Years ago, I had a very good herd bull, and he sired many beautiful calves. But he got into a fight with a younger bull and got crippled. It was his hip, and he had a hard time keeping up with the cows. So, I loaded him up and took him to the livestock auction barn, and I thought, “well at least I will get something for him.”
I went to get my check for the bull. They informed me something was wrong, and I had to go across town to the dog food plant. I went over there, and they told me the bull did not pass inspection, so they sent him to the dog food plant.
One thing the meat inspectors do if an animal does not pass inspection, they brand them with a big C on their Jaw. That means they are condemned and not fit for human consumption.
That bull reminds me of something in the Bible.
When people refuse to honor God, do what He says, worship other things or they may even try to ignore or deny God, the Bible says they are condemned.
Mark 16:16 Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
John 3:17-21 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
That means they will never be allowed into heaven, and they will be judged and sent to everlasting punishment, Hell.
Matthew 12:35-37 The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, 37 for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” (See also Revelation 20:11).
But those who accept Jesus Christ and obey it is a different story.
Psalm 34:22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (See also Revelation 22:11-15).
See you in church next Sunday.