viewoutsidethepew

“All of us must appear in front of Christ’s judgment seat. Then all people will receive what they deserve for the good or evil they have done while living in their bodies” (2 Corinthians 5:10 God’s Word©).

“We are not trying to show you our qualifications again, but we are giving you an opportunity to be proud of us. Then you can answer those who are proud of their appearance rather than their character” (2 Corinthians 5:12 God’s Word©).

“To God we are the aroma of Christ among those who are saved and among those who are dying. To some people we are a deadly fragrance, while to others we are a life-giving fragrance. Who is qualified to tell about Christ? At least we don’t go around selling an impure word of God like many others. The opposite is true. As Christ’s spokesmen and in God’s presence, we speak the pure message that comes from God” (2 Corinthians 2:15-17 God’s Word©).

The “pure message” does not come from correct doctrine, theology or creed. It comes from a humility and love that lets God speak truth in our living, our speaking, and even in our dying. The persecution I experienced over 37 years was not based on a major collapse in faith or service, but in lies, told by those who gave the “appearance” of religion.

They, and I, will all appear before Jesus the Judge.

I am ready anytime.

Creator, “forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing”.

+++++++

This Lent I was led on a pilgrimage. On it I discovered the lifetime of suffering I had lived. The journey was for me, but about Jesus. Now there is learning which I wish to share as Lent continues.