God's Righteous Judgment: Hope and Urgency in Faith

Summary

In these times of global unrest and uncertainty, it is crucial to remember that God is not just a judge—He is the Judge. He alone holds the authority to judge the earth and its inhabitants, and His judgments are always righteous and true. Throughout history, God has demonstrated this prerogative, from the flood in Noah’s day to the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah, and even in the way He dealt with individuals like Adam and Eve. The Bible is clear: every person has one opportunity in this life to be reconciled to God before facing His judgment. Hebrews 9:27 reminds us that it is appointed for men to die once, and after that comes judgment.

There are at least three major judgments described in Scripture. First, the Judgment Seat of Christ, where believers are rewarded for their works done in Christ—not for salvation, but for what we have done with the life He gave us. Second, the Judgment of the Nations, where God will judge how nations have treated Israel, fulfilling His promise to Abraham that He will bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse her. This is not symbolic; it is a literal promise that still stands today. Third, the Great White Throne Judgment, where all who have not accepted Christ will be judged according to their works and ultimately separated from God forever.

The reality of these judgments should not fill us with fear, but with hope and urgency. For those who have been born again—who have experienced both a physical and a spiritual birth—there is the assurance that we will only die once. Our spirits are immediately with the Lord upon death, and at the resurrection, our bodies will be raised and transformed. But for those who are only born once, there is a second death: eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

This understanding frees us from the need for vengeance or hatred. We are not the judge—God is. Our role is to love, to forgive, and to pray for those who oppose us, knowing that ultimate justice belongs to the Lord. The presence of God is inseparable from His judgment; conviction is a sign of His nearness, not His absence. Today is the day of salvation. If you have not yet received Christ, now is the time to be born again and secure your place in God’s eternal family.

Key Takeaways

- God’s Judgment Is Literal and Righteous
God is not merely a judge among many; He is the Judge, and His authority is absolute. His judgments throughout history—whether on individuals, nations, or the world—are not symbolic stories but literal events that reveal His character and justice. Understanding this should lead us to a reverent awe and a desire to align our lives with His will. [06:03]

- The Bible’s Prophecies Are Interconnected and Meant to Be Taken Seriously
Scripture is a unified whole, with Old and New Testament prophecies intricately woven together. The promises to Abraham about blessing and cursing Israel are as relevant today as they were thousands of years ago, and the events unfolding in the world are not random but part of God’s sovereign plan. Taking the Bible literally grounds our faith and gives us clarity in confusing times. [13:40]

- The Two Births and Two Deaths Principle
Everyone is born once physically, but only those who are born again spiritually will escape the second death—eternal separation from God. If you are born twice (physically and spiritually), you will only die once; if you are only born once, you will die twice. This profound truth underscores the urgency of salvation and the hope we have in Christ. [30:43]

- God’s Judgment Frees Us from Vengeance and Hatred
Knowing that God is the ultimate Judge liberates us from the burden of seeking revenge or harboring hatred. We can love and forgive even those who oppose us, trusting that God’s justice will prevail. Our calling is to reflect Christ’s love, not to act as judge, because the judgment that awaits is far more serious than anything we could enact. [35:25]

- The Presence of God Is Found in His Judgment
Conviction is not something to be feared or avoided; it is evidence of God’s presence in our lives. Where God’s judgment is, His presence is also. Embracing conviction leads to transformation and deeper fellowship with Him, reminding us that judgment is not just what God does—it is who He is, and it is always for our good. [41:35]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Introduction: God as the Judge
[02:02] - How We Read and Interpret the Bible
[03:47] - The Defeat of Evil and the Role of the Devil
[06:03] - God’s Judgments in History
[07:46] - The Three Major Judgments
[13:40] - God’s Covenant with Israel and Its Modern Implications
[18:30] - The Lineage of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael
[22:50] - The Battle of Gog and Magog and End-Time Events
[27:10] - The First and Second Resurrections
[30:43] - The Two Births and Two Deaths Explained
[33:36] - The Weight of Preaching the Whole Truth
[35:25] - Freedom from Vengeance: Trusting God’s Justice
[36:40] - The Only Way into God’s Family
[41:35] - God’s Presence in His Judgment
[42:58] - Living in Light of Christ’s Return
[44:35] - Invitation to Salvation and Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: “The Judge”

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### Bible Reading

1. Hebrews 9:27
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

2. Genesis 12:2-3
"I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; and you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

