A Time for Consequence

At the beginning of the year, I unveiled the theme for the year, and preached unto you a message titled ‘A Time for Consideration’. In that message I’d asked you just to begin the year in consideration of three things:

Consider Time (Itself)

I wanted us to ponder on the truths associated with the Concept of Time:

It’s Limited

It’s Fleeting

It’s Priceless

It’s Irreplaceable

We’re Called to Redeem It

Redeem (def) ‘Rescue from Loss’

Consider THIS Time

Much like Esther’s in that it’s a Time of:

Uncertainty

Perilous

Opportunity

Self-Denial

Action

Consider the Cause

A People Under Judgment

An Enemy on the Loose

Only a Few Will Stand

Then two weeks ago, I’d presented a message unto you titled: ‘A Time for Courage’

There we continued the story of Esther in a sense, as well as looking at other examples of Courage.

An Explanation of Courage

‘Action or Continuance in the Face of Fear’

Courage will Do what’s Right in Spite of Difficulty

Courage will Go Right when Others Go Wrong

Courage will Speak the Truth, Regardless of Repercussions

Exhortations & Examples of Courage

David had the Courage for Self-Examination

Esther had the Courage to Stand

Stephen had the Courage to Speak

Daniel had the Courage to Give Supplication Publicly

The Levites had the Courage to Separate

Joshua had the Courage to Wield the Sword

Jesus had the Courage to Sacrifice

The Effects of Courage

Courage Makes a Difference

Courage is Necessary to the Christian Walk

Today I want to conclude this series founded in the book of Esther. The opening series for this year, one in which encompasses the overall goal and attitude that I wish for this church to carry throughout the year.

Before I begin, I want to recognize that today’s topic is not a popular one. Not even in Christian circles. Most churches would not spend a morning message on this topic in fear of upsetting feelings and the offering plate.

But I decided long ago that I would present unto the church what God had led me to, and this is what He’s led me to today. And make no mistake - God knew who would be here today, so ignore this message at your own peril.

The title of the Message is ‘A Time for Consequence’, and the first point that I’d like to make is Consequence Considered

I. Consequence Considered

The Concept

Through the messages in this series, as you look at the ‘big picture’, you’ll notice three distinct concepts that are being presented unto you and I.

We studied the Concept of Time

We studied the Concept of Courage

Now we are studying the Concept of Consequence. And all three work in harmony one with the other

Consequence (def) That which follows from any act, cause, principle, or series of actions. Hence, an event or effect produced by some preceding act or cause.

In short, it is the effect of a cause.

I think it important to examine the concept of consequence, as it’s something that is being eradicated from our society. It’s being eliminated from:

Our education system:

Primary education is failing

In 2022 - 33% of 4th graders can’t read on a basic level; 30% for 8th graders

In 2022 - 36% of 4th graders are proficient in math; 8th grade is only 26%

Despite spending almost $16k per student in 2020!

Also, despite the fact that 19% of High School seniors can’t read, they graduate anyway

Oftentimes they’re being passed as to not demonstrate the failings of the educational system.

College education in America today is a joke

It’s not about education, but indoctrination

If you want to know how intellectually challenged many college students are, just go watch any of these you-tubers such as Stephen Crowder, Kaitlyn Bennett, Frank Turek

Our Judicial system:

We’ve moved in larger cities to a ‘bail free’ system, meaning that you can commit crime without even spending one night in jail.

(Ill.) In NYC recently, 14 illegal aliens (or for the consequence free crowd ‘undocumented migrants’), got into a fight with 2 NYC police officers. Six were arrested, yet were all released without bail. 8 still unaccounted for.

Our Immigration System:

Illegal’s come to our country and suddenly have MORE rights than you and I. Fox reported Saturday that NYC launched a $53 million program to give out pre-paid CC to illegal aliens.

So the Concept of Consequence is something that is largely dismissed in our society. BUT CONSEQUENCES ARE NOT DISMISSED BY GOD!

God is still a big believer in consequences! In fact with God, consequence for our actions is a Certainty

The Certainty

God has not begun to lower His standards as our education system has

God has resorted to bending justice as our judicial system has

And there will be no illegal aliens in Heaven!

John 10:1 “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.”

Make no mistake - when we’re speaking about God, there is no change with God!

