How can we prepare? I'd like to put to you, some pointers here. I think I copied this, from somewhere. I'm not claiming it, as my own work, this little section here, but, the kinds of things, that will be reviewed.

[28:37] Here's some thoughts, that someone's listed. The things, that could be reviewed, at the judgment seat, of Christ, have we lived, for God's glory? Has it been, for God's glory, that we've done something?

[28:51] Let's have that, wholesome motive. It's God's glory. We want our God, to be glorified. by what we do. Not pleasing ourselves, or, you know, putting something, of God's, putting something, of the glory, on ourselves.

[29:05] We want the glory, to be his. And that's like, I was trying to, put this morning, when the choir, was singing. We're not there, clapping then. We're praising the Lord. Yes.

[29:16] We're rejoicing. It's not, we're not wanting, man's applause. Some churches, it's almost like, it's a performance, and there's a platform, and there's this, manufactured stuff, and it takes away, the glory from God.

[29:32] We don't want any of that. And with any of our things, that we do, God forbid, the glory must be his, all his. How have we used our time? The word talks about, as our Lord said, I must work the works of him, that sent me, while it is day.

[29:49] Friends, we've only got some, it's daylight. And so, let's, work the works of him, that sent us, while it is day, while we can. And then it talks about, Ephesians 5, talks about redeeming the time, in other words, making the most of it, because the days are evil.

[30:06] Use your time, just, make that time count. Redeem it. Make it, go the distance. Use every bit, of your time wisely. And then, 1 Peter 1, talks about, to pass the time, of your sojourning, with fear.

[30:22] In the sense of, we're just sojourners. In a sense, we're, in other words, we're travellers. We're like those, people, I know you see them, pull up on the side of the road, in their caravans.

[30:35] That's what we are, isn't it? You know, we might have a house to live in, but in the sense that, we're actually, our home, is yet, ahead of us. And we're, almost like those caravan, the great nomads, as it were.

[30:49] We're just on the road. We're sojourners, we're travelling through. So, pass the time, you're sojourning, in fear. What about, how we've used our money? Our possessions?

[31:00] Our property? Our Lord says, put your treasures where? In heaven. Put them there. Treasures in heaven. Think about, how can I invest in, souls?

[31:11] How can I invest, in spiritual things? How can I invest, in my spiritual life? You know, get yourself a good Bible. Get yourself, in the word. Take time, to commit.

[31:23] And use your money, for good things, for godly things. In Timothy, it talks about, those who trust, in uncertain riches. And it says, rather be rich, in good works.

[31:35] Some of the, people I know, in my life, are actually, they're poor, they're poor, in financial terms, but they're rich, in good works.

[31:46] That's, that's precious, isn't it? That's something very valuable. And then we see, as we think of this, testing time, consider the things, that will be reviewed. Have we sought, the salvation of the lost?

[31:59] You know, we might, as it seems, some, have this, mind, that they're on, the glory train. And, okay, just sit back, and enjoy the ride. You know, I've got my ticket, I'm heading to heaven, I know that I'm saved.

[32:14] But they don't care, to invite others. And that's a great, shame, isn't it? Because the Bible, talks about those, who win others, as those that, will shine as the stars, forever and ever.

[32:26] It says in Daniel 12, verse 3. And, 2 Corinthians 5, 11, it says, knowing therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. Have we sought, the salvation of others?

[32:37] You know, there's some, dear family members, that, that I, I wonder where they're at, spiritually, where they're going, into eternity. And I've, I've had some strong words, with them, because I don't want to leave them, in any doubt, that they're, they're on the edge, of a precipice.

[32:53] They're on the edge, of a, of a steep cliff. And, time is, running out for them. God help them, I pray that they'll get saved. I pray that, that I've been something, of a good witness to them.

[33:07] You know, some loved ones, that we care about, we know, we ought to reach them. Do what you can. And then, another thing to consider, have we been faithful, in prayer?

[33:18] Our Lord says, men ought always to pray, and not to faint. Pray. Pray, pray and keep on praying. I know you do. Make that time to pray.

[33:30] I could do better. Pray, corporately pray. Sometimes, it's a good discipline, to get amongst others, so you can, pray with them. Learn to pray. Men ought always to pray.

