Today we continue and conclude with some balanced positive considerations, concerning our final stand before Christ, at the “Bema” seat.
Last Thursday, we had Pastor Stephen Armstrong taking us through one of his 2017’s Bible conference topic (via Skype in this hall): “Fight the good fight”. He quoted verses from 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and 1 Peter. Encouraging Christians to stay focus on the mission of Gospel, sanctifying truths in our hearts and living it out. We are reminded to be representatives to the world as Christ ambassadors of His truths. All these encouragement of sorts, will certainly amongst many other things (materials), be subjected to the judgement at the “Bema” seat.
Some balanced materials to be tested at the Bema Judgement :
A. Employment of our God-given abilities
2 Timothy 1:6 “For this reason ,I reminded you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
1 Peter 4:10 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace”. One of the clear distinctive of our brethren set up is the empowerment of the laity. We thank God for raising and using lay members of our assembly, to do the work of God’s ministries. Last Sunday, we read in this column section, about faithful ladies who will reach out to the Kembangan community. Weekly, we have members who conduct free English lesson classes! … And many many more!
B. How we use our money?
1 Timothy 6:17-19 “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.”
The results of the Bema Judgement Seat of Christ will be mainly two folds.
Some will receive rewards. Five possible rewards : The incorruptible crown; the crown of rejoicing; the crown of life; the crown of righteousness and the crown of glory. These crowns will actually be talents and abilities with which to glorify Christ.
Some will suffer loss. At the Bema Judgement, the carnal Christians will suffer the loss of many past achievements. 2 John 1:8 “Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.”
Elder Andrew Lim
