RUSSELL SANDERS

2-26-2025

THE BEMA SEAT

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We often refer to the judgment seat of Christ as the Bema seat. The word Bema itself is not used in English, but the word “seat” comes from the Greek word “Bema.” Bema refers to the place where our works [our lives] on earth will be judged for merit and be rewarded or not rewarded accordingly.

The word judgment seat [bema/seat] originated in ancient times in Greece and Rome. In Rome, there were judges for athletic competitions. They sat high up in a judgment seat, which was called the Bema Seat. These were the seats where judges sat and declared the winner in athletic competitions.  

The people of Paul’s day knew about these seats of judgment. The Apostle Paul writes of our walk as believers being akin to a race. The judges that sat in the “bema” [seat] would judge the results of a race or other athletic endeavors. Paul used this to speak of how our “race in life” will be judged for eternity.

This judgment seat is not literal, it is a comparison of how God will judge our earthly works that we did after salvation. Our works will be judged to gain heaven’s reward, or the lack of reward.

How does God judge our works that we have done after salvation? It is not by the quantity of good works or souls saved alone. It is by the motivation in doing this that comes from the heart, whether it is out of purity of love or not. Love should be our motivation in doing all good works.  

So, God judges our works according to our heart, that is, the spirit in which we live and what we have done for the Lord if it is motivated by love.

Mankind often will look at results, but God will judge us by our heart, a heart motivated to do works out of love for God.

If love isn’t the reason we do things, then we should pray this prayer found in Psalm 51:10, “Create in me a clean heart [spirit] O God; and renew a right spirit with me.”

HELEN SANDERS

2-26-2025

FORGIVING – AN ACT OF LOVE

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It is hard to comprehend how a holy God dying on a cross could say these words in Luke 23:34, “Then said Jesus, ‘Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do…'”

Here were the religious leaders looking up at him along with the soldiers that crushed a crown of thorns into his head and pounded nails into his hands and feet. Yet, in spite of this, the love that Jesus had for mankind was spoken in those words. Love for those that did this to him won the victory for Jesus. Forgiveness is an act of love.

Love will win the victory for us too. No matter what has happened in our lives, and I have heard some horrible stories as a pastor, from murder, rape, incest, babies switched at birth, physical abuse and more; the only response to those that have done this to a person is to forgive them. Forgiving others not only releases that person that did this to you, but you release yourself.

Much is said about not forgiving by Jesus. (See Matthew 18:21-25.) If we do not forgive, we are turned over to the tormentors. Those tormentors are demons that will torture you in your mind and ultimately your body. If you don’t forgive, then torment is your future, a future separated from God. There is no room for anyone not to forgive knowing what will happen if they continue in unforgiveness.

I am not saying that there should be no punishment for the sinful acts that happen to us. What I am saying is vengeance is not ours. It belongs to God. When we forgive, it gives God an opportunity to bring justice.   

Think of what Jesus bore on that cross. Every murder, every rape, every abuse, every sickness, every fear, every evil thing that has ever happened to mankind was placed upon him. He took it all so we could be free. There is no way to comprehend what he went through because of love.

Love holds no grudges. Love doesn’t look for ways to get even. Love bears all things. Love is the only thing that can release you and those that have hurt you.

Jesus saw Peter deny him, yet He restored him. Don’t let pride keep you from receiving his love, and don’t let unforgiveness keep you from giving your love to those that wronged you. 

Forgiveness is the ultimate way to show love. It will set you free.

HELEN SANDERS

2-24-2025

PROPHETIC EXHORTATION

We must not dwell on yesterday's failures or yesterday's victories. Every day is a new opportunity to live a victorious life. If we aren't moving forward then we are backsliding. Always keep your eyes on Jesus and go forward in his strength. He will show you the way!

APOSTLE PAT MURRAY

PROPHETIC EXHORTATION

Just remember when you put on the full armor of GOD according to Ephesians 6:10-18; You are right then & there telling the devil that he has to…GO through JESUS just to GET to YOU.

Be All In! HCC

Don’t be lukewarm with Christ. Be all in

With him. Are you growing in Christ, or are you

Standing still, very lukewarm? Jump in and,

Swim with Jesus. Jump into the water of faith.

Look at the one that hung on Calvary, from age

To age the same. The one, the only, Jesus Christ,

Who saved the World from Sin, If you come to

Him and repent. Be all in, jump into his arms,

And be Born Again!

To see more of HCC's beautiful poems on YouTube click here