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Who Are You To Judge Me?

2/25/2013

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Have you ever said this to someone or maybe this has been said to you? As a Christian I find this to be an interesting statement, because it is often hurled about by individuals who seem to be feeling a bit defensive regarding particular behaviors. The prevailing thought often presented is that judging is an absolute no-no within our society. According to some we aren't to judge anything concerning behaviors, choices, attitudes, personal philosophies, political ideas and especially one’s religious beliefs. I find this a tad comical because we are constantly judging each other.

Every time I stand to speak on a Sunday morning I realize I’m being judged on the things I say, my actions, and possibly the very clothes I wear. Mothers dress their little girls up and place them in pageants in order to be judged. Contestants compete on American Idol, The X Factor, and other reality shows with the expectation of being judged. Employers are constantly evaluating and judging their employees. American citizens’ stand before judges and juries in the judicial system of our country every day in order to have their behaviors judged by the laws and standards established by our society.

So as Christians we aren't judged by our behaviors and actions as well as the world around us in accordance with the standards outlined in the Scriptures? How ridiculous! The words of Christ in His Sermon on the Mount regarding the act of judging are often regurgitated almost as a secondary reflex in order to quiet any critic who is considered to be judging another. What I find so amazing is that the words of Christ are often taken out of context in order to justify one’s actions. Note for a moment the following passage:

Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV) “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

First let’s keep in mind that the Sermon on the Mount covers chapters 5 – 7 and is a specific discourse in regards to Kingdom living. Secondly, Christ Jesus is addressing in particular Pharisaic attitudes and their judgments against Him; for they have rejected or are in the process of rejecting the Kingdom that He is offering and their judging is hypocritical. Third, the words of Christ in verse 5 do not explicitly prohibit the judging of another, as a matter of fact the indication is we are to address the sin of our brother but only after we've first addressed our own sin. The word “judge” in the Koine Greek is krinō and means “to distinguish or decide.” Note the following definition from AMG's Complete Word Study Dictionaries:

To separate, distinguish, discriminate between good and evil, select, choose out the good. In the NT, it means to judge, to form or give an opinion after separating and considering the particulars of a case.

If we take the definition of the original word “judge” into consideration particularly with the last clause of the sentence, and couple it with other Scripture passages using the same word we began to get a different picture of what it means to judge. Note these words from the Apostle Paul:

1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (ESV) For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

In the Corinthian Church a young man had entered into a sexual relationship with his stepmother and the leaders in Corinth had apparently refused to address this known sin. The Apostle Paul is clearly disturbed and angered not only by the sin but also the lack of action of these Church leaders. Notice the words again he uses in verse 3, “I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.” The word “judgment” is the same word we find in Matthew 7:1 – 5 used by Christ Jesus. The Apostle apparently had no issue with judging inappropriate behaviors particularly in the Church. What some might find more appalling is that the Apostle Paul is instructing the Church to turn these two individuals over to Satan. This means to excommunicate them from the Church, and to pray for some form of physical punished in order that they would repent of their sin and for fellowship to be restored. And secular society thinks Christians are harsh today when we simply call sexual immorality a sin?

Let’s go back to Matthew 7 again and read just a little more. In verses 15 – 20 Christ Jesus makes another interesting statement in His teaching. Let’s keep in mind the context of the message He’s giving which is Kingdom focused and in regards to the acts of the Pharisees.

Matthew 7:15-20 (ESV) “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.

Christ is warning His listeners that many of their teachers and religious leaders are not what they seem. Even though they may be highly respected in their communities for their instructions and their religious acts these things do not necessarily convey they’re truthful or are from God. If their message isn’t congruent with the Word of God and the teachings of Christ then their fruit is bad or evil. On the other hand if their message is in harmony with God’s Word and with Christ Jesus then their fruit can be considered good. Here’s the point, clearly Christ Jesus has judge the teachers and leaders of His day, and His directives to His followers would indicate they too are to judge others based upon the standards He has given.

So do the Scriptures contradict themselves? Absolutely not! We must study the Scriptures in their proper context and meaning in order to rightly divide the Word.

