The Life Changing Power of God’s Judgment

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. - Romans 8:1 KJV

That is a powerful declaration for each and everyone one of us today. The Apostle Paul definitively states that we are not guilty when we are in Christ Jesus. Paul continues by saying that, For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. - Romans 8:2 KJV

I am very thankful to be free in the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus today. But how did I get here: how did I come to this place of freedom? I submitted myself to the judgment of God. I saw my Father’s judgment not as a condemnation to eternal failure and criticism, but received it as a conviction to change the path of my life. To surrender my shortcomings, failures, weaknesses, and sins. I believed in the power of Christ Jesus. I had faith that His way, The Way, was a better way.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. - Romans 4:5 KJV

How many of us are genuinely concerned about the Judgement of God? I know for most of my life the very word, the concept of God judging my life terrified me. The Creator of Heaven and Earth looking down on me and seeing everything I’ve ever done. The things I lied about. The way I cheated and hurt people. The thoughts and intentions I had meditated on. I, on my own, am not a good person. I believe though. I have faith that Jesus of Nazareth was (is) the Son of God. He came to earth to take the death that I deserve, receiving the judgment of my life on the cross. My faith has accounted me the grace of God and His righteousness.

Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. - Romans 5:18-21 KJV

What if we saw judgment from the perspective of God? Judgement is not the process of condemnation, but the life-transforming process through means of conviction and repentance. God is righteously looking into our life based on our ability, rather inability, to live under the law and is saying, “I’m offering you a better life, a better way.” God’s judgment is not an opportunity for an apology, but true repentance. It’s not about saying sorry for your sins that lead to death, but walking away from them and replacing them with life; not just life but abundant life. How different would our world be if we welcomed the judgment of God and didn’t fear it? Would we see racial reconciliation? Would we see social and economic injustices addressed? Would our families, churches, and communities thrive and have something worth sharing?

Here’s to believing in a better world, a world where Heaven and Earth become one through God’s Judgment,

Pastor Joshua Ogle

Apostolic Christianity

Hope you’re having a good week, Tabernacle Family!

A few weeks ago I preached a message about the Perfect Storm. In essence, it was what I sense as a call from God to return to faithful devotion to Him. What does that look like daily? Well Acts 2 gives us a snapshot of what our lives are to look like. Beloved, let’s not be moved day to day by information. Let’s live steady by revelation.

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” ‬‬Acts‬ ‭2:42-47‬ ‭NKJV

These 5 verses and the whole book of Acts give us a glimpse of the early church. In these verses, we have a look at what it means to be the church today.

1. Prophetic History - As believers, we are part of God speaking to man all throughout history.

2. Apostolic Teaching - Apostolic teaching isn’t good inspirational messages: it builds our lives into Kingdom culture.

3. Fellowship - We go deep and wide, having long covenantal relationships with people and welcoming the new person into our life daily.

4. Communion - We take communion weekly; remembering what Jesus has done.

5. Worship and Prayer - We live our lives as living sacrifices offering prayer and thanksgiving all day.

6. Fear of the Lord - It’s the beginning of wisdom.

7. Miracles - God is able to do miracles still today and we believe He can at any moment.

8. Covenant Community - Our relationships have loyalty and commitment at their core.

9. Financial Freedom - We are wise stewards and do not let the love of this culture and age grip us.

10. Honor their Heritage - We know where we’ve come from and we’re thankful to God for the ways he moved in the past, not critical of it.

11. Intentional Relationships - We don’t wait for people to come into our lives: we make time and reach out to make friendships.

12. Gratitude - We are a thankful people.

13. Favor of All People - We grow in favor with the people of our community.

14. Evangelism - Healthy people and community is the greatest witness of what God can do in broken people.

This week, I’m putting down the news for a little bit. I’m going to pick 2 of these 14 indicators to be intentional about. Will you join me? Let’s be the church! If you want to find out more about the 14 Indicators of Apostolic Christianity, check out Bishop Robert’s sermon series on The Tab YouTube channel or reach out to the bookstore to get the DVD.

God Bless,

Mark Passarella

Connection

Dear Tabernacle Family,

Connection. It’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives. But why is it that we subconsciously fight connection? We fight it with control, with fear, with shame, all to self-sabotage.

When we try to control our lives totally with the “self we think we know,” self-awareness is inhibited. Instead of owning and understanding our emotions, we ask God to “take them away.” Instead of seeing shame or guilt as an opportunity to understand ourselves better, we pray for them to somehow magically leave. Or we simply avoid time alone so we don’t have to face these feelings at all. We can even use otherwise “good” activities, like Bible study, small groups, or church work to stay far away from what we really think and feel.

You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge. You can’t transform what you’ve pretended doesn’t exist. Emotions are not the enemy. Anger. Sadness. Guilt. Fear, even Shame are cues. They need our attention and understanding. When we ignore our emotions (an integral part of who we are), we cut off access to parts of ourselves. If you’re unable to connect with yourself, it makes it very challenging to connect with others.

Become aware. Self-awareness is knowing what season you are in and how you are doing in this season. It creates compassion in your life for your capacity and ability to function within that season. Self-awareness helps us make healthy adjustments to our lives and to our expectations of ourselves. Once you are aware of where you’re at in life and what your capacity is, it frees you from comparison with other people. Because most likely, most people are in different seasons than you.

Allow yourself to experience the beautiful and sometimes messy collaboration of your heart and intellect. Find yourself in your story. In God’s story. Because what you do and who you are matters. You are enough. This is the place where we stop screaming and start listening. We’re kinder and gentler to those around us; and we’re kinder and gentler to ourselves.

Lord, even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! You remain close to me and lead me through it all the way. Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near… So why would I fear the future? For your goodness and love pursue me all the days of my life. (Psalm 23:4,6)

Blessings,

Cheri Leight

Creative Marketing Director