Christians and Judging
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
Over the years I’ve heard many Christians say that because of what Jesus says here in Matthew 7:1,2. We are not to judge anyone. That is not entirely true.
We are called not to judge other people especially those outside the church because we don’t know what is in their hearts. We truly don’t know what makes them what they are.
That’s not to say we are not to exercise good judgement especially when it comes to those in the Church.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
All too many charlatans have hid behind the “do not judge” or “do not come against the elect of God”, argument in order to lead people astray or separate good honest believers from their money.
Christians need to be careful. There are many in our world today who claim to be Christians that are not.
Matthew records Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”
Matthew 24:4,5.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3,4.
Such things are happening today. There are many, many ministries in both in the media and out that are claiming to be of God but are not. They talk a good talk but they twist scriptures to suit their own way of thinking.
Unfortunately these ministries are mixed with the majority of ministries that are very good and bringing glory to God.
It can be hard to tell them apart.
There are however several things you can do to decide what ministries to support.
1. First and foremost pray and ask God to show you the truth about the ministry.
2. Support your local congregation first. Here in Canada I know all charities which include churches, have to give an accounting as to where the money goes every year.
Additionally you know where your local church stands theologically and have easy access to their statement of faith.
3. Check the ministry you wish to support carefully.
A/ Ask for a statement of faith from the ministry.
B/ Read the scriptures they use to support their beliefs carefully and see if they are indeed taken in context.
C/ Ask for a financial statement.
All honest ministries will give you a financial statement including what is spent on salaries, travel, equipment for the ministry and such.
If a ministry will not provide you with a statement of faith and their financial statement don’t support them.
Only then after you have checked all of this out should you support anyone.
Always remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
Matthew 7:22,23.
Please think about it.
Jesus said,
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Matthew 7:1,2.
Over the years I’ve heard many Christians say that because of what Jesus says here in Matthew 7:1,2. We are not to judge anyone. That is not entirely true.
We are called not to judge other people especially those outside the church because we don’t know what is in their hearts. We truly don’t know what makes them what they are.
That’s not to say we are not to exercise good judgement especially when it comes to those in the Church.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?
God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12,13.
All too many charlatans have hid behind the “do not judge” or “do not come against the elect of God”, argument in order to lead people astray or separate good honest believers from their money.
Christians need to be careful. There are many in our world today who claim to be Christians that are not.
Matthew records Jesus as saying,
“Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you.
For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”
Matthew 24:4,5.
The apostle Paul wrote,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”
2 Timothy 4:3,4.
Such things are happening today. There are many, many ministries in both in the media and out that are claiming to be of God but are not. They talk a good talk but they twist scriptures to suit their own way of thinking.
Unfortunately these ministries are mixed with the majority of ministries that are very good and bringing glory to God.
It can be hard to tell them apart.
There are however several things you can do to decide what ministries to support.
1. First and foremost pray and ask God to show you the truth about the ministry.
2. Support your local congregation first. Here in Canada I know all charities which include churches, have to give an accounting as to where the money goes every year.
Additionally you know where your local church stands theologically and have easy access to their statement of faith.
3. Check the ministry you wish to support carefully.
A/ Ask for a statement of faith from the ministry.
B/ Read the scriptures they use to support their beliefs carefully and see if they are indeed taken in context.
C/ Ask for a financial statement.
All honest ministries will give you a financial statement including what is spent on salaries, travel, equipment for the ministry and such.
If a ministry will not provide you with a statement of faith and their financial statement don’t support them.
Only then after you have checked all of this out should you support anyone.
Always remember the words of Jesus who said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’"
Matthew 7:22,23.
Please think about it.
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