Having received a question regarding judging others, I will use the blog this week to discuss some of the Bible passages that teach on this matter. First, I remind the reader that I do not claim to have all the answers; I just seek the answers from God's Word.
It must be appropriate to begin this search by going to Matthew 7 and look at the words of Jesus: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. And why do you look at the speck in your brother's eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye?......Hypocrite!" The teaching of Jesus is very clear here. We must have the right attitude toward others....and even toward our own selves. We must recognize our own weaknesses and work on those, giving the remedial priority to ourselves over that of others.
Next we go to the teaching of Paul, as recorded in 1Corinthians 5. The early part of chapter 5 tells us that the church is to purge out anyone who is openly sinning. An example is given of a man who is being sexually immoral with his father's wife. Paul says they are not to tolerate this. In order to follow this teaching, members of the church must judge this person, must be able to make a reasonable judgment that this open sinning is occurring. "Purge out the old leaven.." he says in verse 7. In doing this, the individual Christian still must make it his first priority to work on his own sins and recognize that he is no perfect person either.
Toward the end of chapter 5, rather than church action against open sin, we read teaching to the individual: "I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore 'put away from yourselves the evil person.' "
As Christians, we must 1) consider first our own sins--not going around judging everyone else, 2) not tolerate open and obvious sin in the church, and 3) not make it our business to judge those outside the church--God will take care of that.
With all of that said, we must each one take to heart the teachings of Paul in 1Corinthians chapter 6, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God."
And I write this with great trepidation, looking at myself......not at you. Have a great week!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Paul's Last Major Journey
Being a sailor myself, I take special interest in the last major journey of Paul as recorded in Acts 27 and 28. This is a fascinating account of the trip to Rome that Paul took under Roman control. We'll look a bit at the events of this trip. If you haven't read it lately, be sure to read the account in these two chapters.
Paul was being unfairly tried; so, being a legitimate Roman citizen, he chose to appeal to Caesar, letting him be the final judge. This meant making a major trip from Caesarea through the Mediterranean Sea to Rome. They were trying to somewhat follow the coastline, going North from Caesarea to Sidon, then North of the island of Cyprus: "...we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary......When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone." It is interesting to note that the Bible is full of real places and real people....the Bible is real.
Paul predicted that "..this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." Paul was letting his overseers know that they shouldn't sail out into dangerous conditions. He was overruled and we read that the trip does result in shipwreck; and it would have ended in death for all except that God intervened. they found themselves on the island of Malta amongst friendly natives. They were especially friendly to Paul when they realized that God was with him.
Paul eventually makes it to Rome where we know that he stayed for at least two years. We see God's hand with Paul over and again, through this story and really throughout his ministry. And so it is with us when we are faithful to Him.
Have a great week....a God filled week!
Paul was being unfairly tried; so, being a legitimate Roman citizen, he chose to appeal to Caesar, letting him be the final judge. This meant making a major trip from Caesarea through the Mediterranean Sea to Rome. They were trying to somewhat follow the coastline, going North from Caesarea to Sidon, then North of the island of Cyprus: "...we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were contrary......When we had sailed slowly many days, and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, the wind not permitting us to proceed, we sailed under the shelter of Crete off Salmone." It is interesting to note that the Bible is full of real places and real people....the Bible is real.
Paul predicted that "..this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives." Paul was letting his overseers know that they shouldn't sail out into dangerous conditions. He was overruled and we read that the trip does result in shipwreck; and it would have ended in death for all except that God intervened. they found themselves on the island of Malta amongst friendly natives. They were especially friendly to Paul when they realized that God was with him.
Paul eventually makes it to Rome where we know that he stayed for at least two years. We see God's hand with Paul over and again, through this story and really throughout his ministry. And so it is with us when we are faithful to Him.
Have a great week....a God filled week!
Sunday, July 15, 2012
The Apostle Paul
Other than Jesus Himself, there is no more noteworthy character in the New Testament than the apostle Paul. Thus it seems wise to spend a bit of time exploring this man and knowing him a little better.
Paul was originally Saul, having his name changed later as he became a Christian. He was from Tarsus of Cilicia in southeast Asia Minor, a Roman province at the time. He was born a Roman citizen which would be a help to him in later years as there were limits placed on the type of punishment given to one holding citizenship. He was thoroughly Jewish, so much so that he was persecuting Christians, thinking that this new "Way" was detrimental to the flourishment of the Jewish system.
Paul's conversion is recorded in three places in the book of Acts: chapters 9, 22, and 26. In chapter 9 is where the event actually occurs; then it is retold by Paul in chapters 22 and 26. This transformation comes about by the direct visitation to him by Jesus as Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Jesus told him to go into the city of Damascus where it would be told to him what he should do. A devout Jew who had become a disciple of Jesus came to Saul, as recorded in Acts 22, and said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." This, of course, he did.
From Acts chapter 9 on, the book of Acts follows the life of Paul and his companions as they preach Jesus to the Jews and the gentiles. Paul is the most prolific writer of the NT, having written about half of the NT books. And he is called, and calls himself, an apostle because he was actually visited by Jesus and had direct contact with him. Paul connects with us as we read his epistles, his letters; we see his love for the Lord, his love for his brethren.....and really his love for us in his teaching and admonition.
Thanks for reading again. Have a blessed week.
Paul was originally Saul, having his name changed later as he became a Christian. He was from Tarsus of Cilicia in southeast Asia Minor, a Roman province at the time. He was born a Roman citizen which would be a help to him in later years as there were limits placed on the type of punishment given to one holding citizenship. He was thoroughly Jewish, so much so that he was persecuting Christians, thinking that this new "Way" was detrimental to the flourishment of the Jewish system.