[33:41] And then it says, all the words, that we've spoken, we'll have to give account. As our Lord says, every idle word, that men shall speak. Oh, shouldn't have said that. How often, have you thought of that?

[33:54] Look, I, I know. The words come out, and they shouldn't be coming out, of your mouth. Should be, a crystal clear stream, not polluted, with dirty words.

[34:06] Every idle word, that men shall speak. Let's, learn not to, to use idle words, to say foolish things. Every idle word, that's the big thing, isn't it?

[34:17] Every idle word, that men shall speak. We'll move on, to the next set here. How about our attitude, towards our brethren?

[34:27] Romans 12, it talks, be kindly affection, one towards another. In brotherly love, it talks about, preferring one another. How have you treated, your brothers in Christ? How have you treated, your sisters in Christ?

[34:43] We don't always know, where everyone's at. You know, as I, I referred to, just earlier, you know, there's someone that is in, the circle of our church, who's, it's a woman who's been homeless, for six years.

[34:56] And she only just told me that. I didn't realise that. How could that be? How could it possibly be? And I believe she's telling me the truth. And there's another woman, I was talking to someone earlier today, someone that we've been witnessing to, I don't want to embarrass her, she might be watching, I don't think she is, but, she talked about, that she doesn't have a dress to wear, to church.

[35:19] And she just has, that kind of, casual clothes. And she, but she really wants, she's got that, and it's a right impression, that she, she wants to, to dress her best, to be in church.

[35:31] And so she, had this kind of, embarrassment factor, that, oh, I don't have anything to wear. She even said, I don't have any shoes. And so, you know, mind you, she had, you know, some thongs she could wear, but I guess she wanted to wear something more.

[35:45] Something, she, she realized the importance of, hey, when I come to church, I want to be, dressing my best. And, and that's not meaning, we would, we don't want to put anyone off.

[35:56] We want to have a good standard, but we don't want anyone to feel, that, they don't belong, or that they're, that they're less, because they may not dress, as others might like, to dress.

[36:11] And so, our attitude towards others, is so important, because we know the offense, that that can cause, for someone to be offended, such that, that, you know, our dress code is such that, it would put someone, away, to never darken the church door.

[36:27] Or, you know, God forbid that we'd be, ever such, ever be like that. And, I don't think we are such a church. You know, I mean, for myself, I like to dress well, but it's not to, to negate, how others might come to church.

[36:40] And please, I just wanted to put it out there, that we don't want to be, an off-putting kind of church, that, that becomes off-putting. We, we want to, be, be our best for our Lord, but we don't want that to be, an off-putting thing, for anyone at all.

[36:55] And it's about our attitude towards others. And sometimes the things we say, the things, that our actions, can hurt people, and can, turn people away. Our Lord wants everyone to come, as to come and hear.

[37:11] And, as it were, as, as our Lord himself, he went to the, to the uttermost, that, each one, that could, has ears to hear, that's what matters.

[37:23] That will, they will come and hear us. Amen. So, our attitude, towards other people, other brethren, is very important. And, and it talks about, Galatians talks about, restoring people.

[37:34] You know, when someone actually sins, we think, and with the situations, we've had as a church, where someone has, has done something, horrendous, multiple occasions, of that.

[37:47] and you think, yet, grace, would still reach out. Grace would still reach out. I've had situations, you wouldn't believe some of the things, that I know, what people have done.

[38:02] And, you know, we will, confront, lovingly, but with the heart, to restore, to restore. And, that must be, our heart attitude.

[38:15] It must be grace. Grace must be, paramount. Because, but for the grace of God, we would be there, in their boots. And so, our work also, will be accounted for.

[38:26] Every man's work, should be made, manifest, it says. Friends, everything we do, is going to be made manifest. You can't hide it. You know, I know there's some folk, that have been telling me, that they struggle, with this and that.

[38:38] Pokies, drugs, alcohol. Some people, talk about gaming. They've got, addictions to gaming. There's things, that people, and there's no doubt, there's many things, people haven't told me.

[38:54] And, and I'm not meaning, to make anyone embarrassed, who might be present, or hearing this. But, the sense that, all of our work, is going to be accounted for. But, hey, there's much more, than that. It's more than those, apparent worldly things.

[39:06] It's about worldly hearts, isn't it? It's about worldly thinking. It's about worldly attitudes. It's about carnality, that's in the best of us. And the carnality, that's in me. Our work, will be accounted for.