The reason I’m writing on judging this week is because of another article I read recently that was put out in a national publication and is written specifically for those in ministry. The writer of this article which can be found here (What's Better than JUDGING Non-Christians?) argues that we are not to judge non-Christians because they are simply doing what is in their nature. To some degree I agree with him in that these individuals are doing what comes naturally, but he makes several statements about his non-Christian friends that I find disturbing. Here’s one quote; “I have a friend who continually drops f-bombs in my presence. As much as it bothers me, I never correct him (he’s not a kid, he’s my peer). But I do pray for him every day and we talk about my faith. I pray I see the day when he’s baptized.”

Really?

If I have a friend who continuously drops “f–bombs” I’m going to let them know how I feel because they’re my friend, and I care about them and the way their living their life. If they can’t handle me being honest with them and their behaviors that are offensive not only to me but primarily to God then we don’t have much of a friendship. I would expect them to be honest with me also if I offend them. I agree that we need to love people to Christ, but the way in which we love people to Christ is to also openly and boldly share truth with them. Here’s something else the apostle Paul said:

Romans 10:14 (NASB) How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?

It often takes more than living our faith out in order to win people to Christ. We must actually open our mouths and share the truth of the Bible which usually offends those who do not believe. The word of God convicts and without that conviction no person is ever saved. We are not helping the lost in our lives by ignoring their “lostness” or refusing to address the whole issue of sin. Lost people today are judged by the same standard that saved people are and that standard is faith in Jesus the Christ. There is no gray area here you either know Christ as Savior or you don’t.

There are many other passages on judging in the Scriptures but I would simply encourage you to take them as a whole, and maintain a proper interpretation based upon the context in which they are given. I have to remind myself on a daily basis in my studies to rightly handle the Word of God; before I can speak to the issues of others I must address my own issues first by taking them to the Lord. Don’t let the fear of someone judging you stop you from judging between right and wrong based upon the standards established by God in His Word.

Blessings,
Rod


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Help support the Boy Scouts of America

2/21/2013

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I just received an email from a dear friend who works closely with the Boy Scouts of America, and who knows intimately about the ongoing struggles behind the scenes of this great organization. They have requested that we help get information out about a petition being sponsored by the Family Research Counsel.  Please go to the following link (http://www.frc.org/alert/the-scouts-need-your-help) and read the information provided by FRC, and then if you feel so led please sign the petition. 

Your voice needs to be heard once again, and your support is greatly appreciated. Please keep the BSA leaders who stand for what is right according to the standards of God in your prayers. The old saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease" still holds true. Let me remind you of a parable that Christ Jesus once shared:

Luke 18:1-8 (ESV) And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. 2  He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected man. 3  And there was a widow in that city who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ 4  For a while he refused, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Though I neither fear God nor respect man, 5  yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will give her justice, so that she will not beat me down by her continual coming.’” 6  And the Lord said, “Hear what the unrighteous judge says. 7  And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? 8  I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” 

As Christians we need to keep praying, and continuously speaking out on all issues whether they be spiritual, cultural, or political in nature when they are at odds with the Word of God. Let us be vigilant in all we do and in so doing God will be honored.

Blessings,
Rod
  



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Legacies

2/19/2013

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On February 11, 2013 my mother-in-law passed away after suffering from advanced dementia over the last three years. During this time my family and I sought to do the very best we could by her, making sure she had the best care possible, and keeping her as comfortable as possible during the end of her life. We watched with sorrow as her mind and body slowly deteriorated over the long months, but occasionally we would get a glimpse of the Ma we knew and loved for so many years. Dementia is a terrible and debilitating disease, not only for the sufferer, but also for family members who are left to care for the many needs of their loved ones. Those who suffer with this illness have, in one sense, already passed away yet their bodies continue to exist as only a shell housing a person that is sometimes hard to recognize.

