Archive for the ‘Obedience’ Category
The Holier Than Thou Church
The Holier Than Thou Church
It was Wednesday night Bible Class. Brother Dan sat on the front row. He always seemed to have a smile on his face. His recent discharge from the Air Force had allowed him, his wife and two kids to relocate closer to his wife’s family.
Dan was a gifted musician. He blessed the church with his saxophone playing. He had only been a part of this new church about 3 weeks or so. He was readily accepted and seemed to fit in.
The pastor had warmly received him and his family into fellowship because Dan’s former pastor had recommended they transfer there. Dan and his family had been raised in a very conservative church.
The only immediate difference Dan could see was that in this new church they wore wristwatches and in his old church they didn’t.
The pastor was teaching his class from a small lectern in front of the pulpit. During the course of his Bible study, he noticed that Bro. Dan wasn’t wearing a watch.
Having been raised with great respect for those with convictions and a desire for holiness, the pastor honored Bro. Dan.
Yet he sensed a potential hazard and attempted to address it openly, yet as careful as he could.
The Pastor stood in front of the congregation as said, ”Bro. Dan, you and your family are a gift from God to our church. I am so glad you are here! What a blessing you have been already. I love your saxophone playing.”
The church readily responded with a hearty amen and hand clapping.
“I notice that you don’t wear a watch. I also understand that was the teaching of the church you were in before you came here.”
Bro. Dan nodded in agreement. The smile was still on his face.
“I honor you for that. Thank God for those that are trying to be careful in a world that tries to push all the boundaries.
“My Pastor taught me not to make light of people’s convictions. They might be right.”
The people said amen, and so did the smiling Bro. Dan.
“I guess you’ve noticed that most of us here have a watch on.” The preacher said as he pointed to his own black wristwatch.
“We try to be careful here how we dress. Up to now, we have used watches for the purpose of getting to work, school, and church on time, and not for ornamentation.
“What I do not want you to do my Brother, is to go out and buy yourself a wristwatch and wear one because the rest of us are. I am afraid that you will injure your conscience. I can’t let you do that.
“Promise me you won’t injure your conscience and buy a watch just because you can, and hurt your walk with God.”
Brother Dan nodded and grinned.
“On the other hand,” the Pastor said, “If you don’t buy a watch, be careful and don’t let a holier-than-thou spirit get on you. If you don’t buy a watch, that’s fine, but don’t sit back and look at saints and at a Pastor with watches and think to yourself that you have more holiness convictions than anyone here. That gets dangerous.
“What happens when you do that is you begin to feel superior, and before very long the enemy may speak into your spirit and say, ‘How can the Pastor help you? You are already closer to God than he is.’
“You then wind up with an unteachable spirit and you won’t even mean too. One of the signs of the Holy Ghost is that it is easy to be entreated.
“Before you would ever do that and allow yourself to feel superior to your Pastor, I will order you to buy two wristwatches and wear one on each wrist until you get over that spirit.”
The Pastor, Bro. Dan and the church all shared a hearty laugh.
At the next service, Bro. Dan showed his pastor his new watch and smiled. The Pastor smiled too. Bro. Dan was teachable. He didn’t want a holier than thou spirit.
We Will Adjust To Your Lifestyle
We Will Adjust To Your Lifestyle
The dietary nurse stood beside my Memphis hospital bed with a clipboard in her hand. I was confident that I already knew the speech she was about to give me. I’d heard it almost seven years earlier, the first time I had gotten blood clots.
“Is this the Anti-Vitamin K speech?” I asked her, expecting that I would not be able to eat anything green as long I was on the Coumadin blood thinner again. Nothing green had entered my mouth in over a year during my first bout with blood clots.
“Oh No!” she responded with enthusiasm.
“We don’t do it that way any more. We now adjust the medicine to fit your lifestyle. We’ve had too many complaints from our patients. They didn’t want to change, so we changed. They didn’t want to change how they ate. That’s why we changed our approach to the treatment of blood clots. We now tell the patient to keep eating like they always have and we will adjust the medicine to suit them.” She said this with a big smile, feeling certain I would share her enthusiasm.
“Really?” I said with my eyebrows raised in surprise.
“Yes,” she said. “For example, if you eat two helpings of turnip greens this week, then just eat two helpings of turnip greens next week too. Keep on living like you always have and we will adjust the meds to adapt to your lifestyle.”
I looked at her not believing my ears. I remembered the many monthly trips I had made to medical labs around the country to let them draw my blood for a PT-INR test. The results were faxed to my doctor so he could check up on my dietary compliance.
She smiled and assured me that I now could have all the salads, green beans, and broccoli I wanted. This news was unreal. The doctor would adjust the medicine to accommodate me. I wasn’t going to be required to change. The doctor and the medication would have to change, but not me. I could live like I always had.
My mind went back to the incident Bro. Wayne Huntley experienced with his heart some years ago. When he returned for his check up one year later, the doctor congratulated him and said, “Most of the patients like you do not make it to their first year check up because they refuse to change their diet. You’ve changed how you live, that’s why you are still here.”
Gentle Reader? The reason you got sick in the first place was because of how you were living, and now you say you want to be healed but aren’t willing to change? Oh my!
What was I missing? Doctors once required their patients to change and adjust their lifestyle, but not any more? Some tell me it’s progressive thinking. But then again, that is the spirit and mindset of the end times, especially for the church.
Evidently, not many want to change their lifestyle to live for Jesus. Over a hundred years ago church folk sang songs like:
Leaving All to Follow Jesus
Ida M. Budd, 1898
Leaving all to follow Jesus,
Turning from the world away,
Stepping out upon the promise,
All I have is His today.
Refrain:
Leaving all to follow Jesus,
Turning from the world away,
Stepping out upon His promise,
All I have is His today.
Some folks don’t want to give up much anymore to live for God. There are women who say they are Pentecostal but still wear their flashy jewelry and make up. They certainly want to wear their tight pants. Even if God did say it was an abomination, it doesn’t bother them. They will not change. They want the preacher to adjust his doctrine and standards to suit their lifestyle while they keep on wearing their skinny short skirts and other immodest apparel. Holiness is distasteful to them.
What do the preachers do about it? Not much as a rule. A surprising number of Pentecostal pastors are presenting the Gospel of Christ in much the same way as my dietary nurse. Pastors who are people pleasers are not God pleasers. The Scripture calls them ‘hirelings’. They are pastors who are not real shepherds. They are employees of the people, nothing more. The wishes of people govern their form of the Gospel, (Which is not a Gospel.) They are truly Laodicean.
Rev 3:14 And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:
Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
To understand the meaning of the word ‘Laodicean,’ and why it is used in this passage, examine the Greek root words from which it is derived: Laos (Strong’s #2992, meaning ‘people’) and Dike (Strong’s #1349), meaning ‘principle, decision’. Laodiceans trusted in their own ability to rule themselves, judging and deciding matters while disregarding Christ and His rule in the Church. The people wanted to rule the church. They didn’t want a pastor who was a God-called pastor to lead them. But, that is really nothing new. The same problem existed in the Old Testament.
Isa 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
Oh yes! Some like their modern churches with their hireling pastors because no inward or outward change is required. (Just put your money in the basket.)
On The Other Hand, The Bible Is Full Of Examples Of Men Changing:
Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Cor 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
The Rich Young Ruler didn’t want to change.
Ruth was willing to change.
No one in God’s Kingdom will ever be healed of sin until they are willing to change. Even before the Holy Ghost was given, Jesus continually reminded those He healed to go their way and sin no more. He told them to change.
Obedience Always Brings Change.
