HERE COMES THE JUDGE!

“It's judgment time for Christians.
We're first in line. If it starts with us,
think what it's going to be like
for those who refuse God's Message!”
I Peter 4:17
The Message Bible

The vehicle that God has chosen and ordained to bring forth His kingdom in the earth is the Church. Jesus told Peter, “upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18). The Church of Jesus Christ is the catalyst for change. As the Church goes, so goes the world!
God has already clearly stated His intent for the church. Ephesians 5:25-27 says, that Jesus loved the church so much that gave his life on the cross so “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” God is going to have a beautiful bride and He is going to use the fire of His Spirit to accomplish His goal.
We know that in the days of Noah, God used water to purify the earth. But, in 2 Peter 3:5-7, we find that in the last days God will use fire to purify the earth. It is vitally important to remember that God is not going to destroy the earth per se just to destroy it. His intent is to purify it and create a new heaven and a new earth (Revelation 21:1).
God’s intentions are always pure, righteous and just. He always has an expected end in mind and that is to bring glory to Himself. Having this in mind, it only makes sense that the beginning of judgment would start with His BRIDE, the church! The same fire used to bring purity to the earth must first begin with the vehicle that He will use to judge the world. Since the saints will judge the world (1 Corinthians 6:2), the saints must be first be purified by fire.
Always remember God’s intent. We are first in line for God’s judgment by fire not to destroy us, but to purify and cleanse us so that we can be presented to Him in peace. Although going through the fire may not be pleasant, it is necessary to produce the desired result. The prophet Malachi says, “For he will be like a blazing fire that refines metal or like a strong soap that whitens clothes” (Malachi 3:2).
God’s judgment will leave no stone unturned. He will judge sin and unrighteous, idle words, works, thoughts, motivations and intentions of the heart. No one can escape the judgment of God. Judgments are not always bad. He could rule in your favor. God’s judgment is always just. If He did not allow the angels to escape, He certainly will not allow His children to escape. Ultimately, those who obey and receive Him and those who reject Him will receive their just reward. So, rise up in repentance & obedience. Rise up in prayer, fasting and study of the word. Rise up in holiness and sanctification. Everybody rise. Here comes the Judge!