Not to condemn

Not to condemn 

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

I am someone who is not in favour of so called ‘hell fire and brimstone’ preachers. I say this because I don’t think yelling and screaming that someone that they are going to hell bothers non-believers because many times they don’t believe in hell.

The apostle Paul speaking to the Athenians, (Acts 17:17-34) brought up the topic of divine judgement. A time when God will judge all men, did not mention Hell.

In her book To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee writes,

“Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whisky bottle in the hand of (another)....” Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird.

Harper Lee is right. People calling themselves Christians have probably done as much if not more to turn people away from Christ than those who are not Christians.

In the name of Christ many try to take away the rights or restrict the rights of those they consider morally wrong or those they disagree with. You cannot legislate morality. Nor did Jesus and his disciples ever try to do this.

Jesus and his apostles lived in a society that was as least if not more diverse than our twenty-first century society. Yet they didn’t try to overthrow the Roman government.

Instead they sat down with those they disagreed with and presented the good news of Jesus Christ, much to the dismay it seems of the religious leaders of their day.

From my point of view I believe we as 21st century believers, especially those of us who live in the western democracies need to follow their example.

We need to stop yelling at those we disagree with. Stop telling and them they are on the way to hell and point them to heaven.

Jesus speaking of himself said why he came to this earth. John’s gospel recording,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16,17.

This is what we a believers in Christ Jesus must always remember. Our job is to save souls for Christ. NOT try to restrict their rights, and especially not judge where they will spend eternity for only God knows that. 

Please think about it.

A note for the 21st Century Church

 A note for the 21st Century Church

"Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us." 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

• Never Voted.

• Never Protested.

• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.

They did so by,

• Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.

• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.

• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.

The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.

And the words of the writer of Hebrews,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12

Please think about it.

Gods Judgement

 Gods Judgement

In the book of Acts it records the apostle Paul standing in the Areopagus in Athens among learned men and women, and testifying to them about God and Christ Jesus. Paul concluded with,

"In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead." 

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some of them sneered, but others said, "We want to hear you again on this subject."  

At that, Paul left the Council.  

A few men became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and a number of others" Acts 17:30-34

God will one day judge the world justly. He will judge us I believe in accordance to what we know. That being said I also believe we at the very least know almost from birth what is right and wrong. As such we will be judged accordingly.

If someone has told us about the salvation that comes through Christ Jesus we will be judged on that knowledge. 

God will never I believe judge us on what we don’t know that at the very least will be unfair.

That being said. Are you ready to be judged by God?

Please think about it.

Defend

Defend

In the book of proverbs we read,

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. 

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:8,9.

This is a simple truth God wants all believers to follow. To the extent we are able we are to speak up, 

“for the rights of those who cannot speak for themselves, 

for the rights of all who are destitute”

Have you ever done this? Are you as a believer in Christ Jesus willing to do this?

Please think about it.

Nine do nots

 Nine do nots 

In the book of Exodus we read,

1 "Do not spread false reports. Do not help a guilty person by being a malicious witness.

2 "Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd.

3And do not show favouritism to a poor person in a lawsuit.

4 "If you come across your enemy's ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it.

5 if you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load do no leave it there; be sure you help them with it.

6 "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

7 have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty.

8 "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the innocent.

9"Do not oppress the foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be a foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt. Exodus 23:1-9.

Here in the book of Exodus we have made clear to us what we are not to do in nine verses. Look carefully through it and ask yourself “am I doing any of them?”

Please think about it.

What Jesus called us to do

 What Jesus called us to do.

Jesus said,

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn and you will not be condemned forgive, and you will be forgiven;” Luke 6: 37.

The Apostle Paul writes,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

As Christians. As followers of Christ Jesus it is not our job to judge anyone other than those who are calling themselves Christians.

The American evangelist Billy Graham once said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                             Billy Graham.

So my question to you is, do you judge people? Sadly to many people calling themselves Christians openly judge those they disagree with. 