Over these past many months my wife and I were able to discuss the last wishes of my mother-in-law and to prepare for her approaching death. We would often reminisce about happier times in regards to things Ma said and did during her lifetime. She was such a grand Christian lady who often seemed to bring out the best in people. Many of the stories we shared with each other and with our children often ended in laughter about something she said or did without having the faintest idea about the comedy in her words and actions. She was simply a genuine and loving person who could at times be quite forthright and brutally honest with the world around her. As I prepared my remarks for her funeral these were just some of the many things that ran through my mind.

The greatest things I hold onto are not so much the memories of holidays and visits but the lessons she imparted to my wife, our children, the Sunday school class she taught, her church, the children she worked with and lastly to me. She demonstrated firsthand the love of Christ to those around her in a multitude of ways. She did this not only through the words she spoke but also in the way she lived her life boldly for Christ. In many ways she became a mother to me much more so than even my birth mother. I knew she loved me unconditionally just as she did her own children. In good times and in bad she constantly prayed for me and would often provide sound theological insight from a lifetime of walking with Christ.

By now you may be asking the question, “Why is he sharing these things about a woman that many of his readers didn't know?” The answer is quite simple. One, I share these things in order to honor a woman I dearly loved. Two, I share these things because her life and death has once again caused me to consider the legacies we leave when we pass from this world.

Have you ever considered how you’ll be remembered when you die or if you’ll even be remembered at all? Maybe we should ask this question instead, “What are those things that mark a life as being significant?” For some, I’m sure the answers will be quite base in nature in regards to the material world around them. For others, they may take a more philosophical slant in answering this and other questions concerning life and death. For me, one of the main lessons I learned from Ma was that apart from Christ I’m nothing. My identity is in Christ, and if anything good comes from my life it is because of Christ living within me, (Philippians 1:6).

We can invest in many things that may bring great returns in this world, but the greatest investment one can make which brings an eternal return is found only in a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. The expectation is this:  because God has invested in us through the shed blood of Christ we also are to invest in others by sharing the Gospel in the words we speak and in the manner in which we live.

I believe my mother-in-law invested herself in me just as other Christians also invested their time and energies in many of you. Let it not be said that their efforts and the life lessons they shared were in vain. Let me encourage you to write a card, letter, or email to someone today that has invested a part of their life in you while you still have the opportunity to do so. You never know when the day will come that you no longer have an opportunity to say, “Thank you” or “I love you.”

Blessings in the name of Christ,
Rod


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Boy Scouts Must Stand Firm for Their Values 

2/12/2013

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The following article was written by a young man I've known for several years now, and is one of those guys that every parent would want their daughter to marry. Lance Clevinger serves as an intern for the Family Research Council in Washington D.C., and recently wrote this piece for the Washington Times. His mother and father are members of the church were I serve, and as a family they have been heavily involved in scouting for many years. (Reprinted by permission) 

For the last century, becoming an Eagle Scout was an achievement that signified something noble. It presented a visible message that its bearer was a person of true character and high moral standards.

After five years of hard work, I finally became an Eagle Scout. Such an award is only esteemed because of the meaning behind it. Eagle Scout is the highest award that the Boy Scouts of America has to offer. There are many awards that are given out for participation, but this is not one of them. A boy who achieves this award must fulfill a list of requirements that will forge him into a young man.

The Boy Scouts have been in the business of building character longer than most of us have been alive. It would be difficult, if not impossible, to overestimate the impact scouting has had on my life and the lives of countless other men. When most of us joined the Boy Scouts, we were young boys just trying to learn right from wrong. In this world, those terms have become more relative than ever before in a culture that increasingly insists, “You do what you want to do, and I will do what I want to do, as long as you don’t bother me.”

This makes the Boy Scouts all the more important: Their purpose is to give boys an anchor to transcendent morality and motivation to be men of character. After achieving my Eagle and finishing college, I came back home and volunteered with my local council to help encourage young boys to pursue these valuable standards.

I trust we can all agree that the Boy Scouts of America have been a bastion for character in our culture. Throughout its history, the organization has weathered many challenges and forged its reputation in those fires. In life, the most difficult challenges are often not the big, one-time trials, but the ones that we must face every day. These are the ordinary determinations we face when we wake up and look in the mirror and decide for ourselves how we are going to live. They are the challenges that either slowly wear us down and erode our consciences, or that build us up and strengthen our resolve to live honorable lives.

