Category: What do you think?

What the Bible Says About Believers and Judgement

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JEFF TURNER

Some people wonder if Christians will face judgement after they die, and some even suggest this might involve something like purgatory. However, the Bible does not support the idea of purgatory. It is not mentioned anywhere in Scripture. Instead, when people die, they go either to be with God or to a place of suffering, as shown in the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). There is no in-between state where souls are purified before entering heaven.

The passage in 1 Corinthians 3:13–15 explains that believers will be judged, but not for their sins. Those have already been forgiven through Jesus’ death. Instead, this judgement is about what each person has done for God’s kingdom. Paul says that some works will last, like gold or silver, while others will be burned up, like wood or straw. This burning doesn’t mean punishment, but a loss of reward. The believer will still be saved, but their worthless works, those without lasting spiritual value, will not count for anything in eternity.

Each believer will appear before Christ to receive what is due for their deeds.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.

2 Corinthians 5:10

Trusting God: Signs of Faith in Daily Life

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FLOYD ROGERS

Can others see, by the way you live and speak, that you trust in God? The way a person acts, talks, and carries themselves often reveals where their faith lies. True trust in God shows through quiet confidence and steady courage, even when life becomes difficult.

Many wonder how some people manage to face painful and trying times while holding on to peace and strength. It isn’t because of personal toughness or stubborn will. The real source is the steady support and peace that comes from God alone. He gives His children a sense of security, courage, and contentment that nothing in the world can offer.

This kind of calm assurance isn’t found anywhere else.

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

2 Timothy 1:7

A Table of Peace in Troubled Times

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AMY TURNER

Psalm 23:5 tells us that God sets a table for His people even when enemies are close by. The picture is not one of comfort and quiet, but of danger and pressure. Imagine preparing to share a meal with family while storms strike the house and violent voices shout outside the door. Most would struggle to enjoy that moment because fear and noise take over.

David reminds us that God, like a shepherd, does not wait for safe and easy conditions before caring for His flock. The meal is spread out even while threats are near. Enemies may roar, but they cannot remove the shepherd’s protection. The sheep can still eat because their safety depends on the shepherd, not on their surroundings.

“I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 10:11

What It Really Means Not to Judge

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JEFF TURNER

Many people, especially those outside the Christian faith, turn to Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, lest you be judged,” when they feel challenged about sin. But this verse is often misunderstood. Jesus was not saying that believers should never make judgments. Instead, He was warning against taking the place of God by acting as if we have final authority over others.

Just a few verses later, in the same chapter, Jesus says not to give what is holy to dogs or to throw pearls before pigs. To follow that instruction, a person has to make a judgment. I’m speaking of a judgement that involves spiritual understanding. This shows that some level of discernment is necessary when handling sacred things, especially the message of the gospel.

The warning in Matthew 7:1 is really about pride and hypocrisy. Jesus was speaking against the religious leaders of the time who were treating others harshly, as if they had God’s insight and power. While Christians are called to evaluate right from wrong, they must remember that only God can make the final judgment, because only He sees everything clearly.

Do not judge by the outward appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”

John 7:24

Understanding God’s Guidance Through Trust

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FLOYD ROGERS

Learning how God works comes through experience and obedience. As a person follows God’s leading and responds to His direction, they begin to notice patterns in how He moves in different situations. With time, it becomes clearer how God responds when certain choices are made. This gradual understanding helps believers recognise His ways.

While God willingly offers guidance, some matters remain known only to Him. He chooses not to explain every reason behind what happens in life. People often feel the need to understand everything, believing it will bring them peace. However, peace does not come from having all the answers. It comes from trusting God, especially when the reasons are unclear.

Even without knowing why, peace is possible through trusting Him.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all [b]comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7