30th January 2024

30th January 2024


Pray (ACts)


Read (Ecclesiastes 3v16-17)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


The murder of James Bulger took place on 12th February 1993. James was only two years old and he was lured away from his mother by two ten year old boys. The little boy was taken and subjected to a horrendous ordeal before being murdered and left on railway tracks like a discarded toy. James Bulger was just a child whose life was snuffed out in an extraordinarily wicked and evil manner.


Solomon knew nothing about the terrible events of February 12th 1993 but he was certainly correct when he wrote that in the place of both justice and righteousness there was wickedness (v16). We know this to be true as well. I'll not list the injustices of this world but we know them and lament them. Wickedness abounds and often it seems to win.


In his heart, Solomon whispered truth in the face of the world's wickedness. He said "God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work." (v17). I am sure that wickedness will one day receive its due reward. At Christ's return everyone who has ever lived will be called to stand before His throne. To those on His right, He will declare them righteous and send them to glory. To those on His left, He will condemn them and send them to the place called Hell.


The day of judgement will be the glorious day that wickedness will no longer dwell in the place of justice and righteousness. Every evil deed will be brought into the light and humanity will stand before the righteous gaze of Jesus. The wicked won't be able to hide, they won't get off scot free and there will be no early release.


I don't make light of the last day, it should cause all of us to tremble. Even so, the child of God has nothing to fear. The one who has received Christ stands forgiven of their own wicked deeds and the Lamb's blood has cleansed them whiter than the driven snow. But to the one who rejects Jesus, let me warn you with all seriousness. You may not be guilty of the heinous acts that blight this world but you are a sinner in need of God's grace. Fall before Him today, for surely a day is coming that He will call you to account. On that great and terrible day there will be nowhere to hide. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q55 What is forbidden in the third commandment? The third commandment forbiddeth all profaning or abusing of anything whereby God maketh himself known.
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