Pastor Nate Brosher
Dec 7, 2025
1Corinthians 16:21-24 KJV - 21 The salutation of me Paul with my own hand. 22 If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1. The Dividing of Humanity
Paul said, “If any man loves not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema.”
“Anathema” - Accursed, excommunicated, devoted to the direst of woes.
"Maranatha" - "Our Lord, come!" or "Our Lord has come!"
Joshua 24:14-15 NLT - 14 "So fear the LORD and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the LORD alone. 15 But if you refuse to serve the LORD, then choose today whom you will serve. Would you prefer the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates? Or will it be the gods of the Amorites in whose land you now live? But as for me and my family, we will serve the LORD."
“Choose today whom you will serve?”
2. The Return of Christ Divides Humanity
Those who love Jesus -> Maranatha (Joy, Hope, Reward)
Those who reject Jesus -> Anathema (Judgement, cursed, cut-off)
The Gospel always carries two realities:
1. Salvation for those who receive Christ
Romans 10:11-13 NLT - 11 As the Scriptures tell us, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced." 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For "Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved."
Acts 2:21 NLT - 21 But everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.'
2. Judgement for those who reject Christ.
John 3:18-20 ESV - 18 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.
3. The Emotional Weight
Sorrow for those who reject Christ - Anathema
Eager expectation for Jesus’ return - Maranatha
Isaiah 9:6 ESV - 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Psalm 24:7-10 NLT - 7 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 8 Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty; the LORD, invincible/mighty in battle. 9 Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. 10 Who is the King of glory? The LORD of Heaven's Armies--he is the King of glory.