FOR ALL THOSE CHRISTIANS LIVING IN FORNICATION

According to the dictionary, fornication means ‘sexual intercourse between a man and woman not married to each other.’

The Bible says, “But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints.” Ephesians 5:3 NKJV

In other words, God does not approve of a lifestyle of living together and having sex without being married.

Jesus said to the woman He met at the well, “You don’t have a husband— for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now.” John 4:17-18 NLT

Jesus was making it obvious to this woman what He thought about her lifestyle of living in the sin of fornication!

It for this reason the Scriptures say: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.” Hebrews 13:4 NKJV

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!

ANOTHER FALSE SCRIPTURE INTERPRETATION BY THE CHURCH

“And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25 NLT

Virtually every church and every pastor misuses this scripture to try to convince believers that they must not forsake going to church, otherwise it would be sinning against God. Many Christians are being guilt tripped by this false teaching. This verse has nothing to do with “you must go to church”!

But, it is absolutely wrong to use Hebrews 10 verse 25 in such a way! The Greek and the context simply does not support it, and when we understand the true meaning of this verse, the entire idea of "going to church" as something we must do entirely falls apart.

What Hebrews 10 verse 25 actually tells us, is not to neglect or forsake the promise and blessed hope of our gathering to Jesus Christ at His coming and not to be like others who forsake their hope in Jesus’ return!

That’s why it says, that we are to encourage one another the more we see the day of His return approaching!