In recent days, the Boy Scouts have begun to show evidence that such a challenge has been wearing on their consciences. The BSA’s national leaders have proposed a new policy dealing with sexual orientation. If they go forward with this proposed new policy, they will ultimately be saying to the youth of America: “If the culture shifts, so should your character.” In doing so, they will have effectively turned a blind eye to God’s standard of morality enshrined in the Scout Oath and taken a lukewarm position that repudiates character and bravery, both tenets of the Scout Law.

The national leaders must realize they exemplify what it means to follow the Scout Oath. I understand that homosexual activists and several corporations are threatening some of the organization’s funding. However, I would rather see the organization that I know and love fail financially, standing strong in character and teaching the boys of this nation one final lesson in what it means to really keep the Scout Oath and Law, than be drawn to the lure of money. They should stand on the character about which they so boldly teach. The Boy Scouts would lose great credibility in their stand for character by giving in to what amounts to blackmail.

If the homosexual community wishes to participate in similar activities, they are more than free to begin their own organization, rather than tearing down this one.

A final decision has yet to be made, so the question still remains: Will the Boy Scouts maintain the fortitude of their character, or will they finally be worn down by the changing tides of cultural pressure? This Scout is still hopeful and would like to encourage the national leadership to stand strong. I would encourage anyone who is against this proposed new policy to stand on character and bravely speak out. Let us do all we can to ensure that the Boy Scouts remain true to the timeless values that have shaped the character of generations of American boys.

 Lance Clevinger, 24, is an Eagle Scout and an intern at the Family Research Council.

Read more: http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/feb/5/boy-scouts-must-stand-firm-for-their-values/#ixzz2KgdLM2Xi 

Follow us: @washtimes on Twitter

Update: Since this article was written the BSA decided to delay their vote on allowing homosexual participation in scouting until May of this year. As Christians we need to stay active, alert, and to be prepared for what lies ahead. Often organizations hope that initial public reactions will subside over time which will allow them to readdress controversial issues later in stealth mode. I pray this is not the tactic of some of those in leadership, but if it is we need to let them know Christians are waiting and watching in order to respond.

Blessings,
Rod


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Is President Obama Evil?

2/5/2013

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It all depends on your worldview.

When President Obama was running for office five years ago he spoke of “fundamentally changing America.” Most Americans focused on the word “change” while ignoring the more important word, “fundamental.” What did President Obama mean when he made this statement? Did he mean he would seek to change the basic foundation of our country, the Judeo-Christian ideals from which we have operated for more than 230 years? I believe he did. Did he mean he would change the political structure of America that would more closely resemble that of other nations, particularly those in Europe who hold to a more socialistic view of government? I believe he did. Did he mean he would seek to change the fundamental structure of the American family to be more inclusive? I believe he did.

If you operate from a secular worldview then most likely your perception of President Obama is one of greatness. You probably see him as an advocate for the “little guy,” those who have been used and abused by a system that some believe favors individuals who are wealthy and powerful. He is a champion for minority populations who have long believed they had no voice in the public arena, and now their time has come not for equality, but payback and advancement.

If you operate from a Biblical worldview then President Obama is seen in a much different light. His policies, and that of his administration, are viewed as destructive on a national level, and more pointed they are antithetical to the cause of Christ. With each passing day of his new term President Obama continues to reveal his true agenda, one which appears to be geared more toward an extreme leftist ideology and social engineering. His, “fundamentally changing America” seems to directly target traditional American ideals and Orthodox Christianity.

Let’s briefly examine some of his statements and the actions of his administration as it concerns the pro-gay movement in America. 

In regards to gay marriage President Obama made the following statement in an interview with ABC news on May 9, 2012, “It is important for me personally to go ahead and affirm that same-sex couples should be able to get married.” In April 2008, just four years earlier, then Senator Obama stated, “I believe that marriage is the union between a man and a woman. Now, for me as a Christian ... it is also a sacred union.”

