![\"judging\"](\"https:\/\/thegospelobserver.files.wordpress.com\/2016\/06\/judging.jpg?w=676\")
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\u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations\u2026teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age\u201d (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).
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Contents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1) Sin, Repentance, and Judging Others (Doy Moyer)
2) God\u2019s Perfect Law of Liberty (Mike Johnson)
3) \u201cAlmost\u201d Is Not Enough! (Barney L. Keith)
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-1-<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Doy Moyer<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some discussions just seem odd to me. One such oddity goes along these lines (and it seems to happen over and over, especially on social media, so this is not a reference to one particular discussion):<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Person A: \u201cPeople who engage in this activity are in sin and need to repent.\u201d (What the specific sin is differs from case to case, and it is irrelevant for this point.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Person B responds: \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t judge others because we are all sinners who need forgiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By this response, person B sweeps away the point made by person A because we all sin and we don\u2019t want to be judgmental of others. Now it is true that we all need forgiveness, and it is doubtful that many will deny this; no one is claiming perfection here. However, that does not negate the fact that we still need to call attention to sin and the need to repent. Recognizing that we are all guilty of sin is not a reason to think, \u201cTherefore we should never tell anyone else that they ought to repent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider the case of Isaiah, who, overwhelmed by God\u2019s glory, confessed his own sinfulness and the sinfulness of those around him. Upon receiving forgiveness, he was then ready to go preach to stubborn people who wouldn\u2019t listen to the message of repentance (Isa. 6). The point is that Isaiah did not refrain from preaching about sin and repentance based upon the fact that he himself needed forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How do we know we are all sinners who need to repent unless someone first tells us about sin and God\u2019s will for repentance (2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 17:30-31)? Shall we just assume everyone knows this before they are told? If we are all sinners who need to repent, then someone told us at some point, and this assumes an understanding of sin and repentance. Shall we not give others this same message at the risk of sounding too judgmental? Shall our fear of sounding judgmental overcome our need to love others enough to present God\u2019s message to them? Are we showing real love if we ignore the sin, fail to point people toward repentance, and just embrace their situation no matter what? Is that the godly thing to do? Jesus didn\u2019t die in order to silence the message of repentance. His death provides the hope that is attached to the message, and we need to be preaching it with clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The gospel is about grace and forgiveness, but knowing about that grace only works when we first understand why we need grace and forgiveness. If we don\u2019t know about the sin, we won\u2019t know about our need to repent. If we don\u2019t know of our need to repent, we won\u2019t know we need grace and mercy. Again, how can someone say, \u201cWe shouldn\u2019t judge\u201d based on the fact that we are all sinners, unless that person first knows the problem of sin? If not careful, the \u201cwe shouldn\u2019t judge\u201d mantra can become a mask that veils the fullness of the gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are not being self-righteously judgmental by expressing what God has said about sin and repentance; we are being true to His word. Our message is not, \u201cYou need to repent and I never have to.\u201d We are all indeed in the same boat. We can show the problem of sin while recognizing our own guilt and need for God. We can do this with humility and grace. We can speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Calling out sin and the need to repent is not automatically unloving and self-righteous, and we must not assume that one who calls attention to sin is being some kind of prudish, holier-than-thou hypocrite. (We could point out that Person B is, in fact, judging person A for the perceived sin of being judgmental, with the implication that he ought to repent and quit being judgmental. Is that ironically unloving and judgmental?)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Paul knew of his own sins, but that didn\u2019t stop him from rebuking Peter (Gal. 2). Peter surely was aware of his own weaknesses, but that didn\u2019t stop him from rebuking Simon (Acts 8). Both Paul and Peter repented of sins, but they still told others what was necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Show love. Show grace. Show kindness. But don\u2019t, for a moment, think that these are in contradiction to calling out sin for what it is and pointing people to God\u2019s message of repentance. Yet while doing this, let\u2019s never stop short of sharing the answer to the problem \u2014 the blood of Jesus through which we find grace and forgiveness. Repentance is not an end in itself; salvation is the goal. Our purpose in calling out sin and showing the need to repent is not to condemn, but to point the way to that relationship with Christ in which there is \u201cno condemnation\u201d (Rom. 8:1-2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cTherefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord\u2026\u201d (Acts 3:19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2014 Via\u00a0 Mind Your Faith,<\/em> May 25, 2016 -2-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mike Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n James 1:25 says, \u201cBut he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.\u201d<\/strong> This verse reveals some important points about God\u2019s perfect law of liberty. Those who obey this verse are put in contrast with the mere \u201chearers\u201d of verse 22. Consider what is said in this passage about the perfect law of liberty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. It must be LOOKED INTO<\/strong>.