3. Revelation 20:11-15
(The Great White Throne Judgment)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 9:27, what happens after a person dies?
2. In Genesis 12:2-3, what promise does God make to Abraham regarding those who bless or curse Israel?
3. What are the three major judgments described in the sermon, and who do they apply to? [[07:46]]
4. What does the sermon say is the difference between being “born once” and “born twice”? [[30:43]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does the pastor emphasize that God is not just “a judge” but “the Judge”? How does this affect our understanding of God’s authority? [[06:03]]
2. The sermon says that God’s promise to bless those who bless Israel is not symbolic but literal. Why is it important to take this promise literally, especially in today’s world? [[13:40]]
3. What does it mean that conviction is a sign of God’s presence, not His absence? How should we respond when we feel convicted? [[41:35]]
4. The pastor says that knowing God is the Judge frees us from the need for vengeance or hatred. How does this truth change the way we relate to people who oppose us or do us wrong? [[35:25]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon teaches that every person has only one opportunity in this life to be reconciled to God before facing judgment. How does this truth affect the urgency you feel about your own faith or sharing your faith with others? [[06:03]]
2. The “two births and two deaths” principle says if you are born twice (physically and spiritually), you only die once, but if you are only born once, you die twice. Have you experienced a “second birth”? If so, how does this give you hope? If not, what’s holding you back? [[30:43]]
3. The pastor says that God’s judgment is always righteous and true, and that we can trust Him to handle justice. Is there someone in your life you need to forgive or stop seeking revenge against? What would it look like to let God be the Judge in that situation? [[35:25]]
4. The sermon highlights that God’s promises to Abraham and Israel are still relevant today. How does this shape your view of current events or your prayers for the world? [[13:40]]
5. When was the last time you felt convicted about something? Did you see it as God’s presence in your life? How can you respond to conviction in a way that draws you closer to God? [[41:35]]
6. The pastor said, “Today is the day of salvation.” If you have not yet received Christ, what is stopping you from making that decision today? If you have, how can you help others take that step? [[44:35]]
7. The sermon encourages us to love, forgive, and pray for those who oppose us, trusting God with ultimate justice. Is there a specific person or group you struggle to love or forgive? What is one step you can take this week to reflect Christ’s love to them? [[35:25]]

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Devotional

Day 1: God Is Not a Judge—He Is The Judge
God alone holds the authority to judge all creation, not as one among many, but as the ultimate and only Judge. His judgments are righteous, and throughout history—from the flood to the Tower of Babel, from Sodom and Gomorrah to the present—He has demonstrated His prerogative to judge both nations and individuals. This truth calls us to recognize the seriousness of our choices and the reality that each person will stand before Him. We are reminded that we have but one opportunity in this life to be reconciled to God before facing His judgment, and that His justice is not arbitrary but rooted in His holy character. [06:03]

Psalm 50:6 (ESV)
"The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge!"

Reflection: In what ways does knowing that God alone is the Judge change how you view your own actions and the way you treat others today?


Day 2: The Blessing and Judgment Tied to Israel
God’s covenant with Abraham established a promise that remains literal and active: those who bless Israel will be blessed, and those who curse Israel will be cursed. This is not a symbolic or historical relic, but a living reality that shapes the destiny of nations and individuals. The ongoing events in the Middle East and the world’s relationship with Israel are not random but are deeply connected to God’s unchanging word. As believers, we are called to align ourselves with God’s heart and promises, understanding that His faithfulness to Israel is a sign of His faithfulness to all His covenants. [13:40]

Genesis 12:2-3 (ESV)
"And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed."

Reflection: How can you actively bless and pray for Israel today, and what does it look like for you to stand with God’s promises in your daily life?


Day 3: The Reality of Judgment—Two Resurrections, Two Destinies
Scripture teaches that there are two resurrections: the first for those who belong to Christ, and the second for those who have rejected Him. The first resurrection brings eternal life and reunion with God, while the second leads to the great white throne judgment and the second death—eternal separation from God in the lake of fire. This is not a metaphor or allegory, but a literal future that awaits every soul. The hope for believers is the assurance of resurrection and a new, glorified body, while the warning for all is the urgency of being born again to escape the second death. [30:43]

Revelation 20:11-15 (ESV)
"Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Reflection: If you were to stand before God today, are you confident your name is written in the book of life? What step can you take right now to be sure?


