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| Non-Christians generally eschew the reality of absolutes. They will make exceptions, though, for their pseudo science theory of evolution which calls for umpteen millions of years, minus Creator God, to produce all what we observe, feel, smell and observe. |
After all, why would one desire to restrict himself, believing and ordering his [or her] life after fixed principles found in an “old” book? Why would a person desire to limit his or her beliefs and experiences and repress human expression – whatever it may be? So goes the thinking of many who think and believe that living one’s life guided by absolutes is ludicrous and fanatical.
Those who often deride others for believing and ordering their lives after absolutes, contradict their own thinking and behaviors
Believing in no absolutes is contradictory, in itself. The perception to ignore absolutes and to definitively declare that there are no absolutes makes the person promulgating that philosophy, to be a believer in that one absolute belief.
Ignoring the obvious, does not alter reality. Ignoring or attempting to change the traditional understanding and practice of marriage (between a man and a woman), does not change the institution. Ignoring God’s Commandments will not change or alter them – or, even absolve the one running from them.
People who run from the reality of absolutes, illustrate that they desire to hide from reality:
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| Not surprisingly, the Gospel of Matthew 7:1 is utilized by non-Christians to silence the free speech (US First Amendment) rights of Christians from publicly speaking out. Non-Christian, politically motivated liberal people like to have a "corner" on public opinion and molest the interpretation of Holy Scripture to further their political ends. |
Matthew 7:1f
One of the most misunderstood Scriptures is Christ’s words about “judging.” [Matthew 7:1f] If there is one Scripture which unbelievers will know – it is this one. Both non-Christians and Christians, alike, are often of the opinion that a person should not be outspoken and critical of others. When confronted with their sinful lifestyles, non-Christians (and Christians) will utter their misinterpretation of Christ’s words, as a rationalizing defense mechanism. Their mistake is that they fail to understand the very first verse of Matthew 7:1f in light of the entire chapter.
Christ was teaching about hypocritically “judging” others. For instance, a person should not criticize his neighbor’s dog for nuisance barking when he himself is not careful to control his own dog from disturbing the neighborhood’s peace and quiet.
When looking at any Scripture, it is important to allow Scripture to interpret itself and to understand particular Scriptures within their framed context. Christ cautioned about (hypocritical) judging, and then also warned his disciples that they could recognize false prophets by their “fruits.” [Matthew 7:13-20] In essence, Christ called upon His disciples to be “fruit inspectors,” –- to judge others by their very words and lifestyles. Christ’s disciples, are, expected to be (ethically) discriminating – rebuking (reproving) the “deeds of darkness.” Ephesians 5:11
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| This con artist had many professing Christians convinced that he was a Christian. Even enough professing "Christians" voted a second time to award him a 2nd term as usurper White House occupier; it still is evident that he is not a genuine Christian. His actions do not match his professed words. Go check out the New Testament book of James 1:f. |
"Obama Is No Joshua" -- by Cal Thomas -- .....Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesn’t meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called “false prophets.” -- calthomas.com
The Politically Correct Culture of today frowns on calling out [criticizing] certain peoples' belief and lifestyle distinctions:
Political correctness would bring reproach upon any individual like Cal Thomas for being so outspoken. After all, Mr. Obama is now the USA president and he is, (according to the politically correct crowd), to be held in such high esteem that he should not be subject to such critical analysis. However, my Bible says that Mr. Obama, like everyone else will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Christ, preached Himself to be the “Absolute”
An honest person can’t read the New Testament Gospels and not be confronted with both the unique and absolute Christ. [John 18:37] Read the whole chapter of Matthew 7:1f and you [by God’s grace] will be able to recognize the zenith “absolute.” Christ is called in the Scriptures, the “'Beginning' and the 'end;'" the "First and the 'last.'” [Revelation 22:13] He is Creator God. And in Him all things [the universe] consist. Colossians 1:16
For those of you who do not know this Christ
May you come to recognize the one Absolute that is most paramount and absolutely, necessary. May God have mercy upon your humble quest.
Amen.
Related Scriptures [below] -- Intended to be utilized in a simple worship format:
Matthew 7:1f – “Judging” explained in its context. Also, the Absolute Christ
Related Scriptures [below] -- Intended to be utilized in a simple worship format:
Old Testament:
1 Kings 18:1-40 – The true God demonstrates his reality
Psalm 135:15-18 – False gods
New Testament:
Psalm 135:15-18 – False gods
New Testament:
Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" -- by Victor Buksbazen -- Isaiah 53:1-12 -- an in-depth view of and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53:1-12 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures.
Pastor (emeritus) Nathan Bickel
Please also note:
The "Words in Season" topical messages and related worship format are not intended to discourage or replace the Christian worship and assembly of Christians at their particular places of church worship. As this website's author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find the topical messages, related worship format and other material, a useful and valuable Christian resource.
The Christian Faith: Parts 1-3
1 -- What is meant by “Believing” and / or, being, “Saved?”
2 -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3 -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “Saved” [is a Christian
2 -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place
3 -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been “Saved” [is a Christian
Note: The above message (with minor editing) was previously posted online by Nathan Bickel
Well done; I have just had two discussions, one with a parishioner and one with a liberal Jewish rabbi, on this subject. We are not only authorized to admonish, reprove, rebuke, etc.; it is our duty, especially those in the Church who preach and teach. They can get "Jesus loves you and has a plan for your life" from Joel Osteen or Joyce Meyer, but that is not preaching or teaching the Word.
ReplyDeleteYes, Ken -
ReplyDeleteWell stated. Many people have a flawed idea of Matthew 7:1. They can't even conceive of what you point out. That's, because (to a large extent) they only have a myopic view of that particular Scripture. If we would carry their flawed logic to its furthest extent, we would be sinning (according to them) exercising our American First Amendment rights when we are critical of sinful and erring politicians.
And, I agree with you about non pastors such as Osteen and Meyer. They don't do the most difficult work which pastors do; those who faithfully carry out their priestly charges!