Arguments Come From The Disobedient Attempting To Defend Themself.
The reason you argue about Holiness is because you don’t want to change your way of living. You want to find a church that will preach a message that comfortably conforms to how you want to live, and you will.
Don’t tell me you are not convicted by what is written in the Bible. Don’t even say you’ve prayed about it and don’t feel it’s necessary to obey. If it’s in the Bible, believe it and obey it!
Men change, fellowships and organizations change. Denominations change. God’s Word NEVER changes. The very fact that your hireling pastor won’t preach and enforce God’s Word should be enough to keep you up at night. How can you stay in a church with a compromising pastor and a worldly congregation who like it like that?
In the Old Testament, Israel never argued about God’s Holiness requirements. They just obeyed. On the Day of Pentecost no one argued about the need of Jesus Name baptism or the need of the Holy Ghost. They just repented, got baptized in Jesus Name and were filled with the Holy Ghost.
Paul changed every day. (1Co 15:31… I die daily.)
The High School Driving Instructor taught my class, in 1960, that the average driver makes approximately sixty corrections or adjustments per minute while driving. What if they didn’t make any changes or adjustments?
When a couple marries they must make adjustments and changes, those who refuse will likely divorce.
If someone wanted to play on the football team, they must be willing to change their life to reach that goal. If they don’t change, they won’t make the team. Yet, in living for God, with Heaven in view, we foolishly refuse to change. Why?
Things You Won’t Fix
Things You Won’t Fix
Isn’t it amazing how we can allow ourselves to live with situations that are not normal? Not only do we live with it, but also we ignore it, saying that when we get the time we’ll fix it. Like remodel your home, if you want to remodel your garden you can click here to check the best metal parts.
There are always things to fix at home, you may need to remodel some part of the house like design planning, roof fixing, foundation problems, electrical or water issues that are the most common around the house, some people like to remodel or change the design, maybe repainting some walls, so they even go online to read paint reviews and find the best paint that work for their specific neeeds. This are more specific so you might need professional help like this great company that works everything for you in https://wholehousewaterfiltrationsystem.com/california where you can find advise and help to to fix your water system and they even apply water filtration and treatment systems to purify and have more healthy water. Other important things are the plumbing, HVAC duct-work and structural carpentry.
Things Like:
- A leaky faucet.
- The cracked storm window.
- Some partially finished remodeling job.
- Your leaky roof.
- The broken back doorstep.
- Missing basement handrail.
- A button missing from a sport coat.
- That rotten tooth that needs pulled?
- The broken HVAC, you should find the best heating repair contractor in http://performancebasedheatingandair.com/
We Mention It, Say We Need To Do It, But Let It Go Another Year.
- The things you don’t fix will fix you.
- It WILL put you in a fix.
- Is the cost of not fixing it cheaper than fixing it? No! Never.
- Aren’t there some things your wife has asked you to fix six months ago and you still haven’t gotten around to it?
- If you don’t fix your car, you’ll put it up on blocks and it will sit as an eyesore for years out in the front yard. Everyone will know you by that landmark.
- The leaky faucet will raise your water bill.
- The leaky roof will cost you thousands to fix because you let it go.
- The tooth will give you more pain than you could imagine.
- When a house is not fixed we say they just let the place go.
- There are just some things you won’t fix.
King Solomon Marveled At Men Who Procrastinated During The Harvest.
- Prov. 24:30 I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding;
- Prov. 24:31 And, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.
- Prov. 24:32 Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction.
Common Phrases Are Used In Regards To One’s Personal Appearance.
- “She fixed herself up.”
- “He let himself go”
When We Do Not Do Something Immediately, We Call It Procrastination.
The closest word to procrastination in the Bible is, sluggard. We are repulsed by even the thought of being called a sluggard.
The sluggard is a procrastinator. His motto is, “Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.” Sluggards have developed the ability to put off starting a task as well as not completing those they have already begun.
The sluggard rationalizes everything and his mind works much faster than his body. He will always quickly find an excuse not to.
- I don’t have the time
- I don’t have the tools
- I don’t have the know-how
- I don’t have the desire
- I don’t feel in the mood
- I got a lot of irons in the fire
- I have a headache
There Are Those Who Never Fix Themselves Spiritually. They Just Let Themselves Go.
Are There Some Things In Our Hearts That We Won’t Fix?
- A bad attitude?
- A bad habit?
- No prayer life?
- No worship?
- Not honoring God with our tithes?
- Broken family relationships?
- Bridges we need to build?
- Restoring an offended brother?
- Not saying I’m sorry, forgive me?
Be Reconciled To Your Brother Before To Expect God To Hear You.
- Matt 5:23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;
- Matt 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
Need To Fix Your Back Tithe Problem?
- It will cost you heavily if you do not fix the problem areas of your soul.
- It will cost you 20% additional if you do not stay current with your tithing. The longer you wait the more it will cost you.
- Lev 27:31 And if a man will at all redeem ought of his tithes, he shall add thereto the fifth part thereof.
When You Don’t Fix It, Then It’s Becomes Sin!
- Jas 4:17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.
- We like to use the word procrastinate, but that word is not in the Bible. A sluggard is what the Scripture calls us.
- In the natural, your procrastination qualifies you as a sluggard.
- In the spiritual, the Bible just calls you a sinner.
- Spiritually, our pride keeps us from fixing some things.
There Are Things You Won’t Fix, Why?
- You know you need the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues.
- You know you need to be baptized in Jesus name to be saved.
- You know you need to be faithful to church.
- You know you need to worship.
- You know you need to pay tithes.
- You know you need to live a holy and separated life.
- You know you need to be reconciled to your brother.
Jesus Called The Scribes And Pharisees, Hypocrites.
- Mat 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
- They only fixed the part men could see.
- Hypocrites won’t fix what really needs to be fixed.
There Are Men In The Bible Who Never Fixed What Was Wrong In Their Life.
Agrippa Almost Got Right With God.
- Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.
- He never fixed it.
Felix Knew What He Needed To Do, But The Timing Wasn’t Right.
- Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.
- He never fixed it.
The Rich Young Ruler Thought It Cost Too Much To Follow Jesus.
- Matt. 19:22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
- He never fixed it.
When It Comes To Fixing, Some Things God Has Put A Time Limit On.
- Eph 4:26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
- God’s curfew for anger is sunset. Fix your disagreements before the sun goes down. That’s God’s requirement.
- Fix it.
The Four Lepers Fixed It
- 2Ki 7:3 And there were four leprous men at the entering in of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?
- They fixed it!
Jacob Had A Problem But He Fixed It When He Wrestled With The Angel
- Gen 32:24 And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
- He fixed it!
The Prodigal Son
- Luke 15:18 I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee,
- Luke 15:19 And am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants.
- He fixed it!
The History of Obligatory Archery Practice!
The references to horses, riders, kingdoms and battles in “For want of a nail” indicate the English origins of the rhyme. One of the English Kings did not leave anything to chance! In 1363, to ensure the continued safety of the realm, King Edward III commanded the obligatory practice of archery on Sundays and holidays! The earliest known written version of the rhyme is in John Gower’s “Confesio Amantis” dated approximately 1390.
“For Want Of A Nail”
For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.
Are there are things God has asked you to fix and you still haven’t gotten around to it?
Why would you expect God to fix things for you that you’re not willing to fix for yourself?
Have you got a loose or lost nail in your life?
Please fix it.
Yes, Fix It Now!
Yours or His?
“They Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used Too!”
My Daddy would say that to me with a big grin on his face when as a boy, I was unable to open a jar lid that was too tight for me or when I tried to lift something too heavy and couldn’t. We would both chuckle.