Day 4: The Power of the Second Birth—Redeemed by Christ
Every person is born once, but only those who are born again—who receive Jesus as Savior—will escape the second death. The gift of salvation is not earned by good works, church attendance, or religious knowledge, but by confessing our sin and accepting that Jesus took our punishment upon Himself. When we are born again, we receive a new spiritual birth certificate, and our eternal destiny is secured. This is the heart of the gospel: though we are guilty, Jesus stands in our place, and through Him, we are reconciled, redeemed, and given the promise of everlasting life. [36:40]

John 3:3,16 (ESV)
"Jesus answered him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' ... 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.'"

Reflection: Can you remember the day you were born again? If not, what is stopping you from making today your spiritual birthday by trusting in Jesus?


Day 5: Living Without Vengeance—Trusting God’s Judgment
Knowing that God is the ultimate Judge frees us from the burden of vengeance, hatred, or unforgiveness. We do not have to retaliate against those who oppose us or hate God, because their judgment is in God’s hands, not ours. Instead, we are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, trusting that God’s justice will prevail. The presence of God in our lives brings conviction, not condemnation, and as we yield to His judgment, we experience His presence more deeply. This truth empowers us to live with peace, compassion, and hope, even in a world filled with conflict and injustice. [35:25]

Romans 12:19-21 (ESV)
"Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.' To the contrary, 'if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Reflection: Who is someone you struggle to forgive or love? What is one practical way you can show them Christ’s love today, trusting God with the outcome?

Quotes

Let me first say this. There is no battle between good and evil. God is good. And he's not in a battle today with the devil. The devil is defeated. Amen. The devil is that created archangel, that chairman angel that was created by God, that was cast out of heaven, that is no match to God himself. There is no battle between good and evil. [00:03:37] (00:00:31 seconds) Edit Clip

There is a battle between doing good and evil. And without God, we cannot do it. Without his precious Holy Spirit, we cannot do it. But as far as a big old battle out there between God and the devil and the good and evil, God is good. And as long as we make a decision on doing good, God will see us through. [00:04:25] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

You can be through the biggest battle that you've ever been through in your life and the enemy's coming against you and you might have done things you shouldn't have done. But if you call upon the name of the Lord, he will save you instantaneously. There's no sin you did that was too big. There's nothing you've done that was so dark. [00:04:45] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

As creator of the earth and its inhabitants, he alone is, has the prerogative to judge not only the earth but also the inhabitants of the earth. He's the judge. He's God. [00:06:03] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

Let me tell you something here this is not a trial this is a sentencing this is not a trial the trial has already been had every person who died separated from god and went straight to be answered from the body to be present with the lord or to be answered from the body is to go straight to hell hell is a literal place again highest praise we take the book literal and the bible says that well you were you died because you you you left your spirit and soul left this body and you went to a place called hell but guess what the bible says and promises then a second death. [00:27:41] (00:00:39 seconds) Edit Clip

Standing before the judge and saying, Father, I have sinned. I am a sinner, and I will not make it to heaven unless I accept the fact that you sent your son, Jesus, to die for me. And if I accept the fact that you sent your son, Jesus, to die for me.that he died for me I get to live forever nevertheless I live not I but Christ that lives on the inside of me. [00:36:57] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

If you're in the presence of God, His judgment is presence. You are never in the presence of God without His judgment because judging is not what He does. Judging is who He is. You know what it's called to us Christians? Conviction. Don't say that. Don't act that way. Don't look at that. Don't be that way. What is that? That's the judgment of God. But wherever the judgment of God is, is His presence. [00:41:37] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

We believe what I just taught you today is literal. It's not just something that trying to explain that there's just an ongoing historical battle between good and evil. No, that happened a long time ago, and evil did not stand a chance against good. [00:43:07] (00:00:21 seconds) Edit Clip

If you have not confessed Jesus, if you only got one birth certificate, I invite you to pick up another one here today. It's called the day you are saved. Maybe you've believed before. Maybe you've never had the opportunity to confess Jesus Christ as your Savior. But I'm here today to give you an offer. That the judgment of God is here.and he's here he's here to send you to eternal death because of your sin but his son Jesus is here also and he says I'll take that punishment of death if you just accept what I've done for God so loved this world that he gave his only son that whosoever believeth on him Jesus you will not perish but you will have everlasting life if you call upon Jesus today you're going to leave here today not just with a t -shirt and not just with hey I went to church today but you're going to leave here as sure as heaven as if you're already there. [00:44:11] (00:01:05 seconds) Edit Clip