[39:19] Friends, every man's work, every man's work, shall be made manifest. So, how have we faithfully served? How's our zeal, in Christian work? How's our, our conduct, our speech, in the light of that coming day?

[39:33] Or don't we just say, hey, I could lift my game a bit. I could lift the bar a bit for myself. You know, as the things that's carnal in my life, in the here and now, that actually, Lord, yeah, you're talking to me right now.

[39:46] I need to do something about it. Maybe those idle words, broken promises, dishonesty, it's the flesh, isn't it?

[39:57] It just, it's, it's in me. I'm fighting it. You're not alone. We're all in this together. But God is able to work in our hearts and help us to do right.

[40:10] What about considering, have you fulfilled the assignment that the Lord has given you? We've all got an assignment. We've all got something. We've all got something that we can do.

[40:22] What is that for you? Seek God for it. What's God calling you to do? We've all got different callings. And it's finding it. I know there's folk talking about Bible school. There's folk talking about how do I prepare?

[40:34] How do I get ready? Anyway, don't concentrate so much on the getting ready. Jump in. That's, I mean, maybe that's wrong. That's how I kind of think. Sometimes, you can spend so much time getting prepared that you don't actually do anything.

[40:50] That's a big mistake. Prepare while you're doing stuff. Let it be a practical training. That you train while you're doing. That's a good thing I've put to you. And so, have we obeyed God's call, His commission to go?

[41:06] Now would be a good time to prepare for that day. To think, what can I change now in the light of the judgment seat of Christ? It's just around the corner. One of the things that God's pointing to in my heart that He's brought to light that I can prepare for that day.

[41:21] What are the neglected opportunities of wasted talents? Wasted talents. Friends, don't waste your life.

[41:33] There's people I just want to give a bit of a holy push to sometimes. But then I don't want to lay hands on any man suddenly.

[41:46] But there's a sense where actually, if you want to do something, tell me. Tell somebody. Make it happen.

[41:57] And it's God's will for your life. That's what counts. I'm not saying to be a square peg in a round hole and be something you're not able to do. But, step over the line.

[42:09] Raise the bar. Think, how could I serve God with what I can do? I know there's some people here with musical talents. There's some people with abilities that they're sitting on the shelf.

[42:23] that's an, I put to you that's a waste. Honestly, I do. And I thank God for every one of you here tonight.

[42:33] I know there's people serving in different roles and you're serving quietly and you're a quiet achiever. You're serving in the background. You're faithful doing the mundane things. I mean, driving the church bus, that can be a horrible job.

[42:47] Especially if you get, especially if you get people that are difficult passengers. But, but, wasted talents is a big problem, isn't it?

[43:00] Can you pursue diligently holy living? What is God putting on your heart to do? Could it be like Esther? Such a time as this when it seems, actually that's a bit of a hard thing to do.

[43:11] It's such a time. It is such a time as this. The first time you do something to serve God in a new way is the first step. It's the first step.

[43:23] I know I was chatting with someone this morning and trying to encourage them to do something, but it was, it was something new for them. And I know what it's like. I know what it's like.

[43:33] When something's new, even just praying in public, people find that hard. They find that hard. And I can understand that. It was hard for me the first time. Yeah? Once you get over the first time, it's not so hard.

[43:46] Amen? Honestly, it's not. And, you know, I don't want to put anyone under pressure here, but make the first step and then it will be easier.

[43:57] I think the first time, I was, I think I was only 15 when I did a little Bible study in a Bible study fellowship or something like that, wasn't it? And the preacher asked me to do a little Bible study.

[44:11] I was 15 or so years old. And that was hard the first time. But then it gets easier. Because, you know, God can help me. God can help me to do it. God can help me.

[44:22] And God can help you. You can do that. Say, look, preacher, I want to bring a Bible reading. I want to do this. I want to do that. And because there's different roles for men and women, for ministering, there's many opportunities to serve.

[44:34] The women's fellowship in this church, there's great opportunities there for the women folk to involve in that too. So, I just want to put it out there. Don't waste your talents. Fulfill God's will for your life.

[44:48] Many church members think, find it easy to talk Christian things, but actions speak louder than words too. It's the actions that Christ will judge. And it's the stuff you do outside of here that is important, isn't it?