Maybe Grandpa said that to my Daddy when he was a boy too. I said it to my sons and maybe they’ve said to their sons as well.
I was blessed to have lived and enjoyed church worship in simpler and more basic times. The worship in church was directly affected, no doubt, by the tough times we all experienced.
Many songs and choruses were written about heaven and sung by those who lived during the depression and hard times. But what strikes my heart today is the lack of certain types of songs being written and sung in our churches today.
Old saints can remember songs like:
“Is Your All on the Altar?”
By Elisha A. Hoffman – 1900
- You have longed for sweet peace,
And for faith to increase,
And have earnestly, fervently prayed;
But you cannot have rest,
Or be perfectly blest,
Until all on the altar is laid.- Refrain:
Is your all on the altar of sacrifice laid?
Your heart does the Spirit control?
You can only be blest,
And have peace and sweet rest,
As you yield Him your body and soul.
- Refrain:
- Would you walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word,
And have peace and contentment alway?
You must do His sweet will,
To be free from all ill,
On the altar your all you must lay. - Oh, we never can know
What the Lord will bestow
Of the blessings for which we have prayed,
Till our body and soul
He doth fully control,
And our all on the altar is laid. - Who can tell all the love
He will send from above,
And how happy our hearts will be made;
Of the fellowship sweet
We shall share at His feet,
When our all on the altar is laid.
Remember this one too?
“I Surrender All”
By Judson W. Van DeVenter – 1896
- All to Jesus I surrender;
All to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
In His presence daily live.- Refrain:
I surrender all,
I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.
- Refrain:
- All to Jesus I surrender;
Humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken;
Take me, Jesus, take me now. - All to Jesus I surrender;
Make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
Let me feel the Holy Spirit,
Truly know that Thou art mine. - All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power;
Let Thy blessing fall on me. - All to Jesus I surrender;
Now I feel the sacred flame.
Oh, the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His Name!
Both of these precious old songs were written many years before my parents were even born.
- Why is there a shortage and scarcity of heart searching and consecration type songs?
- Why does it seem like everyone has stopped writing and singing songs of surrender and submission?
- It simply bothers me.
Yes, we are to sing a new song. I agree. I will sing and worship along with you. But at the same time, I ask, why throw all the consecration songs like those of yesterday away? Is there no longer a need? Have we arrived? Is there not a cause or a concern? Am I alone on this?
I looked online and found this site that shows about 49 songs of heart examination (most of which I’ve never heard sung.) What is very noticeable and glaring to me is the fact that almost every song was written more than a hundred years ago.
http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/_/Examination/?sortby=subject
Then it seems like every gospel song writer up and quit. Is there no longer a need for consecration in our singing or in surrendering to His Will? About a good as most of us get to hear lately is something like:
“Yes, Lord, Yes”
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
To your will and to your way
I’ll say yes, Lord, yes
I will trust you and obey
When your Spirit speaks to me
With my whole heart I’ll agree
And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes
But truly we don’t have much to show in the last one hundred years that expresses to God our heart’s surrender. I know that to a younger generation that I am an old man blowing off steam. I will not even defend myself on that point.
I just happen to like and appreciate what those old songs did to my heart and how that in singing them they shaped my thinking and my mindset. I want my grandchildren to have the same experience in God.
They Really Don’t Make Them Like They Use To.
Come on songwriters and singers. Write us some songs that make us want to consecrate. Songs that make our hearts cry. Songs that are what God wants to hear not just what we like to shout to.
Today while looking through some old papers, I found a tattered sheet of old paper with a poem written in my Father’s handwriting. Tears came to my eyes as I read the words and felt the meaning and the understanding of why my Father felt that this poem was important enough to him to hand copy it.
Written on the backside were some notes to a sermon he preached called Aids To Navigation. I researched online and found the title of this poem written by Joseph Addison Richards. As for me, I need not say anymore.
Yours or His?
I owned a little boat a while ago
And sailed a Morning Sea without a fear,
And whither any breeze might fairly blow
I’d steer the little craft afar or near
Mine was the boat, and mine the air,
And mine the sea; not mine, a care.
My boat became my place of nightly toil.
I sailed at sunset to the fishing ground.
At morn the boat was freighted with the spoil
that my all-conquering work and skill had found.
Mine was the boat, and mine the net,
And mine the sill, and power to get.
One day there passed along the silent shore,
While I my net was casting in the sea,
A man, who spoke as never man before;
I followed Him–new life begun in me.
Mine was the boat, but His the voice,
And His the call; yet mine, the choice.
Ah, ’twas a fearful night out on the lake,
And all my skill availed not a the helm,
Till Him asleep I waken, crying “Take,
take Thou command, lest waters overwhelm!”
His was the boat, and His the Sea,
And His the Peace o’er all and me.
Once from His boat He taught the curious throng,
then bade me let down nets out in the sea;
I murmured, but obeyed, nor was it long
Before the catch amazed and humbled me.
His was the boat, and His the skill,
And His the catch–and His, my will.
Joseph Addison Richards
YES, Is The Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
YES, Is The Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
A fast food chain currently uses this for a slogan. It’s nothing new, really. Actually it’s been around for thousands of years. God’s blessed people have always lived with this mindset.
The willingness to do whatever God requests is a trait that will not only save and bless us, but also keep us saved and blessed. Most Pentecostals are familiar with the words of the song that says, “Yes Lord. Yes Lord. From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, Yes Lord…”
Remember singing that song and feeling the sweet presence of the Lord sweep over you? Remember too the old-timers singing, “Is Your All On The Altar?”
There’s a reason for that. A very good reason. God blesses willingness and submission.
Ezra And The Willing People
Neh 8:1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
- Notice the spirit of unity. They gathered as one.
- They requested that the scribe Ezra bring the book of the law and read it to them.
- They wanted to hear the law.
Neh 8:2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
Neh 8:3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
- Everyone old enough to understand came.
- Ezra read from morning until midday
Neh 8:5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
Neh 8:6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
- Ezra opened the book.
- The people stood up in reverence.
- Ezra blessed the Lord
- The People raised their hands and said, Amen, Amen
- They said Amen before the law was read.
- Then the bowed their heads to the ground and worshipped.
They Were So Hungry To Hear The Word Of The Lord That They All Said Amen Before They Heard What The Law Told Them To Do.
It’s not uncommon to see new converts who have experienced the joys of repentance, baptism in Jesus Name, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost speaking in tongues ask the pastor, “Now, tell me what I need to do.”
Remember Praying Like This?
- I’ll do what you want me to do.
- I say what you want me to say.
- I’ll go where you want me to go.
- I’ll be what you want me to be.
Most young people in my generation never knew it was OK to say no at church. When we were asked to do something like,
- Teach a Sunday School Class,
- Sing a special song,
- Play an instrument,
- Testify,
- Go on visitation,
- Usher,
- Clean the church
- Give a sermonette
- Or whatever,
We just said knew ahead of time that we would say yes.
Mary
Mary the mother of Jesus even told the servants at the Wedding in Cana, that whatever Jesus asked them to do, do it.
Samuel
Little Samuel had the willingness to do whatever was requested and ran to do the bidding of Eli not knowing that it was the Lord speaking to him.
Rebecca
Rebecca was so willing to serve the stranger with camels that she not only offered to water them but also ran to do her duty.
God has always looked for willingness in his people. Those who choose to say no to Him, don’t seem to last long or be used in His Kingdom.
How Did The Spirit Of Questioning Everything Get Into The Church?
- Some read the scripture and say they are not convicted.