Malachi 3:6a “For I am the Lord, I change not;”

The Bible tells us that there will come a day when Judgment is rendered: Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

There’s coming a day when the God of Heaven and earth will render to every man the consequence for his actions!

Romans 2:5–11 “But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”

Judgment / Consequence is Certain with God!

It’s Worth of Consideration

Because the Bible declares the certainty of consequence, it would behoove us to pause and consider what our consequence is going to be.

I think because of the Satanic influence in our society concerning consequences, we oftentimes act without consideration of them. But church, we really need to pause and consider the consequences that AWAIT US ON JUDGMENT DAY!

We should consider the Words that Jesus will say to US

So let me ask you… If you met Jesus today, what would your consequence look like?

It’s Worthy of Consideration

We see Consequence Considered. Next, I want to examine the Cause of Consequence

II. The Cause of Consequence

When we’re talking about Consequence, we must recognize what is the driving force behind it?

Based on Choice not Circumstance

All of us have difference circumstances.

Those which we’re born in

Those which we’re thrust into

Circumstances that we’re in can be of our causing or not.

Some are born into poverty, others into wealth

Some are homeless, others live in a mansion

Some are orphaned, others have a multitude of family

Some are surrounded by non-believers, others surrounded by Christians

Some around them are lukewarm, while others are on fire

Everyone of us have different circumstances, but God doesn’t Judge you on your circumstances, but the choices that you make.

What I mean by that is regardless of your circumstances, you’ll be held accountable to the choices you make in them.

(Ill) Remember the parable of Mat. 25 of the servants and the talents - They began with different circumstances, but were Judged on their choices of what to do with what God gave them!

Consequences are based our our choices - and everybody makes them. And BECAUSE IT’S BASED ON OUR CHOICES, WE WILL HAVE NO EXCUSE WHEN WE STAND BEFORE GOD!

The Cause of Consequence are the Choices we make

Now that we’ve looked at the Concept of Consequence and the Cause, being our Choices, let’s look at a Collage of Consequence in the story of Esther

III. A Collage of Consequence

Esther

The Faithful Rewarded

Consider first her circumstances: She had ascended unto the position of queen - yet it wasn’t her circumstance that saved the Jews, it was her CHOICE to risk her life for the sake of others.

And we see how she was rewarded for doing so:

God gave her favor in the sight of the King.

God rewarded her faithfulness in the Salvation of the Jewish people.

God rewarded her faithfulness in making record in His Eternal Word.

When you are faithful in the choices you make, there’s a reward for that!

Esther - the Faithful are Rewarded

Mordecai

The Humble Exalted

We see Mordicai’s situation in: Esther 4:1 “When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;”

By the end of the book we see: Esther 10:1–3 “And the king Ahasuerus laid a tribute upon the land, and upon the isles of the sea. And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, whereunto the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.”

The Bible tells us: Isaiah 66:1–2 “Thus saith the Lord, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: Where is the house that ye build unto me? And where is the place of my rest? For all those things hath mine hand made, And all those things have been, saith the Lord: But to this man will I look, Even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, And trembleth at my word.”

Psalm 138:6 “Though the Lord be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: But the proud he knoweth afar off.”

James 4:10 “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Mordecai wasn’t too proud to go make public supplication - and mourn for a people under Judgment!

Too many Christians today are so proud - they are entirely too proud to humble themselves and make public supplication for a people under Judgment!

But because Mordecai made the CHOICE to humble himself, God greatly exalted him!

Mordecai - the humble will be exalted

Haman

The Proud Brought Low

Haman remember is the man who pride caused him to hatch a plot against an entire race of people. Esther 3:5–6 “And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath. And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.”

After this he conspired to have the Jews eradicated and then had built a gallows just for Mordecai to be hanged upon. But ultimately, the choices he made caught up with him! Esther 7:10 “So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king’s wrath pacified.”

The Bible tells us Proverbs 16:5 “Every one that is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord: Though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished.” This verse says ‘Hey, there ain’t no escape! Though the masses join hands in their pride, God will still punish them!’

Haman’s Pride brought him Low

Now that we’ve Considered Consequence and the Cause, being our Choices, then a Collage of Consequence,

IV. The Commencement of Consequence

I want to shift gears and speak about the Judgment of God and the Consequences that you and I will certainly face one day.

