Judgement and the Church

   Will Christ judge His church in these last days? You say, "God reserves wrath for His enemies". True! But what about His children? Can we do no wrong in His eyes? Are we beyond reproach? Or will we be called on the carpet? "For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" (1 Peter 4:17-18) Ooops! Looks like ol' Pete didn't get that memo about the pre-trib rapture and the 7-year party for all Christians!
   Notice the apostle tells us God's judgement will start with us! No, no, no! you say: "we're redeemed by the blood!". So, that means we'll be held to a lower standard than the scribes & Pharisses?  "He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: Of how much sorer punishment , suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" (Hebrews 10:28-29) It will be worse for those of us who go off after the world's ways!
   "You don't understand, Matt: God is GOOD! All the time!" God IS good all the time, but we ain't humble all the time, and when we get into pride, we step out of grace! We've got to get rid of this image of God like He's some big cuddly Teddy Bear that just loves everybody all the time no matter what! " For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest He spare not thee. Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in His goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." (Romans 11:21-22) Think the Roman Church missed it just a little bit???
   If we do what the scribes & Pharisees did, we'll get what they got. And if we do what the Roman Catholic Church did, we'll get what they get!  Moreover, church leaders & teachers will be held accountable for what we allow: see Hebrews 13:17, and James 3:1 "Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account..." "My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation."
   It amazes me the people who think they're qualified to teach the Body of Christ! Like internet access is all that's required! I know I will give account for every idle word I blog or comment! (Matthew 12:36) It's no joke, folks! Still don't think the Church will be judged? Ask Ananias & Sapphira!
   I'll have more on this next time! Peace!