- Some read the scriptures and say they do not apply to us.
- Some hear preaching and are not receptive at all.
- Others choose to read only scriptures that speak of blessings and miracles.
- They reject anything that looks like doctrine
- They say no to the word holiness.
- They refuse to separate themselves from the world.
God’s First Principle Of Blessing And Growth
Isa 1:19 If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land:
Israel Wouldn’t Go Over Into The Promised Land
Deut 1:26 Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the LORD your God:
- A whole generation died.
Because You Would Not Be Obedient
Deut 8:18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Deut 8:19 And it shall be, if thou do at all forget the LORD thy God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that ye shall surely perish.
Deut 8:20 As the nations which the LORD destroyeth before your face, so shall ye perish; because ye would not be obedient unto the voice of the LORD your God.
Jerusalem Said No To The Messiah
Mat 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
Israel Said No To The Spiritual Rest
Isa 28:12 To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.
What Makes Some Say No?
Before You Say No To Anything God Asks…
- Ask yourself,
- How does rebellion start?
- What is rebellion?
- Does God view my spirit as rebellious?
- Am I rebellious?
- How do I change?
Changing From Rebellion To Submission Should Be Easy.
- It’s a one-word change.
- What once was a No… change it to a Yes.
Are You Brave Enough To Say, “No” To God?
Me either.
You are free to choose how you wish to respond to God’s call, His wishes and His Word.
But as for me…
YES, Is My Answer. Now, What Is The Question?
Deut 10:12 … what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,
“Who Are You To Judge Me?”
“Who Are You To Judge Me?”
How many times have we heard someone say that, whether it was directed to us or to someone else? It’s easy for most of us to get offended when others express disapproval of our actions.
By nature, most of us are very private. We resent outsiders intruding uninvited into our personal lives. We automatically throw up a defensive barrier. Somewhere in all of us there is a storage room that houses cryptic phrases designed for rebuttal and justification. We quickly grab one and use it with the hopes of silencing our accuser. Sometimes, it works.
Most church members and ex-church member alike consider the act of judging a grievous fault. So, since most of us have been judged at one time or another, let us look at the subject of judging others.
As citizens, we are used to being judged every day on our skills, behavior, and performance.
Judgment Is Common In Every Day Society
- Television shows, such as American Idol, judge contestants on their ability to sing and perform.
- At the County Fair, someone will judge which pie is the best.
- There are judges at dog shows, and the dollar value of someone’s beloved pet may be at their mercy.
- When a prospective new driver turns 16 years old, his or her driving ability is judged. Someone must determine if they should be issued a driver’s license.
- To be promoted to the next grade and even graduate, a teacher must determine the student’s academic ability.
- To become a licensed minister in an organization. An applicant’s worthiness is determined when he appears before a licensing board.
- Every new pastor that is voted on by the church has his qualifications judged by the congregation’s yes or no vote. The same holds true for politicians.
- The Bank Officer judges the applicants credit rating and payment history before loaning any money.
- The Miss America beauty pageant uses Judges to determine who should represent the U.S.A.
- There are multitudes of judges for every Olympic event.
- The gardener judges whether or not the tree’s branches need pruned, or if the tomatoes need watered.
- Someone will be a judge over who gets custody of the child, and who gets what, in the divorce settlement.
- The Traffic Cop judges whether or not you should be pulled over and cited.
- Every employee knows the meaning of a “Performance Review.” Someone must sit on the other side of the desk and judge the employees worthiness.
- Actually, everyone that wants the bragging rights of being the best, the fastest, or the most gifted, must first meet the judge.
We seem to be comfortable with the idea of being judged according to our fleshly activities. We understand that no one receives approval without a judgment of some kind. However, it’s man’s judgment of our spiritual pursuits, or lack thereof, that brings the fire into our reactions.
Webster Defines The Word, “Judge” As:
Judge
1: to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? I Understand. Let’s Look At The Subject Of Judging In The Bible.
Is it true that Christians are told not to judge? The surprise answer is no. In fact, according to Scripture those who do not judge are more likely to be led astray by false doctrines and are less than effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Most People Who Cite The Lord’s “Command” Not To Judge, Use Following Quotation:
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
To Whom Were These Words Spoken?
This whole passage is addressed to the religious hypocrites of the day. Jesus warned these self-righteous people who criticized others, but were guilty of the same things… or worse.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? As Much As Our Flesh Doesn’t Like It, Church Members Must Make Judgments.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- False prophets are to be recognized (judged) by their fruits.
Should Christians Judge Each Other? Absolutely!
The Lord is pleased with those that judge righteously.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Some Lukewarm Church Members Feel That A Preacher Should Not Be Their Judge.
I would point them the Lord’s instruction to the Priest Joshua.
Zechariah 3:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
Remember John The Baptist saying:
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
- John had guts enough to tell King Herod that he was wrong, that he was living with his brother’s wife. Herod had John thrown in prison and finally beheaded. John was not afraid to make a righteous judgment.
The Prophet Nathan Looked King David In The Eye And Judged Him.
2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
There Has Always Been Resentment In The Congregation Against Messages That Judge.
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
- Even in the days of Isaiah, men wanted to be left alone by the man of God. They only were willing to hear smooth preaching. Not much has changed. They wanted to do what ever their conscience allowed them to do.
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
- Without accountability, even the people of God sink to this level. The shocking news for our flesh is that what is right in our eyes may not be right in God’s eyes. We all need help. We just need it in different areas.
What About Discernment Of Spirits?
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
- This is a gift that God provided for His body, whereby Holy Ghost filled people may be able to determine what spirit another is manifesting. In a way, it’s like being able to see what’s on the inside of another person.
Try The Spirits. (Judge Them)
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Samuel
The Prophet learned about judging spirits the hard way. He found out quickly that God looked not only on the outside, like humans, but He looked especially at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(Note: They that are spiritually wayward love to justify their carnal and maybe even sinful outward appearance by saying that God looks on the heart. (As if that were the only place He looks.) This passage strongly makes the point that God did not even like what he saw on the inside. Maybe the self-righteous should not use this verse as their defense.)
If You Don’t Want Anyone Judging You, Be Glad You Weren’t There When The Apostle Paul Preached.
Paul Judged Situations Publically Without Being Present.
- Case 1. Immorality
1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
(Called a…)
- That person’s lifestyle resulted in the church judging them guilty and calling them by the name of their sin.
1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
- Case 2. Church Factions During The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
- Paul Openly Judged Sensitive Situations.
Judgment Is Required Of All Spiritual People.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(The Message) 1 Corinthians 2:15 Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics.
Spirit Filled Saints Are To Judge All Things.
Godly Spirit-filled saints are required to judge all things. Judge spirits? Yes! Judge things as well? Absolutely!
We Are To Judge All Things By God’s Standard Of Judgment. Things Such As:
- Life Situations
- Events
- Relationships
- Friendships
- Music
- Internet Activities
- Entertainment
- Hollywood Presentations
- Sports
- False Doctrines
- Styles of Dress
- Compromise
- Immodesty
Just To Name A Few
(Note: EVERYONE that I have seen who re-evaluated their Holiness Standards or Convictions has not grown closer to God or resembled the Old-time Pentecostal lifestyle, but rather moved closer to looking and acting like the present world.)
The Apostles Judged A Situation Correctly And The Holy Ghost Confirmed It.
Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Paul Wasn’t Afraid To Have His Brethren Weigh His Words.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
You Dislike Being Judged? I Understand, But Even Prophets Are Subject To Being Judged.
Prophets Judge Other Prophets.
