Is it Wrong to Judge?

Currently, there is an alarming trend among Christian circles (meaning Christians who are born-again, blood-bought by Jesus death and resurrection, and Bible-believing followers).  It has to do with being afraid to speak up when it comes to disagreeing with Biblically forbidden lifestyles (for example: same-sex relationships, acceptance of transgender operations, sex before marriage) and other evil practices CLEARLY FORBIDDEN in Scripture.   We don't want to seem judgemental because we know we are not perfect ourselves.  Also, we don't want to suffer persecution because we speak the truth of God's unalterable Word!  We want to be loving and extend God's grace (yet, grace is only grace when a person is fully aware of and repentant of their sinful state, or else it isn't grace, is it?). What is happening is that we may have become so accustomed to the world's ungodly way of thinking that we don't see anything wrong when we let things slide and remain silent!  What is wrong with this picture?   

When we remain silent, the people of the world who don't know God think that we are agreeing with them!  But does it really matter what the people of the world think of us, or does it matter MORE what GOD THINKS OF US?  I have come to believe that when we do not stand out as "set apart" (holy) people of God, then we no longer fear God, but we fear man more!  That is a dangerous place to be, and a place we need to quickly vacate as if a building were on fire!! 

Scripture gives us clear instruction on how we are to conduct ourselves when it comes to the evil affairs of this world: 

Eph 5:1  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

Eph 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

Eph 5:3  But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;

Eph 5:4  Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

Eph 5:5  For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

Eph 5:6  Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.

Eph 5:7  Be not ye therefore partakers with them.

Eph 5:8  For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:

Eph 5:9  (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;)

Eph 5:10  Proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.

Eph 5:11  And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

Eph 5:12  For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.

Eph 5:13  But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.

Eph 5:14  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Eph 5:15  See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,

Eph 5:16  Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.  

Let's take a closer look at why it is imperative that we speak up when we see evil seem to prevail all around us.  For one thing, people need to know that a sinful lifestyle offers no freedom, and that every action will have a consequence.  For example, if we don’t offer an alternative, which  is salvation that gives us ultimate freedom from sin, the Bible says that the consequence is imminent – we are dead in our sins and we will die without hope (John 3:15-21). Where in the Bible does it say to remain silent when it comes to giving people the truth, especially when it comes to their eternal soul? 

Let's look at it another way:  Are parents being judgemental when they tell their child that he shouldn't run into traffic or it will kill him? Maybe he wants the freedom, but he doesn't realize the consequences.  Should we remain silent so we don't encroach on our child's rights and offend him because he didn't get his own way?  You can see how ridiculous and dangerous this line of thinking takes. 

It is obvious that today, some Christians are compromising their stand and allowing evil to prevail by remaining silent, or worse yet, agreeing with those who openly and willingly practice evil.  Yet, we can feel that the clock is ticking, and prophetic events as foretold in the Bible are yet to unfold. We need to pay more attention to the Word of God than the media and popular opinion!   

Act 17:31  Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Rev 20:11  And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Rev 20:12  And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Rev 20:13  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Rev 20:14  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Rev 20:15  And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

Rev 14:6  And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Rev 14:7  Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

Rev 14:8  And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.

Rev 14:9  And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Rev 14:10  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Rev 14:11  And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.

Rev 14:12  Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

Rev 14:13  And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

Are we judging when we speak the truth, or are we fearing God and doing the most loving thing?  Let's remember to prayerfully make it a priority to live and speak the truth of God’s Word at every opportunity.

About Human Rights

Recently, I went to tour the Canadian Human Rights Museum, a new incredible structure based in Winnipeg.  It becomes obvious that a great deal of thought went into the architectural design of this multi-level museum to reflect the oppressiveness of violation and violence when people are unfairly and unjustly treated, and especially those that are killed simply because they were/are of a different religion, race or sexual persuasion.  The goal is to make people aware of the rights and dignity of every human being no matter their race, creed, or orientation, and that everyone deserves respect and dignity. 

It is imperative that there are laws in place (in most countries) to protect people and prevent atrocities from ever taking place.  Yet, disturbingly and tragically, evil acts continue, and many times in the name of misplaced and radical religious ideologies.  And in countries that have human rights laws in place, evil still abounds!  This is where legalities and laws, concepts and ideas, are only as good as the paper they are written on.  What can be done to stop people from committing such despicable and evil acts?  I believe we can find every answer to the problem of evil by turning to the Bible, the Word of God, and by turning to God Himself, the One who thoughtfully and lovingly created us in the first place. 

The Bible shows us from Genesis to Revelation the detailed history of man and every kind of evil act imaginable from Cain killing his brother Abel, to the children of Israel sacrificing their own children to idols.  And we see the consequences of such evil acts again and again, where those that commit these atrocities will end up oppressed, in chains and slaves to their captors whoever or whatever that might be, and in many cases they will die. 

It is imperative that we realize that we are all born with a sinful nature and it becomes obvious early on.  Even babies become demanding and sometimes enraged if they do not get the attention they want or need.  Only Jesus can give us a new heart and free us from the power of this sinful nature that steers us into trouble at every turn (this is all explained in the book of Romans).  Keeping in mind that we are born with this nature that naturally sins, once we realize this we will soon see that education and good intentions alone will not change a person's heart.  Going to church will not change a person's heart.  Being generous and doing good works will not change a person's heart either.   

Those that practice evil have already determined it in their heart.   

Pro 12:20  Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy.

Jer 17:9  The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? 