Judging and criticizing those you disagree with will only push people away from Christ. As ordinary human beings we don’t know why a person is the way they are or why they said what they said.

Our duty as Christians is to do what Jesus called us to do when he said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

Are you doing this? 

Please think about it.

An Example from first century Christians

 An Example from first century Christians

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12

Think about this...

Jesus and his disciples, 

• Never Voted.

• Never Protested.

• Never judged anyone outside their own faith.

Yet they within a century they had spread the Good News of the Love of Jesus Christ throughout the known world.

They did so by,

• Presenting the Love of God to their family friends and foe alike.

• Showing Love and Mercy to all those they came in contact with.

• Living as far as possible at peace with those around them.

The disciples put into action the words of the Apostle Paul who wrote,

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”  Romans 12:18.

And the words writer of the writer of Hebrews,

“Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:14.

They followed the teaching of the Apostle Peter who wrote,

“Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul.  

Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” 1 Peter 2:11,12.

Above all they put into action the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12

Please think about it.

He was tempted in every way

 He was tempted in every way

In the book of Hebrews we read,

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” Hebrews 4:14,15.  

Here is the unique thing about Jesus. Jesus was God incarnate, God in the flesh. He lived on this earth as a man. Jesus experienced everything a man could experience. He was tempted just like we are. Yet he didn’t sin.

As a result we can never stand before God on judgement day and say “You don’t know what it was to be human, because you have always been divine”.

Jesus lived life as a human and therefore knows what it is to be human. 

In his lifetime Jesus and his parents became political refugees having to run to Egypt in order to save his life. Jesus attended various events such as marriages. He knows what it is to have good friends. He also knows what it is like to have enemies. To be falsely accused of a crime he didn’t commit. He also experienced the harsh reality of a Roman whip and crucifixion.

And think about it he even experience the mundane things in life like dusty feet, rain against his face. The warmth of the sun.

In short Jesus experienced all that it was to be human from the best mankind could offer to the worst mankind could do to an individual.

Which is why he can judge us fairly.

Please think about it.

We must look at their life

 We must look at their life

Jesus said,

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.  

Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:21-23.

I live in North America were many say they are Christians but they are not. This I know can be confusing for non-Christians. After all anyone calling themselves a Christian is a Christian to them.

At the same time I believe there are many calling themselves Christian who are misled by the pastor, evangelist or teacher they are following. Something that can have eternal consequences.

I believe the best way to tell a true Christian is to look at their life and lifestyle.

In the book of Galatians we read,

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Galatians 5:19-23. 

I firmly believe that we should not believe someone is a Christian simply because they say they are. We must look at their life. We must look to see if they exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

Please think about it.

Who's Jesus to you?

  Who's Jesus to you?

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

Let me make things clear. I am a Christian. I am not an Anglican-Christian, a Catholic-Christian, a Lutheran-Christian,. I am not Evangelical-Christian, a Baptist-Christian, a Pentecostal-Christian  or any other hyphenated Christian and I am most certainly not a Christian nationalist. I am a Christian.

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Saviour of Mankind, God incarnate. I believe Christians by default must be evangelical in nature. They must present to the world the  God's Love and Saving Grace that comes through Jesus Christ. 

This may not go over well with some people but then everyone has the right to disagree with me. Everyone has the right to choose whether the message true Christians present to the world is true. 

Who do you think Jesus is?

Please think about it.

Outward Appearance

  Outward Appearance

In the book of 1 Samuel we read,

“People look at the outward appearance, 

but the Lord looks at the heart.”

                                                    1 Samuel 16:7.

God said this in connection with David the youngest of Jesse's eight sons. Samuel had seen the oldest son and thought because of his outward appearance he had to be the next king of Israel.

God however knew David’s heart and that he was the one best qualified to rule.

The Psalmist writes,

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 

My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:13-16.

This is why I believe only God can truly judge us righteously, because only God knows why we are the way we are.