A Prophet’s reward is not money or fame. It is simply that his prophecy comes true. If the prophecy does not come true he is, by all standards of measurement, a false prophet.
1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
The Pastor Must Make Judgment Calls.
Some situations a Pastor has to deal with are not mentioned specifically by name in the Bible. So, he must make a judgment call, or a ruling. Hence, they that make good rulings are worthy of double honor.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
There’s No Doubt A Good Reason Why Some Make A Loud Noise About Not Wanting Anyone To Judge Them.
Scenario 1
Maybe They Are In Rebellion And Don’t Want To Change.
- Because they are not doing right, and they do not want anyone reminding them.
- They know what they have been taught.
- They remember how they used to live.
- They chose to ignore the Word of God and the Pastor.
Scenario 2
Maybe God Has Turned Them Over To A Delusion.
- They feel they are right and will debate you tirelessly in their attempt to justify themselves.
- They feel saved and content even though they have never been farther away from Truth.
- They wouldn’t love Truth, so God handpicked their delusion and gave them something they would love. Error.
Scenario 3
A Humble Heart Will Repent When Judged And Correct The Error.
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Preacher… Preach The Word. It Is God’s Plumb Line.
- Preach Without Fear or Favor.
- Be Not Afraid Of Their Faces.
- You Must Answer To God For What You Preached And Didn’t Preach.
- Preach It Even if It Affects Your Friends Or Family.
- Preach it Because It Is Truth.
Correction Must Be Given When The Actions Of A Saint Are Judged To Be Wrong.
1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
If We Willingly Receive Correction and Instruction, We Show Evidence Of Being God’s Son.
Hebrews 12:5 … My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
If You’re Still Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You…
- How Then Can Anyone Help You?
- You Don’t Want A Pastor.
- You Don’t Even Want A True Friend.
- You Choose To Do What You Want.
- No One Can Be Helped Without First Being Judged To Be In Need Of Help.
- Please Don’t Put Up A Wall Of Defense Any More When Your Life Is Judged To Be Not Pleasing Unto God.
Who Are You To Judge Me?
- A Tender Hearted Person Would Never Speak Those Words.
- Have You Become Unteachable?
- Are You Past Help?
- Have You Become Hard Hearted?
- Do You Want A Tender Heart?
- Do You Want To Be Saved?
- Then Start By Humbling Yourself And Submitting To God’s Word.
Be Fervent, But Don’t Be A Pharisee.
Be Fervent, But Don’t Be A Pharisee
“The Pharisees were the most numerous and influential of the religious sects of Jesus’ day. The were strict legalists. They stood for the rigid observance of the letter and forms of the Law, and also for the Traditions.
There were some good men among them, no doubt, but for the most part they were known for their covetousness, self-righteousness and hypocrisy.” –Bible-History.com
The Pharisee
“There was probably no town or village inhabited by Jews which had not its Pharisees, although they would, of course, gather in preference about Jerusalem with its Temple, and what, perhaps would have been even dearer to the heart of a genuine Pharisee–its four hundred and eighty synagogues, its Sanhedrims (great and small), and its schools of study. There could be no difficulty in recognising such an one. Walking behind him, the chances were, he would soon halt to say his prescribed prayers. If the fixed time for them had come, he would stop short in the middle of the road, perhaps say one section of them, move on, again say another part, and so on, till, whatever else might be doubted, there could be no question of the conspicuousness of his devotions in market-place or corners of streets. There he would stand, as taught by the traditional law, would draw his feet well together, compose his body and clothes, and bend so low “that every vertebra in his back would stand out separate,” or, at least, till “the skin over his heart would fall into folds” (Ber. 28 b). The workman would drop his tools, the burden-bearer his load; if a man had already one foot in the stirrup, he would withdraw it. The hour had come, and nothing could be suffered to interrupt or disturb him. The very salutation of a king, it was said, must remain unreturned; nay, the twisting of a serpent around one’s heel must remain unheeded.” – Alfred Edersheim
The Lord Is Not Impressed With The Pharisee’s Self Righteous Attitude
Pharisee And Publican Praying
Pharisees As Portrayed By Matthew’s Gospel
Pharisees Are Called Snakes By John The Baptist
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Pharisee Righteousness Is Insufficient
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Pharisees Are Murderous
Matthew 12:14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.
Pharisees Are Placed In The “Evil And Adulterous Generation” Category
Matthew 12:38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
Pharisees Are Offended Easily
Matthew 15:12 Then came his disciples, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended, after they heard this saying?
Pharisees Are Not Sanctioned By God
Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Pharisees Are Off Limits To Believers
Matthew 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Pharisees Love To Argue
Matthew 19:3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
Pharisees Are Politically Motivated And Violent
Matthew 21:45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spake of them.
Matthew 21:46 But when they sought to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him for a prophet.
Pharisees Love To Find Fault And Twist Your Words
Matthew 22:15 Then went the Pharisees, and took counsel how they might entangle him in his talk.
Pharisees Put Themselves On The Same Level With Moses
Matthew 23:2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat:
Pharisees Don’t Live What They Preach
Matthew 23:3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.
Pharisees Make Living For God Hard And Grievous
Matthew 23:4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
Pharisees Have Much Pride
Matthew 23:5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
Pharisees Love To Be Honored
Matthew 23:6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
Pharisees Seek Recognition Of Men
Matthew 23:7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Matthew 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Matthew 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Matthew 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Matthew 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
The Seven WOES Of The Pharisees In Matthew 23
Pharisees Are Hypocrites. They Talk About God, But Do Not Love God And Keep Others From Being Saved
Matthew 23:13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.
Pharisees Are They Are Heartless And Money Hungry, While Acting Spiritual. They Will Be Punished In The Judgment
Matthew 23:14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.
Pharisees Destroy Their Own Converts
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Pharisees Taught The Law But Didn’t Practice The Law
Matthew 23:23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.
Pharisees Major On Minors, And Are Spiritually Blind
Matthew 23:24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.
Pharisees Wear A Mask Of Holiness But Are Full Of Filthiness
Matthew 23:25 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.
Matthew 23:26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.
Matthew 23:27 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones, and of all uncleanness.
Matthew 23:28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
Pharisees Give False Honor And Come From A Long Line of Preacher Killers
Matthew 23:29 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because ye build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous,
Matthew 23:30 And say, If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.
Matthew 23:31 Wherefore ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the prophets.
Pharisees As Portrayed In Acts
Pharisees… Can They Be Saved? Absolutely, But It Might Take A Miracle!
Acts 9:1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,
Acts 9:2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
Acts 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Acts 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Acts 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
Acts 9:6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.
(Paul Seems To Be The Only Recorded Converted Pharisee.)
Be Fervent But Please Don’t Be A Pharisee.
Pharisees Are Not Helping God’s Work As Much As They Think They Are.
The Worst Part Of Being Wrong
The Worst Part Of Being Wrong
The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
- It is very easy to believe a lie and be confident that you are walking in truth when in fact you are not.
- Just because you go to church doesn’t mean you are saved.
- Just because you live a moral and good life doesn’t mean you are saved.
- Some will never know or ever admit they are wrong.
- They may not ever be convinced until The Judgment Day.
- But by then, it will be too late.
It Is Even Possible To Pray About Your Life Choices And Feel That God Agrees With You.
- Just because you feel good about your choice after praying, makes you believe God approves and agrees with you.
- Be careful and don’t make a mistake here. The will of God is not always comfortable for you.
- Balaam felt he was right too. But he died with the enemy.
- Saul felt he was right as well, but God had to knock him to his knees on the road to Damascus before He could turn him around and open his eyes to the truth.