[45:01] When you're out there in the real world, living a life that's consecrated to the Lord. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, it'll be in your street. It'll be with your neighbours. It'll be with your people you work with.

[45:13] People who know you. You're the one. You're the missionary in your workplace. Yield to the Spirit of God. Let God use you.

[45:26] And sort things out that need putting right with others. We know, in the light of the judgment seat of Christ, are there things you've got to get sorted? There's some unforgiveness. There's some bitterness.

[45:37] Things you need to get right. You know, the other person might be the one who's in the wrong. But where have we wronged others? You know, I can think of times I've done that. And I've had to eat humble pie.

[45:49] And I've talked about one, some while back, there's some older man. I've kind of rebuked him. And afterwards, I thought, well actually, he's a solid, strong Christian. He's just got some wacko doctrine.

[46:01] I still loved him. You know, I still wanted to reach him. I still wanted to bless him. And get it right. Don't have something between you and another. Settle those quarrels, those things that are hurtful. Resolve them.

[46:12] Have you been a good witness? Remember, you will be there. It's coming. The judgment seat of Christ. Are you ready? People, are you ready? Do you live in the light of an eternal perspective?

[46:23] It's going to be a time of great rejoicing. Friends, we're not looking forward to that day as a time that's going to be a great loss, I hope. But it'll be a time of great rejoicing.

[46:34] For some, there'll be a loss of rewards though. So we ought to think wisely. I know many of you, you've got that genuine heart. You want your faith to be active. And faith works.

[46:45] Faith is alive. Faith is working. Faith is activating. Faith is doing. But truly, the faith that saves then puts our feet into action.

[46:59] He says, well done. He will say, well done. And so there's things you can do. Not to, not to make your salvation any bigger because that's God's business. But to make the rewards bigger.

[47:11] Amen. And we see, just I'm coming to a close shortly. 2 Timothy 4, 6 through 8. Paul talks again of this time of departure. He says, I'm just about going. He says, I'm on the last days.

[47:25] He was there in this prison cell. He says, I'm ready. I'm ready to be offered. The time of my departure is at hand. I've fought a good fight. I've finished the course. I've kept the faith.

[47:37] Henceforth, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge will give me at that day and not to me only but unto all them also that love is appearing.

[47:48] Paul says, I'm ready. Are you ready? Are you ready? Francis around the corner. So I put to you tonight, take stock. Do a stock take.

[47:59] Do an internal audit. Don't be a careless Christian. Say, actually, I'm going to start to dig deeper. I'm going to start to get more full on.

[48:11] I'm going to be one of the radical ones. Yeah. I'm going to join those wacko ones that go witnessing. I'm going to go full on.

[48:21] I'm going to pull out all the stops. I'm going to really get busy for God and find that calling, that mission and that ministry that He has for me. And I'm going to make it happen by God's grace as I lean on Him.

[48:35] Not works of flesh, but works of faith. Get that right to you. We don't mean, you know, big note yourself, but to be productive for God. You can all be that. And our primary objective is our love for Him.

[48:48] What motivates you to serve God? You love Him. You love Him and so you want to serve. You love Him. That's what drives you. The love of Christ constrains you. That's what constrains people.

[49:00] That's what motivates people to do stuff. I pray. The right motive. I know I'm laboring. I've gone way longer than I should here. But think about how do you serve?

[49:12] Is it out of genuine love? Or do you serve because the pastor asked you or because you feel duty? I mean, there's a sense where duty is a good thing though. You know, report for duty.

[49:24] But there's a sense where you're not doing it out of duty, but out of love. That's your heart. That's your genuine motive. Your love for the Lord. And friends, notice the results of judgment. There's twofold.

[49:34] A reward received and a reward lost. One of two things can happen. It says, a man's work remains undamaged by the fire, gold, silver, precious stones.

[49:49] He will receive rewards. If a man's work suffers loss, word, hay, stubble, is consumed in the fire, then he shall suffer loss.

[50:00] Which side do you want to be on? Amen. Which side? People of God. Everything that you devote yourself to in life. To think if it's wood, hay and stubble, poof, gone.

[50:16] A pile of ashes. That would be a great mistake, wouldn't it? The things done in your own strength, the things done for your own glory, the things done for the flesh, poof, gone.