It is not the Christians job to judge, especially those outside of the Church. That is God’s Job. The apostle Paul writing,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”  1 Corinthians 5:12.

Do you judge people by their outward appearance?

Please think about it

Walking in the Light

 Walking in the light

The apostle John writes,

"This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.  

If we claim to have fellowship with him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth.  

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin." 1 John 1:5-7.

Do you truly walk in the light? Do those preachers, evangelist, teachers and even politicians you follow truly walk in the light?

I know that we are not to judge Jesus saying,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged." Matthew 7:1.

We also must remember this is a scripture many false teachers hide behind. But the apostle Paul tells us,

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1 Corinthians 5:12.

Thus we have the right to judge anyone who claims to be a Christian to see if they are truly walking in the light. And teaching the word of God correctly.

That being said we should not go on a witch hunt looking to prove a particular preacher, teacher, evangelist or politician is not walking in the light.

We should however be praying for anyone who claims to be a Christian. Remember no one is perfect and we all make mistakes and from time to time need to repent of our sins.

At the same time we need to be looking particularly at those in authority who claim to be Christians. We need to see for ourselves if they are walking in the light.

The apostle Paul gives these guidelines 

“The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;  idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21.

Paul going on to tell us,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control....” Galatians 5:22, 23b.

Please think about it.

It's not our job

  It’s not our job.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

"For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." Matthew 7:1,2.

We as mere mortals do not have all the facts. We do not know why a person is like they are. Only God knows that. That's why we must show love and not judge in anyway those around us.

The late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                        Billy Graham.

If you claim to be a Christian a true follower of Christ Jesus you cannot afford to judge those outside the church. Because in doing so you will push people away from God.

Please think about it.

What will God Say?

What will God say?

The Psalmist writes,

"Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 

"Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

"let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." Psalm 96:10-13.

God indeed reigns. God also created the world and everything in it. All of it belongs to God. That includes everyone who has ever lived and is living today.

And as the Psalmist makes it clear, 

“...He will judge the world in righteousness 

and the peoples in his truth.”

                                                          Psalm 96 13b

Thus I ask a question only you and God can answer; 

What will God say to you on the day He judges you?

Please think about it.

A Principle of the Christian Life

 A Principle of the Christian life.

Jesus said,

"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  

For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."Matthew 7:1,2.

Are you quick to judge people?

Do you judge people in a negative way simply because they disagree with you or have a lifestyle you disagree with?

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus you shouldn’t be. Jesus makes that clear here in Matthew 7:1,2.

Jesus said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." Matthew 7:12.

Think of it this way. When you judge others your are giving them the right to judge you the same way.

So the question becomes, are you judging or loving others? Even those you disagree with or have a lifestyle you disagree with?

Please think about it.

He will judge

 He will Judge

The Psalmist writes,

“Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns." The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. 

“Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it; 

“let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them. Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth.” Psalm 96:10-13.

I firmly believe God will one day judge everyone. He will judge them in righteousness. That is why we as believers in Christ Jesus must be willing to say to the world “The LORD reigns!”

That is why we must be telling the world,

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.

That is why we must be telling the world that Jesus said,

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son". John 3:16-18.

If you consider yourself a Christian are you doing this?

Please think about it.

The Poet Writes

  The Poet writes

                                                           Ticket”

                                                      “Where am I?

                                                          What, am...

                                                        I doing here?”

                                                        “You are her.”

                                                     Says the Conductor.

                                                      “Your ticket please.”

                                                     “I bought no ticket.

                                                          I took no ride.

                                                           Where am I?”

      “Your ride is over,                  You are here.                    All take the ride.

       Your ticket’s paid for,           Says the Conductor            You are here.

        Your ticket please,                 Please your ticket.              Your ticket.

                                                                                                   please.”      

                                                      “I took no ride!

                                                         Where am I?

                                                      I demand to know!

                                                          I took no...

                                                             ride...

                                                            Am I...”

                                                    “You are here.

                                                     All take the ride.