Every Way Of A Man Is Right In His Own Eyes
Proverbs 21:2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.
- First is the rationalization of your decision. You rationalize your choice and point out the negative in those you walk away from.
- Then comes justification. You justify your every action.
- Then comes defensiveness. You defend your every way.
- Then comes arrogance. You cut off those that don’t agree with you.
- You refuse help and Godly counsel.
- You feel good about everything and no one can convince you otherwise.
- Just because it’s right in your eyes, doesn’t mean it’s right in God’s eyes.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Proverbs 14:14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways: and a good man shall be satisfied from himself.
- A backslider’s heart is flooded with his agenda, his dreams and his desires.
- There is no room left for God in his heart.
- For the backslider, it is all about him, and not about God.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Some Evidently Have To Learn Hard Way.
- It is sad to watch those who appear to be determined to learn the hard way.
- They’re right in their own mind. The pastor, and their family are all wrong.
- They are the ones who are right.
- Even when they go against Biblical instructions and warnings, they feel good about their choices.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Watching Friends And Loved Ones Self Destruct
- They seem to be happy with their life away from truth and the safety of God’s House.
- The devil has blinded their eyes.
- Your heart aches as you watch them destruct and turn their back righteousness.
- Is like being a thousand miles away from home and hearing that the water pipes have just burst in your basement. You feel helpless to fix the problem. You may make a few emergency calls, but that’s about all you can do.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
If Our Gospel Be Hid…
2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
2 Corinthians 4:4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
- If truth is hid, it is hid to them that are lost.
- Who is hiding the gospel or the truth from the lost? Satan.
- The reason they can’t see the truth about themselves is because the devil has blinded their eyes and they refuse to admit it or see it.
- As a result, they have easily believed a lie.
- They’ve deceived themselves.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Acknowledging The Truth About Yourself
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
- This is not just talking about doctrinal issues.
- This includes praying that the sinner will see the truth about themselves, their errors, their sins and their ways.
- Paul used the word peradventure. That means, he had no guarantee the wayward would ever admit their wrong doing or that God would forgive them, but that in meekness, Timothy should keep reaching for them.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
There Is A Way That Seemeth Right
Proverbs 14:12 There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.
- What seems right to you may also destroy you.
- There may not be a problem you can see now, but at the end, eternal death awaits.
- The Pharisee praying in the temple thought he was the one that was approved by God. How wrong he was even though he felt right.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Many Churchgoers Are Lost Because Of False Doctrine And Yet Feel Saved.
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Matthew 7:22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
- They even ministered in the name of the Lord and still were lost.
- They were believers
- They no doubt were Spirit filled.
- They cast out devils,
- The saw signs and wonders,
- They prophesied and it came to pass,
- They used the name of Jesus in their ministry,
- Yet they were still lost in eternity.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Compromisers
- Say they are glad they have been delivered from bondage.
- They say they never felt better.
- They feel sorry for those ignorant folks still in bondage to standards and doctrine.
- Like a dog going back to it’s vomit and a pig to its wallow, they’ve returned to the world and feel good about their soul.
- The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
Fools Blame God For Their Circumstances And Refuse To Repent
Revelation 16:11 And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.
The worst part of being wrong is thinking you are right.
The Prodigal Came To Himself
A parent’s and a pastor’s prayer is that those they love who are doing wrong will come to themselves like the prodigal son did.
How To Keep From Making Bad Life Choices And Mistakes
Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
Proverbs 3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord, and depart from evil.
- Your understanding and high IQ is not enough to keep you safe. Admit that to yourself.
- Call on the Lord for direction in every choice.
- Include your pastor in your major decisions.
- Kings even did that in the Bible. They asked the Prophet to enquire of the Lord for them.
- In ALL your ways (decisions and choices) ACKNOWLEDGE Him. Include God in your everyday life and He will direct you path.
- When God directs your path and you walk in it, only then will you begin living a mistake free life.
Remember, The Worst Part Of Being Wrong Is Thinking You Are Right.
You Say, “God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He ONLY Looks At The Heart.” Really?
You Say, “God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He ONLY Looks At The Heart.”
REALLY?
Surely You Don’t Really Believe That?
You Truly Believe That God Is ONLY Concerned With The Heart, And That He Refuses To Look Upon The Outside?
- Is that because you haven’t read the Bible much?
- Is that because your pastor explains away Bible modesty?
- Is that because you refuse to be holy, even though you seek the Holy Ghost?
- Or is it just an attempt to justify your worldly charismatic and emergent lifestyle?
Here Is The Candy-Stick Verse Of Those Who Resist Holiness Preaching.
(Background – Samuel Was Sent By The LORD To Anoint A New King:)
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
1. Samuel LIKED what he saw on the outside.
2. God DID NOT LIKE what he saw on the inside.
3. (It’s amazing that many attempt to twist this verse 180 degrees to justify themselves.)
Why Is This Passage So Beloved By People Choosing To Live And Look Like The World?
Is it just a handy comeback in an attempt to justify their Biblical disobedience? I think, for too many, this may be the case.
Does God Examine The Heart? Absolutely!
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.
Psalm 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
Proverbs 17:3 The fining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold: but the LORD trieth the hearts.
- Yes God Examines The Heart. It’s What the Heart Produces That God Will Reward or Punish.
- He TRIES the heart. He Sees it’s obedience and submission, it’s disobedience and rebellion.
- What Is In The Heart Will Soon Show On The Outside
Remember
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
I. The Importance Of First Mention Principle In The Bible.
Genesis 2:25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.
· In this context it does not mean totally nude, but nakedness in the sense or degree of a lack of sufficient clothing
· One thus may be wearing a certain amount of clothing, but still be considered naked in the sight of God.
Genesis 3:10 And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.
Adam & Eve Made An Attempt To Cover The Shame Of Their Nakedness With Leaves. It Was Inadequate!
Genesis 3:7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.
God Got Involved With Covering Their Nakedness
Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
· “Coats” is from the Hebrew word, Kethoneth. It is an unused root meaning to cover: a shirt: coat, garment robe.) Meaning a garment with sleeves, coming down to the at least the knees.
· Davis Dictionary of the Bible, page 148, “reached nearly to the knees, though a longer form with sleeves of full length was in use.”
· This clearly suggests God created for man a garment, which covered much more than just his “life giving parts.”
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
II. Ornamentation, Modesty, Costly Array, Hair Styles.
1 Timothy 2:9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;
1 Timothy 2:10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
“Women wore garments that resembled floor length dresses which would not accent the figure. These garments were modest when working or bending over. The Greek word for apparel in 1st Timothy 2:9 is “katastole”, which basically means a long flowing garment, resembling a robe For further study on this word, see Vines Expository Dictionary of The New Testament and Young’s Analytical Concordance.”
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
1 Peter 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.
1 Peter 3:3 Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel;
1 Peter 3:4 But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.
1 Peter 3:5 For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
III. Men Wearing Women’s Garments, Women Wearing Men’s Garments.
Deuteronomy 22:5 The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, neither shall a man put on a woman’s garment: for all that do so are abomination unto the LORD thy God.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
IV. Mixing Fabrics.
Deuteronomy 22:11 Thou shalt not wear a garment of divers sorts, as of woollen and linen together.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside
V. Make Fringes On Your Garments.
Deuteronomy 22:12 Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
VI. Men Praying With Their Head Covered, Men Wearing Long Hair, Women Praying With Their Head Uncovered, Women Praying With Their Hair Cut.
