To Judge Or Not To Judge
Brad Fry

"Do not judge so that you will not be judged" (Matthew 7: 1). What did Jesus mean with these words? Is there ever a time when people should "judge" others? Are there right ways to judge and wrong ways to judge? Just what is the proper application. of this passage?

That Jesus is not prohibiting judgment across the board can be proven by the passage itself. In verse 5 he tells us what we need to do first so that we can then help another with his problem. Other passages in the Bible make clear that we do have a responsibility to exercise judgment In John 7:24 Jesus says, "Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment" James 5:19,20 points out the importance of bringing one -back who has "strayed from the truth." In Matthew 18: 15 Jesus tells us, "If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother." The Bible simply does not teach this false idea that some have of "not Judging".

So what kinds of judgment are prohibited?

1. The Bible prohibits a self-righteous judgment. This was the problem Jesus was here, addressing. We judge self-righteously when we magnify the faults of others and minimize or ignore our own.

2. The Bible prohibits imposing our opinions and preferences on others (Romans 14). God is quite capable in making legislation, thank you very much. If a thing is required or prohibited, he made sure to tell us in the Bible. He has not asked for nor does he need your help or mine (James 4:11,12).

3. The Bible prohibits a merciless judgment Even when the matter at hand is sin as pointed out in the Word, where there is repentance there must be forgiveness (Luke 17:3). God promises that if we do not extend mercy and forgiveness to others, he will not extend mercy and forgiveness to us (Matthew 6:14, 15; James 2:13). Kind of makes you wake up and smell the coffee, doesn't it?

Let's make sure that if a brother or sister has sinned, we love them enough to go to them and help them out of it, but doing so with the proper attitude ourselves (Galatians 6:1,2). Lets first apply God's correction to ourselves before we do to others. And let's make sure everything, is done in love because "love covers a multitude of sins” (I Peter 4:8).

Please Be Advised
Beginning February 19, 2006, when the buzzer sounds for classes to begin, the exit doors on the north and east (office entrance) sides of the building will be locked. All late-comers will have to come to the foyer doors to get into the building.

Very Important Change
Beginning the week of March 5th, Sunday evening services will begin at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday evening services will begin at 7:00 p.m. If you have questions or concerns please see one of the elders.

For Your Information
All of the clocks in the building have been changed to the time shown on cell phones. Please do not change these clocks.

Wednesday Schedule Change
Beginning in February and until further notice, each 4th Wednesday of each month will be a song learning service. Each 5th Wednesday night will continue to be a devotional service.

Youth Devo Tonight
The Youth Group is scheduled to meet tonight after the evening services. See Matt Faneuf for more details.

Cupid’s Café
The annual Cupid’s Café fellowship meal is scheduled for next Sunday evening (12th) after the PM worship services. This is the event where the men prepare a meal for and serve the ladies. All are invited to attend.

Change For Ghana
This year’s Ghana Campaign is fast approaching. Remember to continue filling your Change For Ghana collection jars with your loose change. Much good can be done with this money.

If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight, if he lives with pity, he learns to be sorry for himself. But if a child lives with encouragement, tolerance, praise, he learns to be confident, patient and appreciative. If he lives with approval and the spiritual, he will respect himself and love God. What are we teaching our children?