His previous statements during his run for the presidency in 2008, and those made during his first term are incongruent with the beliefs he holds now, and those he held during his time in the Illinois state Senate. His press secretary once stated that the president’s views were not so much a change as they were simply “evolving.” All indications point to President Obama being pro-gay marriage, then anti-gay marriage, now he’s pro-gay marriage again. These actions do not suggest someone “evolving” in their thinking, but simply vacillating for political expediency. It should also be stated that his present views are certainly not Christian.

Two years into his first term, and during his State of the Union address on January 27, 2010 President Obama informed America that he would work with Congress to repeal the “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell” policy of our military. In essence, he was not only promoting the gay agenda at that time, but systematically beginning the process of socially dismantling traditional marriage in America as we have known it. Along with this he ordered the Justice Department to no longer uphold the Defense of Marriage Act, and thereby violate the Constitution which he swore to uphold and protect.

Now, just this past Sunday in his pre-Super Bowl interview with CBS President Obama has once again used his bully pulpit to promote a pro-homosexual agenda. When asked should scouting be open to gays President Obama responded with an emphatic yes. When asked why, he went on to state, “Because I think my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunity the same way everybody else does, in every institution and walk of life. The Scouts are a great institution that are promoting young people and exposing them to opportunities and leadership that will serve people for the rest of their lives. And I think nobody should be barred from that.”

President Obama is correct when he states the Scouts are great institution in building young men, but he is absolutely wrong in his belief that every institution should have an open door policy for anyone and everyone no matter their sexual orientation. The pro-homosexual agenda violates not only the core beliefs of the Boy Scouts of America, but the very foundation on which this great organization has been built. Placing gay men in positions of Scout leaders simply opens the door for greater exploitation of little boys and young men which terrifies most parents. 

If the Boy Scouts of America change their policies allowing homosexuals to openly participate it is believed this would decimate the program that has been so successful for more than 100 years. The American Family Association provided the following information concerning scouting in Canada when they change their policies concerning homosexuals.

"Consider, in 1998, the Canadian Scouts (CS) opened its doors to homosexuals. Less than a decade later, the number of boys in scouting dropped by more than 50%. In addition, CS has been forced to sell scores of camps, close offices and lay off staff. If the Boy Scouts of America changes its policy, it will lose on two fronts. Christian-chartered groups will drop out of scouting and the homosexual machine will continue to attack."

So we come back to our original question, “Is President Obama evil?”

First, let me state my answer is based upon my Biblical worldview, not that I am somehow a homophobic or hater of gays. This is always the line of attack from those who disagree with the traditional Christian view of homosexuality.

Second, we should define “evil” from a biblical perspective. Evil can be defined as, “Profound immorality, wickedness, depravity, and having no moral justification for its actions.” Basically evil is the opposite of good. In reality all men, (in the generic sense), are evil. Take special note of Genesis 6:5 The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. Apart from Christ all are evil. Read also Romans 3:10 – 18.

Third, the Scriptures also indicate those who support and promote sin are evil. Note, Isaiah 5:20 Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Read also Proverbs 6::12 – 19, and 1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11. The promotion and normalization of any sin by any individual is evil, not just those in leadership.

Lastly, there is no denying that our president supports and promotes what God considers evil, and he does so without any apparent reservations. His stance on homosexuality is only part of the story; his views on abortion and anti-Israel stance, (in actions not words) are also evil. No doubt my suggestion that President Obama is evil will upset some, yet as we look back through the annals of history very few would have an issue with calling other world leaders “evil” who practiced such things in their day. I make one more suggestion to consider before closing for those I may anger; maybe the problem isn't with Orthodox Christians and traditionalists like myself, but with the Word of God that we so strongly believe and hold to.

Let us pray together for our leaders, our country, our churches and pastors, our families, those who find themselves trapped in the homosexual lifestyle, and organizations like the Boy Scouts of America. May we seek the will of God and continue to be bold in the presentation of His Gospel in the truth of His Word.

Blessings, 
Rod


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