Have you heard, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ," (2 Cor. 5:10), and, "And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27)? Admittedly, judgment tends to evoke a sense of fear and consternation with many - and for obvious reasons. The very name judgment conjures up trial, investigation, sentence and of course the attending questions, "How will I look?" "Will I pass the scrutiny?" Nevertheless, my topic is "The Joy of Judgment." Is that possible?
Looking at the judgment
The Bible refers to different phases of the judgment such as the pre-Advent phase (Daniel 7:9, 10), the judgment by the Saints referred to as the millennial judgment (1 Corinthians 6:1-3), and the executive or final phase (Revelation 20;5, 6). And some add another judgment which takes place during a partial resurrection of those who pierced Jesus being raised up to see Him according to Revelation 1:7.
Bring it on
Doesn't this sub-topic, "bring it on", sound a bit presumptuous? Who asks for judgment? I would imagine that few persons would think to do so. However, as I read Psalm 7:8 and Psalm 26, the Psalmist with much boldness is asking God to judge him. Essentially, he is saying, "Bring it on." To some, this would seem ludicrous, but not when one knows the purpose of judgment, who is in charge, and who will represent him in the judgment. Without a doubt, David knew the answers to all these questions. The judgment allows for the truth to be known as it vindicates God's people. Secondly, while God the father is judge, according to John 5:22, He has committed all judgment to Jesus the Son, who is our advocate or defense attorney. That undoubtedly is good news.
Good news
It is highly unusual for the same person who represents you to sit as judge. It is unthinkable in our court system. It would not work. Of course there are those who pull strings and pay under the table, but with God none of that is possible, for David refers to Him as the "Righteous Judge". The key, I have come to realize, is to know Him; and that we do through a daily relationship with Him.
Prayer, Bible study, church attendance and Christian witnessing allow for growth in understanding and appreciating Jesus. Thereby we are able to approach the judgment with much confidence, for we know in whom we believe; and we know that He is able to deliver us.
And just in case a further point of assurance is needed, consider these poignant words, "He who dwells in the heavenly sanctuary judges righteously. His pleasure is more in His people, struggling with temptation in a world of sin, than in the host of angels that surround His throne" (Christ Object Lessons, p. 176). Given the aforementioned, I say, "Bring it on!"
Winning souls for Christ
Reverend Dr. Robert L. Colebrook celebrates 25 years in ministry
He's a man who never considered himself to be in perfect standing with the Lord. Still, for a quarter of a century, Reverend Dr. Robert L. Colebrook has trained ministers of the gospel and church musicians in his bid to win souls for Christ.
This month, the New St. Paul's Baptist Church senior pastor celebrates his 25th anniversary at the church located at the juncture of East and Bias Streets.
"We've always been a church with an open door, supportive of persons who want to advance in ministry. We train ministers. There are many persons who I have trained and are now serving in other churches," said Colebrook, who in 1999 had the degree of doctor of divinity bestowed upon him by the Richmond Virginia Seminary.
"When I came in the church there was no one to work with me as a young preacher and I promised myself I would not leave the church how I met it."
The fourth child of Rev. Arthur Samuel and Bessie Colebrook, Robert, was born on February 13, 1953.
He grew up singing and playing music in the church he would one day pastor.
Although endowed with a fear and reverence for God, like many who grew up in the church, he drifted.
A professional musician, Colebrook played with some of the top bands in town such as Tony Seymour, Gary Davis, Jay Mitchell, the Blue Notes and others. It took a serious car accident in 1969 to draw the 18-year-old lead and bass guitarist back to God.
"After a serious accident some people have an experience where they see God. My experience was different. I had a hell experience. I cried out to God and said, 'If you change me I'll be a Christian'," Colebrook recalled.
On December 2, 1969 he was baptized at his father's church.
The early 1970s was a time when professional musicians who entered the church were ostracized. "You were looked at as a prostitute," Colebrook recalled. "It's not like today where you could be a reformed drug dealer, or a prostitute and you could start a ministry and people would follow you. Back then, it would never happen."
Still he persisted, forming interdenominational choirs, like the Majestic Choir with Arthur Rolle (later reverend) of AME Zion Church.
Colebrook also preached at street meetings with groups such as Youths for the Truths, headed by Ross Davis (later bishop and senior pastor of Golden Gates World Outreach Ministries).
In the early 1980s, Colebrook's love for music led him back to playing in night clubs. He promised God that although he played in bands he would not live the "band life".
On November 3, 1981, God placed a calling on his 28-year-old life.
"It was a Tuesday, and I was sleeping. This voice said to me three times, 'I called you to follow in the footsteps of your father'," Colebrook said. "At that time, I felt the same pain that I felt in the car accident. I was able to relate it to my first deliverance."
Pitching up from his sleep, Colebrook began to jump up and down in his room.
"I'm not an emotional guy, but it was the Holy Spirit within me because I started to shout without any effort. I said, 'Ok, God. Stop. I believe you now'," the reverend recalls.
Shortly thereafter, Colebrook attended American Baptist College in Nashville, Tennessee, where in 1987 he completed his bachelor's degree with honors in theology and psychology.
The year before graduation, Colebrook was ordained in the United States at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as an associate minister.
In December 1988, he became senior pastor of New St. Paul's Baptist Church.
"I have a passion for helping persons who are in need. We shouldn't have to wait for persons to tell us they are in need," said Colebrook, who wants to create an even stronger church in the coming years.
"My goal is to help our church's youths. They are the generation of the future. I'm investing in them and speaking life to them."
Colebrook is married to Tonia (nee Humes). He is the father of three - Lerond, Bobbeth and Torianne.
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