                                                   The ticket paid for,

                                                    With My blood.

                                                   You were offered

                                                       The Ticket

                                                    Did you refuse?”

                                                   “Wait a minute...

                                                     I am here...

                                                    I have no ticket...

                                                    And you are...?”

                                                         “Jesus.

                                                     Your Judge

                                                           OR

                                                    Your Saviour?”

The apostle Paul referring to Jesus with respect to God’s judgement wrote,

“In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent.  

For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:30,31

Please think about it.

Something Forgotten

  Something forgotten

In Marks gospel we read,

"While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him.  

When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: 

"Why does he eat with tax collectors and ‘sinners'?" 

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 

"It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Mark 2:15-17.

This is something lost on many who call themselves Christians here in North America. Far too many calling themselves Christians are quick to point out sin in non-believers. That is not their job.

The job of a true believer in Christ Jesus is to obey what Jesus said,

"Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. 

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:18-20.

Our job is to make disciples. We do this by presenting the gospel of Christ. And the salvation that comes through Him. Not by condemning people for who they are and what they do.

Once we have presented the gospel message. It is then up to the person to decide for themselves if they believe what we have to say.

I like what the late American evangelist Billy Graham said,

“It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                                  Billy Graham

I believe once we have presented the gospel message it is our duty to pray and ask God to show the person that we are indeed right in our beliefs. That they should give their lives to Christ.

If you are a true believer in Christ Jesus;

Please think about it.

Time to

 Time to

The apostle Paul writes,

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Colossians 4:5,6.

In Proverbs we read,

"Get wisdom, get understanding;

 do not forget my words or swerve from them. 

Do not forsake wisdom, 

and she will protect you; 

love her, and she will watch over you. 

Wisdom is supreme;

 therefore get wisdom.

 Though it cost all you have, 

get understanding. 

Esteem her, 

and she will exalt you; 

embrace her, 

and she will honour you. 

She will set a garland of grace on your head 

and present you with a crown of splendour."

                                                                     Proverbs 4:5-9.

Sadly way to many people calling themselves Christians lack wisdom and understanding. They act both in word and in deed without thinking of the consequences. This is especially true of Evangelical Christians in North America. Who it seems heap condemnation on everyone they disagree with.

Over the years I’ve talked to people in the LBGTQ+ community in particularly who have been turned away from God by people claiming to be Christians. 

But it isn’t just limited to them. Many others have been turned away from Christ because of the actions of people claiming to be Christians who are not. Christians have no right to judge anyone outside their faith the apostle Paul stating,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13

Sadly too many Christians wrongly judge others while not expelling the evil doers inside their churches.

Billy Graham the late American evangelist made a great statement when he said,

It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict, 

“God's job to judge

 and my job to love,” 

                         Billy Graham.

It’s time for those who claim to be Christians here in North America to get wisdom and understanding. And while their at it take time to meditate on the words of Jesus who said,

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets" Matthew 7:12.

Please think about it.

It's time

  It’s time

Jesus said,

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16.

What is your light telling others about you? About God?

Are people seeing your good deeds or are they seeing something negative?

Over the years I’ve been a believer in Christ Jesus I’ve heard again and again non-believers say, “I’ve seen what those Christians do. And I’m at least as good as them and even better.”

Mahatma Gandhi said,

“Jesus is ideal and wonderful, but you Christians - 

you are not like him.”

                                       Mahatma Gandhi.

When I hear things like this I firmly believe that the people whom Gandhi and others are seeing are Christians in name only. They are not following the teaching of Christ.

Jesus even said,

"Many will say to me  on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'  

Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'" Matthew 7:22,23.

Sadly many who claim to be Christians are not. Equally sadly they are bringing the name of Christ into disrepute because of their words and deeds.

It’s time for true Christians true believers in Christ Jesus to stand up to those who call themselves Christians but are not. It’s time to as the apostle Paul said,

"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?  God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." 1 Corinthians 5:12,13.

Please think about it.