First Judgment

For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

- 1 Peter 4:17

When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

- 1 Corinthians 11:32

My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those He loves, and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son...

God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ...God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

- Hebrews 12:5-12

"I will allow you, My church, to be broken so that My living water may flow out of you to the world.

"You have spent much time building your walls; you have spent much time trying to keep My living water inside of your walls. You have tried to give morality to the world but have kept My grace for yourselves. You have tried to show the distinction between you and the world, your righteousness and the world's sinfulness, and you have thought that showing the contrast would make the world come to you to drink My water. But they have not come to you, and many of you only condemn them further because they do not come to you. Many of you decree My judgment against the world, but I decree that My judgment comes first to you instead of to the world.

"I will discipline you in My love, so that you may stand firmly in Me when harder days follow. I will allow persecution to break your walls and destroy many things you call 'accomplishments' which are unnecessary in My sight. I will teach you to rest in My Son alone and to trust in My strength alone. I will teach you to seek My kingdom alone and lay aside the great works of your nations, ministries and churches.

"Do you call Me 'Father'? Then be My children and submit to My discipline. Allow Me to bring a harvest of righteousness to you. Allow Me to humble you that I may lift you up in My time."

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See also: "The Great Commission" (art link)