1 Corinthians 11:4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.
1 Corinthians 11:5 But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven.
1 Corinthians 11:6 For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered.
1 Corinthians 11:7 For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.
1 Corinthians 11:8 For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man.
1 Corinthians 11:9 Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man.
1 Corinthians 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels.
1 Corinthians 11:11 Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither the woman without the man, in the Lord.
1 Corinthians 11:12 For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God.
1 Corinthians 11:13 Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered?
1 Corinthians 11:14 Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?
1 Corinthians 11:15 But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
VII. Priests And Levites Were Required To Wear Long Linen Under Garments
Exodus 28:42 And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their nakedness; from the loins even unto the thighs they shall reach:
Exodus 28:43 And they shall be upon Aaron, and upon his sons, when they come in unto the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near unto the altar to minister in the holy place; that they bear not iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute for ever unto him and his seed after him.
The ISBE Defines “breeches” “A garment, extending from the waist to or just below the knee or to the ankle, and covering each leg separately” – page 518.
In order to cover their nakedness they were to cover from the waist to the knees. Why? Because to expose the thigh was to expose your nakedness – cf. Isa.47:2,3.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
VIII. Priests And Levites Must Only Wear Linen When Serving In The Court Of The Lord.
Ezekiel 44:17 And it shall come to pass, that when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come upon them, whiles they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside
IX. Priests And Levites Must Not Wear Garments That Make Them Sweat.
Ezekiel 44:18 They shall have linen bonnets upon their heads, and shall have linen breeches upon their loins; they shall not gird themselves with any thing that causeth sweat.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside
X. Priests And Levites Must Change Their Clothes Before They Minister.
Ezekiel 44:19 And when they go forth into the utter court, even into the utter court to the people, they shall put off their garments wherein they ministered, and lay them in the holy chambers, and they shall put on other garments; and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside
XI. Priests And Levites Must Not Shave Their Heads. Priests And Levites Must Not Let Their Locks Grow Long.
Ezekiel 44:20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor suffer their locks to grow long; they shall only poll their heads.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XII. Attire Of A Harlot. (One Looking For Sex).
Proverbs 7:10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtil of heart.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XIII. An Exposed Thigh Is Nakedness In God’s Eye.
Isaiah 47:1 Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate.
Isaiah 47:2 Take the millstones, and grind meal: uncover thy locks, make bare the leg, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers.
Isaiah 47:3 Thy nakedness shall be uncovered, yea, thy shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and I will not meet thee as a man.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XIV. When Jacob And His Family Went To Back To Bethel (House Of God) They:
- Put Away Their Idols
- Washed
- Changed Their Clothes
- Buried Their Earrings
Genesis 35:1 And God said unto Jacob, Arise, go up to Bethel, and dwell there: and make there an altar unto God, that appeared unto thee when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother.
Genesis 35:2 Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:
Genesis 35:3 And let us arise, and go up to Bethel; and I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went.
Genesis 35:4 And they gave unto Jacob all the strange gods which were in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears; and Jacob hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XV. Wearing Of Jewels Earrings Tied To Baal Worship.
Hosea 2:13 And I will visit upon her the days of Baalim, wherein she burned incense to them, and she decked herself with her earrings and her jewels, and she went after her lovers, and forgat me, saith the LORD.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XVI. Body Markings (Tattoo) And Piercings.
Leviticus 19:28 Ye shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor print any marks upon you: I am the LORD.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XVII, Circumcision.
Genesis 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
Genesis 17:11 And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
Genesis 17:12 And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
Genesis 17:13 He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
Genesis 17:14 And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
XVIII. Lasciviousness.
Ephesians 4:19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.
- Lasciviousness Definition:(Also translated by licentiousness, wantonness, lewdness and lustful desires.)
1. Lasciviousness means, “wanton (acts or) manners as filthy words, indecent bodily movements, unchaste handling of males and females” – Thayer.
2. “Denotes excess, absence of restraint, indecency, wantonness” – Vine.
B. Another word for lasciviousness is “lewdness” which Webster defines as “tendency to excite lust.”
When The Bible Speaks Of Lasciviousness, It Is Talking About Trying To Entice Lust In The Hearts Of Other People. This Is One Of The Works Of The Flesh.
Galatians 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
This Generation Is Without Shame And Cannot Blush. They Don’t Even Hide The Fact That They Are Trying To Excite Lust In Those Who See Them.
- Why Are These Passages In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
What Parts Of The Body Incite Lust?
- You Already Know.
- Those Are The Very Body Parts God Sought To Cover!
What Modesty In Dress Does:
- It covers up what GOD calls nakedness.
- It displays shamefacedness, sobriety, godliness and good works
- It reflects purity, reverence and a quiet spirit
Present Your Body A Living Sacrifice, Holy And Acceptable Unto God!
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
- Why Is This Passage In The Bible If The LORD Doesn’t Care What Folks Look Like On The Outside?
“God Doesn’t Look On The Outside; He Only Looks At The Heart.” REALLY?
Surely You Don’t Really Believe That?
Who Are You To Judge Me? – Repost
“Who Are You To Judge Me?”
How many times have we heard someone say that, whether it was directed to us or to someone else? It’s easy for most of us to get offended when others express disapproval of our actions.
By nature, most of us are very private. We resent outsiders intruding uninvited into our personal lives. We
automatically throw up a defensive barrier. Somewhere in all of us there is a storage room that houses cryptic phrases designed for rebuttal and justification. We quickly grab one and use it with the hopes of silencing our accuser. Sometimes, it works.
Most church members and ex-church member alike consider the act of judging a grievous fault. So, since most of us have been judged at one time or another, let us look at the subject of judging others.
As citizens, we are used to being judged every day on our skills, behavior, and performance.
Judgment Is Common In Every Day Society
- Television shows, such as American Idol, judge contestants on their ability to sing and perform.
- At the County Fair, someone will judge which pie is the best.
- There are judges at dog shows, and the dollar value of someone’s beloved pet may be at their mercy.
- When a prospective new driver turns 16 years old, his or her driving ability is judged. Someone must determine if they should be issued a driver’s license.
- To be promoted to the next grade and even graduate, a teacher must determine the student’s academic ability.
- To become a licensed minister in an organization. An applicant’s worthiness is determined when he appears before a licensing board.
- Every new pastor that is voted on by the church has his qualifications judged by the congregation’s yes or no vote. The same holds true for politicians.
- The Bank Officer judges the applicants credit rating and payment history before loaning any money.
- The Miss America beauty pageant uses Judges to determine who should represent the U.S.A.
- There are multitudes of judges for every Olympic event.
- The gardener judges whether or not the tree’s branches need pruned, or if the tomatoes need watered.
- Someone will be a judge over who gets custody of the child, and who gets what, in the divorce settlement.
- The Traffic Cop judges whether or not you should be pulled over and cited.
- Every employee knows the meaning of a “Performance Review.” Someone must sit on the other side of the desk and judge the employees worthiness.
- Actually, everyone that wants the bragging rights of being the best, the fastest, or the most gifted, must first meet the judge.
We seem to be comfortable with the idea of being judged according to our fleshly activities. We understand that no one receives approval without a judgment of some kind. However, it’s man’s judgment of our spiritual pursuits, or lack thereof, that brings the fire into our reactions.
Webster Defines The Word, “Judge” As:
Judge
1: to form an opinion about through careful weighing of evidence and testing of premises.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? I Understand. Let’s Look At The Subject Of Judging In The Bible.
Is it true that Christians are told not to judge? The surprise answer is no. In fact, according to Scripture those who do not judge are more likely to be led astray by false doctrines and are less than effective witnesses for Jesus Christ.
