"All Must Be Judged"

1 Peter 4:17-18. 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?

One year ago I lost a very close friend. She had been a friend for 54 years. She was saved and filled with the baptism of the holy spirit many years ago. It was for many years she never missed a church service except for an impossibility. Back during those years three church services was always held every week. Real often revivals were held and sometimes would last for two weeks with services every night. People were always ready for church when the doors opened. They were hungry to hear the word of God. Each night after hearing the evangelist preach, people would leave the church feeling like they could go out and conquer the world. It seemed like nothing could sap their victory, and it seemed like people could never get enough of church.

My friend and I used to recall those good old days, comparing then to the church services of today. I heard this friend quote the scripture many times which asks the question. v. 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? We went to church so much, worked, prayed, and helped in any way possible, yet we felt like we might barley make it to heaven. This friend was 86 years old when she just suddenly got sick and died. Before her death, she went like a house on fire every day. She loved life and she loved the Lord. She wanted to live forever. I'm not saying this friend was perfect, but I miss her so much. There are few old time Christians left who have lived the full gospel life to the fullest and I need to reunite with some so much. There is no doubt in my mind that the church which the Apostle Paul talked about is gone forever. I also believe that in a short time we modern Christians will not be allowed to have our own church as we know it now. For the time is come that judgement must begin at the house of God. Are we ready for that day?

God bless
M.Jean Sharp