<\/strong> This is not speaking of a casual look or a glance at the Word of God. The word in the Greek means \u201cto gaze carefully by the side of, to peer into or to peep into\u201d (Robertson\u2019s Word Pictures). It is the same word used in John 20:5 where John is described as looking into the empty tomb of Christ. The NASB translates it \u201clooks intently.\u201d It is important that we engage in a very serious study of God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2. It is PERFECT. <\/strong> The word translated \u201cperfect\u201d means complete or full. This makes it clear that God\u2019s law, the Bible, is God\u2019s complete revelation for us today. It is all we need, and there is no need to use man-made creeds as guides. A number of passages speak of the finality and completeness of God\u2019s revelation (Jude 3, II Tim. 3:16-17, Gal. 1:6-10, Rev. 22:18-19).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3. It is a LAW.<\/strong> Some say we are not under \u201claw\u201d today. It is true we are not under the Law of Moses, but a number of passages make it clear we are under a law. The Scriptures point out we are under the law of Christ<\/strong> (Gal. 6:2, I Cor. 9:21), the law of the Spirit and life <\/strong>(Rom. 8:2), and the law of love<\/strong> (Rom. 13:10).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4. It is a law of LIBERTY. <\/strong> The expression \u201claw of liberty\u201d may seem like a contradiction to some. But, true liberty can only exist where there is a law. Those who follow their own passions and desires are the \u201cservants\u201d of Satan (Rom. 6:16-17) as they yield to him. True freedom is in Christ. Jesus said, (Jn. 8:32) \u201cAnd you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free<\/strong>.\u201d Through Christ, we can be free from sin (Rom. 6:18).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5. It must be OBEYED. <\/strong>Our verse says we must \u201ccontinue in\u201d the perfect law of liberty. The NASB says, \u201cabide by it.\u201d The verse also says one must be a \u201cdoer of the work\u201d (\u201cdoing it\u201d \u2014 NIV). This section is speaking of obedience to God\u2019s Word. Verse 22 says, \u201cBut be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.\u201d I Corinthians 15:58 says we must be steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. It will PRODUCE BLESSINGS.<\/strong> We are also told that the person who obeys these instructions \u201cwould be blessed in what he does.\u201d How is this the case? First, obeying the perfect law of liberty produces happiness here upon this earth<\/strong>. Please note the following ways this can be seen. 1.<\/strong> Faithful Christians will generally make good choices in life which will result in greater happiness (Eph. 6:2-3). 2. <\/strong> Also, Christians can have a clear conscience. 3. <\/strong>Christians have a relationship with God which allows them to communicate with Him through prayer. 4.<\/strong> There are assurances regarding God providing the physical necessities of life (Mt. 6:33). Second, in a separate category, faithful Christians<\/strong> will receive the ultimate reward<\/strong> which is a home in heaven<\/strong> (Mt. 25:46). Psalm 19:11 points out that we are warned by God\u2019s Law and then says, \u201d . . . And in keeping them there is great reward.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n HOW DO YOU REGARD GOD\u2019S PERFECT LAW OF LIBERTY?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 via The Elon Challenger<\/em> Vol. 13, No. 10, June 2016 -3-<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barney L. Keith<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is sometimes said of an individual who has not yet obeyed the gospel, \u201cI believe he is almost ready to be baptized,\u201d or that \u201cshe is close to becoming a Christian!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Friend, are you one of those people? Can we not somehow impress upon you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n That \u201calmost\u201d is not sufficient to make one a Christian;<\/p>\n\n\n\n That being \u201cclose\u201d is not the same thing as being \u201cin Christ\u201d;<\/p>\n\n\n\n That you are still in a LOST condition;<\/p>\n\n\n\n That Christ is coming in judgment one day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is essential for you to note the words of Paul in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 where he states that those \u201cwho do not obey the gospel \u2026 will pay the penalty of eternal destruction.\u201d We URGE you to take a serious look at your life, your need of salvation, and the hope that can be found only \u201cin Christ.\u201d Obey the gospel TODAY!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2014 Via The Elon Challenger,<\/em> Vol. XIII, No. 9, May 2016 1) Hear <\/strong>the gospel, for that is how faith comes (Rom. 10:17; John 20:30,31). \u201cGo therefore and make disciples of all the nations\u2026teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age\u201d (Matthew 28:19-20, NASB).\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2013 Contents: 1) Sin, Repentance, and Judging Others (Doy Moyer)2) God\u2019s Perfect Law of Liberty (Mike Johnson)3) \u201cAlmost\u201d Is Not Enough! (Barney […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","post-preview"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=738"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":739,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/738\/revisions\/739"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thomastedwards.com\/wordpress\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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<\/p>\n\n\n\nGod\u2019s Perfect Law of Liberty<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u201cAlmost\u201d Is Not Enough!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2) Believe <\/strong>in the deity of Christ <\/strong>(John 8:24; John 3:18).
3) Repent <\/strong>of sins (Luke 13:5; Acts 17:30).
4) Confess faith <\/strong>in Christ (Rom. 10:9,10; Acts 8:36-38).
5) Be baptized <\/strong>in water for the remission of sins (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Rom. 6:3,4; Gal. 3:26,27; 1 Pet. 3:21). \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0
6) Continue in the faith, <\/strong>living for the Lord; for, if not, salvation can be lost (Heb. 10:36-39; Rev. 2:10; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
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Tebeau Street
CHURCH OF CHRIST
1402 Tebeau Street, Waycross, GA\u00a0 31501
Sunday<\/strong> services: 9:00 AM (Bible class); 10 AM & 5 PM (worship)
Wednesday: <\/strong>7 PM (Bible class)
evangelist\/editor:<\/strong> Tom Edwards (912) 281-9917
Tom@ThomasTEdwards.com<\/a>
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