In one of the galleries, visitors are invited to share their thoughts about what the world could be like if we all embraced the concepts of human rights.  I couldn't help but think that as a sinner saved by the grace of God that I really don't have any human rights in the sense that I should think that I deserve preferential treatment (and this is not to say that ill treatment of another is ever acceptable because clearly it is NOT).  I thought instead that the real change comes for us when we realize that God values each and every one of us "in spite of" the fact that none of us "deserve" such love and unmerited favor from Him, perfection itself.

Rom 5:6  For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Rom 5:7  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

Rom 5:8  But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 

 

Because He loves us, so we should love one another.  What a beautiful world it would be if we follow the example of Jesus and we are willing to give up our own (sometimes selfish) rights, whatever that looks like, for the sake of another in order to promote peace, and meet their needs wherever and whenever we can.  Above all, we need to follow the example of the God of love, and humbly extend love and grace to others, putting our own needs and wants aside.  

Is There a Cure for Cancer?

Recently, we were very sorry when a good friend of ours died of cancer. She was the sweetest person you'd ever meet, always had a smile for you, never heard her say anything bad about anyone, and she had a positive and upbeat attitude.  She was a Bible-believing born-again believer as well.  So I wondered, Why would God allow her to get cancer, suffer with it for a few years, and then have it defeat her, and she wasn't even that old? I wondered, why aren't more people healed of cancer and never have it return?  It seems to go completely against Scripture, since in the Word, as born-again blood-bought believers, we are promised healing.  Scripture records that when Jesus had His earthly ministry, whoever came to Him needing healing were healed or raised from the dead.  The disciples and apostles had the same experience, again and again people were miraculously healed. Jesus said that we will do greater works than even He did (John 14:12)!  I can attest that this is not just hearsay -- In my own life, I have been healed countless times, and I continue to be healed. I know others who can say the same!  Praise God for this!  

So I asked the Lord directly, "Why are so many people, especially Christians, dying of cancer?"  I believe that I received a very interesting answer from the Lord, and I feel I need to share this.  He explained that ever since the beginning of time and down through the ages, there have been many different diseases, plagues, flus, viruses and so on that have killed countless people.  He explained that in His Word, we are given specific instructions for life, how to live and how to be healthy and thrive in body, mind and spirit.  In the Old Testament, all of the laws given to the Jewish people were for their benefit, not because God was trying to punish them or deny them something!  Everything He commanded was for their ultimate good, as it is for ours!  When we violate His Word and continue to do so, then we leave ourselves open to these diseases and things begin to break down.  The Lord explained to me that we open a door for disease (or poverty, or a breakdown in relationships, etc. etc.) to enter our life until these sins are brought to light to be dealt with according to Scripture.   

I immediately thought of the Ten Commandments, and especially the first one: 

Exo 20:3  Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Deu 10:12  And now, Israel, 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,

A host of thoughts came to me, and other verses in the New Testament along the same lines.  Jesus said:  

Mat 10:37  He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

Mat 10:38  And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Mat 10:39  He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.

How does idolatry occur?  I thought about how some families stick so close together, they shut out everyone else, even the Lord.  Some parents won't let their children go, and some children never want to leave home.  I'm not talking about practical arrangements where it is cheaper for children to live at home to save money while going to college, or to save up enough to buy their own house when they leave home.  I'm talking about relationships that are a stumbling block and that prevent relationship with God, and prevent an older child or a parent to fulfill a calling or ministry to reach the lost. 

Most importantly, we must ask ourselves if our relationships draw us closer to Jesus, or steal all of our time, and draw us away from the things of God? These relationships can become idols because we are putting a person or people before God, and this also opens the door to physical and other breakdowns and diseases. I realize there are many special circumstances such as care-giving for aging parents, or looking after children 24/7, and children with disabilities, single parents, or an ailing spouse, etc. These would not necessarily be included. 

In my understanding, other than children who do not yet understand Scripture (a separate topic altogether), many people who die who could very well have been healed, have been an open target for these diseases.  With disease comes loss of lifestyle and eventual loss of life.  We must keep in mind that Jesus said that He gives life, but the devil comes to destroy:

Joh 10:10  The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

So is disease of God?  Not according to the Word.  It can only come from the evil one, Satan.  Satan comes to rob, steal, kill and destroy.  He walks about seeking whom he may devour.  

1Pe 5:8  Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

Is Satan looking for people who have left a door open in their lives and they are easy prey?  Will he find bitterness, strife, unforgiveness, idolatry, lusts of the flesh, or any other unconfessed sin that the Bible clearly condemns? 

I am not a doctor and make no medical claims here, but it's interesting that cancer is called a "devouring disease" attacking essential blood cells.  I also think that it's no wonder scientists and the medical professionals cannot find a cure for cancer!  We often wonder why after all these years and millions and billions of dollars have they been unsuccessful? Could it be because it has a SPIRITUAL ROOT and not an environmental one or because of heredity, etc.? 

So what do we do with this incredibly eye-opening information?  For me, I'm going to go into my prayer closet and ask God what areas of my life do I need to be aware of where I may have left a door open for Satan to attack.  Is it fear and unbelief?  Is it a form of idolatry?  Is it a lust of the flesh that goes contrary to God's Word?  Is it unforgiveness, gossip, or greed?  Once revealed, it will be important to repent of it and bring it to the cross where we will find freedom and forgiveness. Finally, we need to be ever aware of the many wise instructions given us in the Word, all for our benefit, and to apply it daily to our lives. And remember, God loves us no matter what!

Rom 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

I hope and pray you have been blessed by this, and that you will experience perfect health and the abundant life that Jesus offers.  Amen!