Most People Who Cite The Lord’s “Command” Not To Judge, Use Following Quotation:
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
Matthew 7:2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Matthew 7:3 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.
To Whom Were These Words Spoken?
This whole passage is addressed to the religious hypocrites of the day. Jesus warned these self-righteous people who criticized others, but were guilty of the same things… or worse.
You’re Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You? As Much As Our Flesh Doesn’t Like It, Church Members Must Make Judgments.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Matthew 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
- False prophets are to be recognized (judged) by their fruits.
Should Christians Judge Each Other? Absolutely!
The Lord is pleased with those that judge righteously.
John 7:24 Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
Some Lukewarm Church Members Feel That A Preacher Should Not Be Their Judge.
I would point them the Lord’s instruction to the Priest Joshua.
Zechariah 3:7 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; If thou wilt walk in my ways, and if thou wilt keep my charge, then thou shalt also judge my house, and shalt also keep my courts, and I will give thee places to walk among these that stand by.
Remember John The Baptist saying:
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.
Mark 6:18 For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.
- John had guts enough to tell King Herod that he was wrong, that he was living with his brother’s wife. Herod had John thrown in prison and finally beheaded. John was not afraid to make a righteous judgment.
The Prophet Nathan Looked King David In The Eye And Judged Him.
2 Samuel 12:7 And Nathan said to David, Thou art the man. Thus saith the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee king over Israel, and I delivered thee out of the hand of Saul;
There Has Always Been Resentment In The Congregation Against Messages That Judge.
Isaiah 30:10 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits:
- Even in the days of Isaiah, men wanted to be left alone by the man of God. They only were willing to hear smooth preaching. Not much has changed. They wanted to do what ever their conscience allowed them to do.
Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
- Without accountability, even the people of God sink to this level. The shocking news for our flesh is that what is right in our eyes may not be right in God’s eyes. We all need help. We just need it in different areas.
What About Discernment Of Spirits?
1 Corinthians 12:10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
- This is a gift that God provided for His body, whereby Holy Ghost filled people may be able to determine what spirit another is manifesting. In a way, it’s like being able to see what’s on the inside of another person.
Try The Spirits. (Judge Them)
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Samuel
The Prophet learned about judging spirits the hard way. He found out quickly that God looked not only on the outside, like humans, but He looked especially at the heart.
1 Samuel 16:7 But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.
(Note: They that are spiritually wayward love to justify their carnal and maybe even sinful outward appearance by saying that God looks on the heart. (As if that were the only place He looks.) This passage strongly makes the point that God did not even like what he saw on the inside. Maybe the self-righteous should not use this verse as their defense.)
If You Don’t Want Anyone Judging You, Be Glad You Weren’t There When The Apostle Paul Preached.
Paul Judged Situations Publically Without Being Present.
- Case 1. Immorality
1 Corinthians 5:3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,
1 Corinthians 5:4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 5:11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
(Called a…)
- That person’s lifestyle resulted in the church judging them guilty and calling them by the name of their sin.
1 Corinthians 5:12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
1 Corinthians 5:13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
- Case 2. Church Factions During The Lord’s Supper
1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.
1 Corinthians 11:18 For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it.
- Paul Openly Judged Sensitive Situations.
Judgment Is Required Of All Spiritual People.
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 Corinthians 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
(The Message) 1 Corinthians 2:15 Spiritually alive, we have access to everything God’s Spirit is doing, and can’t be judged by unspiritual critics.
Spirit Filled Saints Are To Judge All Things.
Godly Spirit-filled saints are required to judge all things. Judge spirits? Yes! Judge things as well? Absolutely!
We Are To Judge All Things By God’s Standard Of Judgment. Things Such As:
- Life Situations
- Events
- Relationships
- Friendships
- Music
- Internet Activities
- Entertainment
- Hollywood Presentations
- Sports
- False Doctrines
- Styles of Dress
- Compromise
- Immodesty
Just To Name A Few
(Note: EVERYONE that I have seen who re-evaluated their Holiness Standards or Convictions has not grown closer to God or resembled the Old-time Pentecostal lifestyle, but rather moved closer to looking and acting like the present world.)
The Apostles Judged A Situation Correctly And The Holy Ghost Confirmed It.
Acts 15:28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;
Paul Wasn’t Afraid To Have His Brethren Weigh His Words.
1 Corinthians 10:14 Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry.
1 Corinthians 10:15 I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.
You Dislike Being Judged? I Understand, But Even Prophets Are Subject To Being Judged.
Prophets Judge Other Prophets.
A Prophet’s reward is not money or fame. It is simply that his prophecy comes true. If the prophecy does not come true he is, by all standards of measurement, a false prophet.
1 Corinthians 14:29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge.
The Pastor Must Make Judgment Calls.
Some situations a Pastor has to deal with are not mentioned specifically by name in the Bible. So, he must make a judgment call, or a ruling. Hence, they that make good rulings are worthy of double honor.
1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
There’s No Doubt A Good Reason Why Some Make A Loud Noise About Not Wanting Anyone To Judge Them.
Scenario 1
Maybe They Are In Rebellion And Don’t Want To Change.
- Because they are not doing right, and they do not want anyone reminding them.
- They know what they have been taught.
- They remember how they used to live.
- They chose to ignore the Word of God and the Pastor.
Scenario 2
Maybe God Has Turned Them Over To A Delusion.
- They feel they are right and will debate you tirelessly in their attempt to justify themselves.
- They feel saved and content even though they have never been farther away from Truth.
- They wouldn’t love Truth, so God handpicked their delusion and gave them something they would love. Error.
Scenario 3
A Humble Heart Will Repent When Judged And Correct The Error.
2 Timothy 2:25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
Preacher… Preach The Word. It Is God’s Plumb Line.
- Preach Without Fear or Favor.
- Be Not Afraid Of Their Faces.
- You Must Answer To God For What You Preached And Didn’t Preach.
- Preach It Even if It Affects Your Friends Or Family.
- Preach it Because It Is Truth.
Correction Must Be Given When The Actions Of A Saint Are Judged To Be Wrong.
1 Timothy 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;
Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.
If We Willingly Receive Correction and Instruction, We Show Evidence Of Being God’s Son.
Hebrews 12:5 … My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
Hebrews 12:7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
Hebrews 12:8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.
Hebrews 12:9 Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?
If You’re Still Sick And Tired Of Others Judging You…
- How Then Can Anyone Help You?
- You Don’t Want A Pastor.
- You Don’t Even Want A True Friend.
- You Choose To Do What You Want.
- No One Can Be Helped Without First Being Judged To Be In Need Of Help.
- Please Don’t Put Up A Wall Of Defense Any More When Your Life Is Judged To Be Not Pleasing Unto God.
Who Are You To Judge Me?
- A Tender Hearted Person Would Never Speak Those Words.
- Have You Become Unteachable?
- Are You Past Help?
- Have You Become Hard Hearted?
- Do You Want A Tender Heart?
- Do You Want To Be Saved?
- Then Start By Humbling Yourself And Submitting To God’s Word.
Apostolic Expository Series
Christy Ballestero (My Beautiful DIL)
http://marciaballestero.com/
Pastor Anthony & Kim Ballestero, New Destiny Worship Center, Clearwater, FL (My Son)
Pastor Bryan & Christy Ballestero, Temple Of Pentecost, Raleigh, NC (My Son)
James Groce Blog – "Toward The Mark"
Kenneth Bow Blog
Kingdom Speak Podcast
Philip Harrelson – "The Barnabas Blog"
Verbal Bean Ministries
Holy Ghost Radio
The Ballestero Blog 