According to the Bible, there are two Judgments that are to come - and every one of us will stand before one or the other.

The first I want to address is ‘The Judgment of a Holy God unto the Dead’

The Judgment of a Holy God unto the Dead

Based on the Works of Man

(Ill.) Picture for a moment if you will. All of the nations gathered together - people as far as the eye ca see. Yet there is a feature present that you do not mistake. It’s that of a THRONE - and there is one sitting upon the throne. When a voice comes forth from the throne, EVERY soul there trembles!

The Bible tells us: Revelation 20:11–13 “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.”

Because you have no other righteousness, you will be judged according to your works. AND CHURCH, THAT’S NOT A GOOD THING!

Isaiah 64:6 “But we are all as an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; And we all do fade as a leaf; And our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”

When any man is confronted with the Law of God, they are ALL GUILTY! 1 John 1:8 “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”

EVERY SOUL JUDGED ON THEIR WORKS WILL BE FOUND WANTING!

So there’s the Great White Throne Judgment

The Judgment of a Saviour Upon those He’s Saved

The Bible tells us: Romans 14:10–12 “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Also: 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

(Ill.) The rest of us will stand here. Before the Saviour that bled & died for us. We’ll look into the eyes of the Forsaken One. We’ll see the nail scars upon the hands & feet - and at this point, we’ll give account of what we did FOR Christ.

We’ll not be Judged on our Salvation, but WHAT WE DID once we were Saved.

And we will be Judged…

Based on Choice, not Intention

Many Christians MEAN WELL… but God is not going to give you special credit for meaning well. He is not going to say ‘Well, your neighbor that was just cast into the Lake of Fire - you know, the one you never talked to about Jesus - I know that you meant to, but just ‘never found the right time’ and never got around to. I know you INTENDED to witness to them, so we’ll give you a pass on that one!

No, it’s based on CHOICE - what you’ve CHOSEN to DO, not INTENDED to do

Based on Truth, not Perspective

God is not going to Judge you on YOUR PERSPECTIVE, He’s going to Judge on the Truth.

‘The Truth, the WHOLE Truth and NOTHING BUT the Truth!’

We have a way of condemning our neighbor and giving ourselves a pass - that’s not the way God operates!

The Judgment we face is based on Truth, not Perspective

Based on Totality, not Partiality

In other words, God’s not just going to Judge the parts you want, but the whole.

He won’t look favorably on the good stuff and ignore the rest - He will Judge the whole.

He will Judge your CHOICES, He’ll Judge in TRUTH and He’ll Judge the WHOLE

And this brings us to the final point, the Carrying Out of Consequence

V. The Carrying Out of Consequence

Now that we see what the Judgment is going to look like itself, what does the end look like for those Judged?

Those Separated

Those who stand at the Great White Throne Judgment. The Dead. Those who have rejected God’s Righteousness through Jesus and tried to make it on their own righteousness, the Bible concludes: Revelation 20:14–15 “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Jesus described it as: Luke 13:27–28 “But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.”

They are cast into a place of:

Sorrow, torment, regret, remorse, memory, feeling in a state of perpetuity for ever and ever.

There are those separated

Those Saved

Thank God I’m going to be in this number! Those that are saved are saved by the ‘Blood of the Lamb’!

The Righteousness of God is found through the Sacrifice of the Son. If ANY MAN places their faith in Jesus, they will be saved!

But there’s an even better way to be…

Those Satisfied

There’s going to be those who are saved, then another class of people who are satisfied.

Satisfied with the work they endeavored to do

Satisfied with the way they spent their time

Satisfied with the Words of Christ who said ‘Well Done thou good & faithful servant!’

Satisfied that they didn’t waste their lives on meaningless things!

Satisfied with the rewards that Jesus gave unto them

Heaven is a state of Salvation that Jesus provided, but it’s not a socialist utopia! There’s going to be those with REWARDS and others with REGRET! Do you know what that’s called? Consequence!

Conclusion

Let me ask you this: What’s your consequence if you left this world right now? The only thing that separates you from the presence of a Holy God is a heartbeat - and guess who’s in control of that?

If you consider your consequence - and you don’t like the outlook - I suggest you come to an altar and get your heart right.

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