BEMA

Caesarea on the Mediterranean Sea coast was built by Herod in dedication to the Roman Caesar and served as capital of the Roman province. That is Herod's swimming pool on the left in the photo) Paul visited Caesarea several times (Acts 16, 18:22, 21:8) To avoid the Grecians who wished to kill him, he was taken to Caesarea for embarkation to Tarsus He was.also sent there by the Roman commander at Jerusalem to be heard by Felix (Acts 23:23,33)

The word "Bema" meaning "judgment seat" or "raised platform" (considered a courthouse in the first century) came up in our Bible Study discussion this week. That prompted a discussion about the final day of judgment. I like the way Dr. Jack Hayford explains it in my Spirit Filled Life Bible. The scripture he refers to is Romans 14:10-13:

"But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: 'As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.' So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way."

Hayford's explanation of the text is this:

"Christians are not to judge each other with reference to the practice of morally neutral issues, since each individual is responsible to God. As Lord, the right of such judgment belongs to Christ. Weak and strong Christians alike shall all stand, not at each other's judgment seats, but before the judgment seat of Christ. That judgment will be based on what we have done in this life. (2 Corinthians 5:10). It will not determine whether or not we enter heaven, but will determine degrees of reward in heaven.

Romans 2:6 says: "who will render to each one according to his deeds."

Dr. Hayford explains: "The phrase according to his deeds does not contradict the gospel of salvation as a free gift that cannot be earned. The verse summarizes what will actually happen: unbelievers will be judged for their sins; and believers, who have been freely forgiven of sins because of Christ's work (Romans 3:21-26), will be given degrees of reward in heaven according to their actions in this life.

Romans 2:7 says: "eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality"

To this, Dr. Hayford says, "Although the phrase DOING GOOD describes Christians, their salvation was not granted because they did good works, but because they trusted in Christ who earned eternal life for them."

How great a salvation! Thank You, Yeshua Jesus!!!

We had a good time discussing John 14:2: "In My Father's house are many mansions: If it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." We learned that "mansions" should have been translated "rooms". Dr. Hayford agrees: "Mansions literally means 'dwelling places.' A better translation is 'rooms.' conveying the idea that there is ample space in heaven for all who come to Jesus as Savior."

Thank you, Dr. Hayford!

Let's celebrate!

Robin's Zucchini Cake

2 C zucchini

1/2 C white sugar

1 C brown sugar

1/2 C oil

1/2 C butter

1/2 C buttermilk

1 tsp. vanilla

2 1/2 C flour

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp allspice

1/2 tsp salt

4 tbl. cocoa

1/2 C chocolate chips

Cream sugars, butter and oil. Add eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla.

Sift together dry ingredients.

Add grated zucchini and blend.all together.

Pour mixture into a greased and floured 9 X 13 inch pan. Sprinkle 1/2 C chocolate chips on top of batter.

Bake at 325 degrees for 35-40 minutes.

This cake would be perfect for table fellowship as we practice for the wedding supper of the Lamb... Just sayin'. :) Enjoy!