[50:28] The things that are done for God, by the Spirit of God, for the glory of God, would hay stubble, there's going to be a reward. Thank God.

[50:39] As I just want to reassure, and in reassuring you, don't use this as a kind of a cop-out. Okay, I'm saved. I don't have to do anything.

[50:51] Hmm. Is that the right attitude? It says, but he himself shall be saved. Yet so as by fire. Is that what you want? You get to heaven, and you just get in by the skin of your teeth.

[51:07] You're saved. Yeah, you're saved. But your life has been nothing for God. Wasted. Wasted. Hours. Wasted.

[51:18] Days. Wasted. Years. Yes, you'll be saved, but there'll be regret then. Friends, don't be in that case. I urge you tonight. This man does not suffer the loss of their salvation, but the loss of reward, to lose reward, for your life to be nothing.

[51:39] It tells the son that they will be ashamed before him at his coming. We don't want to be ashamed, do we? You that are saved, it says, when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

[51:55] In other words, make your life count, this side of glory. Let it be worthwhile, not worthless, profitable in a spiritual sense. It says, our labour is never in vain in the Lord.

[52:08] Nothing you do for God is ever in vain. Even when you witness and you follow up and you, you know, you minister and people, you know, I've had people slam the door in my face and say, get behind me, Satan.

[52:25] You know, I'm just there trying to minister, I'm trying to, I'm putting my time into them and they treat me like that. I could tell you stories of that. You know, the pastor cops a lot of that, you know, but we all can, can't we?

[52:42] You know, people that treat you like dirt, you're actually there because God has sent you to talk to them and, but our labour is never in vain in the Lord.

[52:55] There'll be, there'll be something for that. So, even if you have some tough things happen when you're doing something for God and you think, oh, I'm going to pack it in, this is too hard, you know, actually, your labour's not in vain.

[53:07] If it's in the Lord, that's what matters. And so, God will reward everything we do for the Lord Jesus, even, even the cup of cold water. I know that the one who normally gives me my cold water wasn't here tonight.

[53:19] I might make her feel bad by saying it, but, no, even the cup of cold water you give, it says in Matthew 10, 42, even that, it's going to be a reward for that.

[53:29] Amen? Be encouraged tonight. So, wow, even if I do something just like that, just a little something, yes, those little somethings matter. The little things you do, you get your hands dirty helping someone with their car, that's a good work.

[53:46] That's a cold water, isn't it? That's a little thing, but yeah, you're going to see something. God will say, good on you. And, if I promote good gospel materials, you know, videos, literature, if I reach out with tracks, I will be rewarded.

[54:03] If I help someone who's serving God, I'll be rewarded. If, if I reach out, if I minister to the missionaries, I'll be rewarded. The great day of accounting is fast approaching, and as someone has expressed it, when we appear before the judgment seat of Christ, it'll be too late then to wish what we have done.

[54:21] If we have been more faithful, if we have been more zealous, if we have been more careful in our life and witness, now is the time to make your life count.

[54:34] Going forward, little children, when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

[54:45] It's only a heartbeat away. We're only a heartbeat away from his presence. You know, there's a funeral this week. Who knows when yours is going to be? Mine.

[54:56] We're only a heartbeat away. Will we hear the masters, well done? Oh, yes Lord. It was a joy. All of it was a joy. To hear your masters say, well done, that's going to be worth it all, isn't it?

[55:09] Now friends, tonight I've been talking to Christians. I urge you, trust Christ. Trust Christ. If you're not certain of salvation, you're not even going to be at the judgment seat of Christ, you're going to be at the other one.

[55:25] And everybody at the other judgment seat, the great white throne judgment, everybody goes to hell. So you want to make sure you know the Savior.

[55:36] Amen. Not as a fire escape policy, but because he loves you. He wants to save. And he will save you that trust him. Let's pray.

[55:47] Lord, we thank you for your precious word, for the patience of these people here. Lord, for the searchlight of the Holy Spirit's light that would search the hearts and minds and brains.

[56:01] Lord, that you might penetrate the darkest recesses of our heart. Point out where, Lord, we've lacked, where we need to lift our gain. Dear Lord, Lord, help me, help us, help this church to be truly the church you want us to be.

[56:17]  In Jesus' name, Amen.