Why we need judgement
We have been shocked and saddened to hear about the horrific deaths of a Brisbane mother and her three, young children.
In what appears to be an appalling incident of domestic abuse, we feel a deep sadness as images of the once-happy-looking family are splashed over our media.
One of my facebook friends shared a news report of the incident, and the simple comment was, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’
It is right for us to long for the return of Christ to come and bring an end to this world full of sin, death, and tragedy.
It is right for us to long for Jesus’ return to judge the living and the dead, and to bring justice to those who have been victims of harm and abuse.
And above all, it is right for us to long for a time when those who trust in Jesus will live in the new heavens and the new earth, a world with no more tears.
For this to happen, we need to pray for judgement and justice, and we need to ask for God to punish those who have committed crimes against the innocent.
Yet as we we ask for justice, we all need to plead for mercy, for the Bible tells us that all of us have rebelled against God and deserve his judgement.
However the greatest miracle of all is that Jesus, the judge, promises to take the punishment we deserve upon his own shoulders, and now look at us as though we had never committed any wrongdoing, ever.
All we need do is ask for his forgiveness, and trust in him as our loving ruler for life.
For we read these powerful and comforting words in the Bible:
But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. And since we have been made right in God’s sight by the blood of Christ, he will certainly save us from God’s condemnation. (Romans chapter 5 verses 8 and 9)
JODIE McNEILL
(Image of flowers from a make-shift memorial, near where the family died. From ABC News).
If you or anyone you know needs help:
Lifeline on 13 11 14
Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
Headspace on 1800 650 890
ReachOut at au.reachout.com
Care Leavers Australasia Network (CLAN) on 1800 008 774
Coming up this weekend 22-23 February 2020
This week we will hear Jodie speak to us on the last sermon of our current series ‘God’s Glorious Judgement‘, and will see how God’s judgement that is still to come in the End Times continues to showcase His glory and mercy.
Each week we have a question and answer segment. To ask a question, simply fill out your response slip during the service. Here are the questions that Jodie will answer these questions this week:
1 What would happen at the plague of the firstborn son if a Jew married an Egyptian?
2 If a person doesn’t believe in the bodily resurrection of Jesus then are they really a Christian?
3 Why couldn’t God just forgive us without needing a sacrifice?
4 If we can just forgive someone without cost, then why can’t God?
5 Can we forgive someone who hasn’t apologised?
6 How can a Christian be called righteous when they continue to sin?
7 How can we evangelise people without being too forceful?
Join us on Saturdays at 5pm for our all-age service where we have a pre-school and kids’ program and share a meal together, followed by a youth group for years 6-12 from 7:30pm-9pm. Or come along on Sunday mornings at 9am for a more classic-Anglican-style service, followed by morning tea and hot espresso.
Grace and peace,
Jamberoo Anglican
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