Paul's conversion is recorded in three places in the book of Acts: chapters 9, 22, and 26. In chapter 9 is where the event actually occurs; then it is retold by Paul in chapters 22 and 26. This transformation comes about by the direct visitation to him by Jesus as Paul was traveling on the road to Damascus. Jesus spoke to him saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?" Jesus told him to go into the city of Damascus where it would be told to him what he should do. A devout Jew who had become a disciple of Jesus came to Saul, as recorded in Acts 22, and said, "The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord." This, of course, he did.
From Acts chapter 9 on, the book of Acts follows the life of Paul and his companions as they preach Jesus to the Jews and the gentiles. Paul is the most prolific writer of the NT, having written about half of the NT books. And he is called, and calls himself, an apostle because he was actually visited by Jesus and had direct contact with him. Paul connects with us as we read his epistles, his letters; we see his love for the Lord, his love for his brethren.....and really his love for us in his teaching and admonition.
Thanks for reading again. Have a blessed week.
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Authority in Jesus
Authority is not always our most interesting topic. It is a subject kind of like "rules;" something we'd almost like to not deal with. But in the Bible it is a very important matter to consider. God gave us the Bible as His Word, and He wanted us to understand who is in charge. So we will look at a few passages that clearly establish the principles of authority.
In the Old Testament, He said in Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." The Lord has revealed many things for us to follow.
In the New Testament we see the emphasis being placed on Jesus as the Son of God. Note 2John verse 9: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." And Paul wrote of the "mystery of Christ" in Ephesians 3: "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).." It was revealed to Paul, and he has written that we may understand.
It is also noteworthy on a negative note that Jesus said in Matthew 23:9, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." Authority is not to be given to men on earth.
Perhaps one of the clearest statements of authority came from Jesus Himself. We read in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
It is important to realize that all authority is in Jesus. Thank you for reading. Have a great week!
In the Old Testament, He said in Deuteronomy 29:29, "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." The Lord has revealed many things for us to follow.
In the New Testament we see the emphasis being placed on Jesus as the Son of God. Note 2John verse 9: "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son." And Paul wrote of the "mystery of Christ" in Ephesians 3: "For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for you Gentiles--if indeed you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given to me for you, how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I have briefly written already, by which, when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).." It was revealed to Paul, and he has written that we may understand.
It is also noteworthy on a negative note that Jesus said in Matthew 23:9, "Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven." Authority is not to be given to men on earth.
Perhaps one of the clearest statements of authority came from Jesus Himself. We read in Matthew 28:18-20, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."
It is important to realize that all authority is in Jesus. Thank you for reading. Have a great week!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Main Characters of the New Testament
This is a quick review of the main characters that we find in the New Testament. There are plenty more that are important, but we'll look at some of the ones that we read about the most.
For sure, Jesus is the main character. He is the reason for all of the New Testament and for the others being important to us.
The next main characters, after Jesus, are the 12 apostles. These men followed Jesus, spent their lives learning from Him, and after He was gone, carried on the work. Actually, it became 11 when Judas betrayed Jesus, but he was replaced to bring it back to 12 as we read in the 1st chapter of Acts.
Of the 12 apostles, Peter, James and John were His best friends. Jesus had best friends just like we do. As time went on, Peter was a very outspoken one...during the life of Jesus and after Jesus had left the earth. Peter certainly is one of the main characters of the NT. We see Peter stepping up during the life of Jesus as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As we continue into the book of Acts and follow the apostles, we see Peter doing a lot of the speaking and carrying a lead role.
Beginning in Acts chapter 8, we see Paul becoming a major leader of the followers of Christ. The emphasis seems to switch from Peter to Paul as the leading spokesman. But regardless of who was carrying the torch of the gospel as the primary spokesman, the real main character always was Jesus. None of His followers ever promoted themselves; they promoted Jesus. The message was all important, the Gospel, the good news, the Word of God, Jesus.
To know these men was to know Jesus. To know Jesus was to know the Father.
Thank you again for reading. It is a simple little blog, but one designed to focus on our Lord.
For sure, Jesus is the main character. He is the reason for all of the New Testament and for the others being important to us.
The next main characters, after Jesus, are the 12 apostles. These men followed Jesus, spent their lives learning from Him, and after He was gone, carried on the work. Actually, it became 11 when Judas betrayed Jesus, but he was replaced to bring it back to 12 as we read in the 1st chapter of Acts.
Of the 12 apostles, Peter, James and John were His best friends. Jesus had best friends just like we do. As time went on, Peter was a very outspoken one...during the life of Jesus and after Jesus had left the earth. Peter certainly is one of the main characters of the NT. We see Peter stepping up during the life of Jesus as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. As we continue into the book of Acts and follow the apostles, we see Peter doing a lot of the speaking and carrying a lead role.
Beginning in Acts chapter 8, we see Paul becoming a major leader of the followers of Christ. The emphasis seems to switch from Peter to Paul as the leading spokesman. But regardless of who was carrying the torch of the gospel as the primary spokesman, the real main character always was Jesus. None of His followers ever promoted themselves; they promoted Jesus. The message was all important, the Gospel, the good news, the Word of God, Jesus.
To know these men was to know Jesus. To know Jesus was to know the Father.
Thank you again for reading. It is a simple little blog, but one designed to focus on our Lord.
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