Where In The Bible

Though it is often said, “We are not to judge,” this thought is not taught, nor is it to be found, in the Bible. Most of the time those who use the phrase “judge not” are trying to justify themselves in doing things the Bible condemns. These seem to think NO ONE IS TO JUDGE IN ANYTHING, especially in religion and politics.

It is true that we are not to judge without and before knowing the facts of a matter. The Bible says, “Judge not, that ye be not judged,” BUT SOME CONVENIENTLY REFUSE TO READ THE REST OF THE CONTEXT. Jesus further said, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again” (Matt. 7:1-2). Jesus is teaching that as we judge, we will be judged, but He is not teaching that we are not to judge at all! For sure, Jesus never condemned Himself, as some do today who JUDGE THAT WE SHOULD NOT JUDGE. Jesus did no sin (1 Peter 2:20-22). Jesus never contradicted His own teaching. He again said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT” (John 7:24) [emphasis added G.C.].

Did Jesus teach some not to judge, while teaching others to judge? Not in the least! Take for instance the passage these use to say, “We must not judge,” and see how they have twisted our Lord's words. In this same chapter (Matt. 7), Jesus taught the following.

∙ We must judge the hypocrite (v.5).

∙ We must judge the unholy (v.6).

∙ We must judge the narrow way from the broad way to be saved eternally (vs.13-14).

∙ We must judge those who are false teachers (v.15).

∙ We must judge the fruits of the unrighteous (vs.16-20).

∙ We must judge the wrong of religious folks (vs.21-22).

∙ We must judge the consequence of rejecting Jesus’ teaching in our life (v.24).

∙ We must judge whether our house is built on the “rock” of Christ's teaching or the “sand” of men's doctrine (vs.25-27).

∙ We must judge whether our way of living will stand the test of God's judgment (vs.25,27).

∙ We must judge the difference between the authority of Christ and that of the scribes (vs.28-29).

YES, WE ARE TO JUDGE. Shame on the person who wants to change the teaching of Jesus to suit his or her own desires!

Gary Colley, the author of this good article, is scheduled to preach for us in a gospel meeting this fall. From this article we can get to know Gary and his concern for the truth, before he comes.
Rusty
 

Family Bulletin Board

Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls, or visits those who have chronic illnesses:
Delsie Bishop,  Reva Brewer,  Ella Brumitt, Jamie Farmer,  Francis Ferren,  Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green,  Lola Mae Hamlett,  Louise Hunt.

VBS meeting- Anyone interested in teaching a class or helping in some other way, meet at the building at 5:00pm on April 20th.

FLIERS ARE ON THE TABLE IN THE FOYER!
ALSO: If you are interested in keeping one of the speakers, see Dan Miller.

Sympathy
We extend our sympathy to Bernadine Ellis in the loss of her brother this past week.