WHO ARE YOU TO JUDGE?

Countless of times I have heard people, especially Christians, telling me when addressing sinful actions of believers, “Who are you to judge?”

Jesus’ command, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged” (Matthew 7:1 NLT) could be the most quoted of His sayings and yet so often taken out of context. Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ words to mean, “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.” Christians are often accused of “judging” when they speak out against sin.

The Bible’s command that we “not judge others” doesn’t mean we cannot show discernment. Immediately after Jesus said, “Do not judge others,” He said, “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy. Don’t throw your pearls to pigs!” Matthew 7:6 NLT

Later in the same sermon Jesus says, “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.  You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” Matthew 7:15-16 NLT

So, how are we supposed to discern those who are “unholy,” “pigs,” and “false prophets” unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and actions? Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong.

That’s why He said, “Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.” John 7:24 NKJV

In other words, there IS a correct usage of judgment which is based on Biblical doctrines and actions of a person.

Now we also understand why the apostle Paul told the Corinthian Church that it is their responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning!

“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.” 1. Corinthians 5:12 NLT

Therefore, when Jesus said not to judge others, He did not mean that no one is allowed to identify sin for what it is based on God’s definition of sin found in His Word, the Bible!

BUT YOU FORGOT TO STAND ON THIS ONE PRINCIPLE, TED! | By Edwin Christiaan

And that is, the unconditional pledge you signed to endorse, in this case, Donald Trump! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ty1eETVIFMs

Under pressure today, Ted Cruz admitted that he holds a grudge against Donald Trump for “maligning” his wife and father. http://www.foxnews.com/…/trump-calls-cruz-non-endorsement-n…

I said this all along: Ted Cruz, who calls himself a born-again Christian, is nothing but a religious deceiver and a liar and was never called by God to become president!

“God said to be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude. Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing!” 1. Peter 3:8-9 NLT

“And when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.” Mark 11:25 NLT

Ted Cruz’s behavior is that of a man who acts all religious, but in reality he is unloving, unforgiving and puffed up with pride! (See 2. Timothy 3:3-5)

“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 NLT

CHRISTIANS THAT JESUS DID NOT CHOOSE!

The majority of the people in the churches fall into the category of those “who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced!” Mark 4:18-19 NLT

These are Christians, who do not have the same humble and serving attitude that Christ Jesus had! They selfishly look out only for their own interests, want to get rich, and have a worry free lifestyle! (See Philippians 2:3-5)

These are the type of Christians who are jealous of what others have. They quarrel, fight and scheme to take it away from them. And when they ask God for things, their prayers are not being answered, because their motives are all wrong, they only want what will give them pleasure! (See James 2:1-4)

You do not see lasting fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control been produced in these Christians! (See Galatians 5:22-23)

Therefore, it is clear that Jesus did not choose these Christians as He says: “You didn’t choose Me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using My name!” John 15:16 NLT

Jesus warns to, “Beware of false prophets (Christians) who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves.  You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act.” Matthew 7:15-16 NLT

“A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit.” Matthew 7:18 NLT

“Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” Matthew 7:20 NLT

WHEN YOU ARE NOT CHOSEN! By Edwin Christiaan

Jesus clearly said, “For many are called, but few are chosen!”

And, “You didn’t choose Me. I chose you! I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.” Matthew 22:14, John 15:16 NLT

Even if you consider yourself to be a Christian, if Jesus did not choose you, you will hear the message, only to have Satan come at once and take it away. Or, you will hear the message and immediately receive it with joy, but since you don’t have deep roots, you won’t last long. You fall away as soon as you have problems or you are persecuted for believing God’s word. Or, you may hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced! (See Mark 4:5-19)

You will follow your own desire and you will look for teachers who will tell you whatever your itching ears want to hear. You will reject the truth and chase after myths. (See 2. Timothy 4:3-4)

That is why you are being tossed and blown about by every wind of new “prophetic” teaching that tells you how to get aligned with God in order to get wealthy and have a comfortable and worry free life! You will constantly be influenced by false prophets and pastors, who trick you with lies so clever that they sound like the truth! (See Ephesians 4:14)

But those whom Jesus have chosen hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted! (See Mark 4:20)

They run from every evil desire and instead pursue the fruits of righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness! (See 1. Timothy 6:11)