Judge not lest you be judged - should we criticise anointed men of God?
Good video by John McArthur and good article from: http://imspeakingtruth.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/judge-not/ -
In the video, John McArthur succinctly exegetes the foundation of Matthew 7, especially in light of how “judge not lest you be judged” gets hurled around (almost like an expletive) in response to the light of truth shining on any darkness.
As I’ve stated on many occasions, I blog in defense of the faith. I have no personal agenda - except to proclaim and defend the Gospel of Jesus Christ…even if when the Gospel is hijacked by perpetrators within the church.
Look at the scriptural reference in context:
1“(A)Do not judge so that you will not be judged.
2“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and (B)by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.
3“Why do you (C)look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
4“(D)Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is 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.
Too me, the text clearly forbids hypocrisy. It is hypocritical for someone to condemn adultery if they’re tipping out on their spouse at the same time. Likewise, it’s hypocritical to claim the name of the Lord, yet live and teach the complete contrary.
2 Timothy 3:16 affirms the authority of God’s Word - and it’s proper use.
As long as the Word of God is used to refute false teachers and their false doctrine, then the only judgement going on is from God to His enemies.
Dear Mrs. Franklin,
Have you ever heard of the Healing of Betty Baxter over 60
years ago? It is a very interesting read.
Thanks,
Teri
In the Heart of The Bible Belt
U.S.A.
Teri - is she the one that claimed to have died and gone to heaven etc?
http://www.geocities.com/bettybaxterstory/story7.html
Why is it that I found this story so unpalatable? Maybe it was this:
” I listened. Heaven was quiet. But I didn’t give up. I pray differently than some people, I guess. If I don’t hear from heaven, I pray until Jesus answers. I listened a while longer. When there was no answer, I began to cry again. I said, ‘Lord, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. I’ll make a bargain. Now Jesus listen to me, I’m going to bargain with you. Jesus if you will only heal me and make me well inside and outside I’ll go out and preach every night until I’m ninety years old if you want me to.’
Listen, God knew I was sincere. I prayed again, ‘Lord, I’ll do more than that. If you will heal me so I can walk and use my arms and be strong and normal I’ll give you my whole life. It will no longer belong to Betty Baxter - it will be yours and yours alone.’
I listened after I made these vows. this time I was rewarded. I heard the voice of Jesus speaking audibly to me. He spoke these words: ‘I am going to heal you completely August 24th, Sunday afternoon at 3:00 o’clock.’”
I wonder how many faithful people heard this story, prayed in faith, and heard nothing? Prayed for years and heard nothing? Prayed until their faith wore thin and then wore out? And then wondered what made Betty Baxter so faithful that Jesus would listen to her demands, yet not to their pleadings?
Does Jesus play favorites? Cure one and leave the thousands to suffer in pain? Sorry to sound so incredibly cynical, but I think of those people who have gone to rallies and revivals and not come away healed, despite their great faith.
This just bugs me terribly.
No, I do no think so–it has been a while since I have read it. She was a child and healed by Jesus. Her mom and she were in prayer to the Lord and He spoke to both of them, telling them that she would be healed in her home. Read the story when you have time–it’s quite interesting!
Sincerely,
Teri
Cukes -
I have not read this article yet so cannot comment on it.
But every single healing rally I have been to in my life has been false run usually be charlatans or people who will not face up to truth that none are healed through their ‘ministries’. But because there are quacks, deceivers and snake oil salemen, or those decieved, or people with silly ideas (as what you have said of Betty’s does sound a bit proud) does not mean God does not still heal.
I have been healed genuinely - by God, through no man’s ministry.
Like I said, do not judge God because of men and their faults. I would not be a Christian if I looked at man alone - because (generalising) the church is so hypocritical, decieved, controlling, abusive, hurtful, spiteful, and deceptive and its lets you down and stabs you in the back…thank God that it is not about men though and how bad or faithfuless they are, it is about God and how good and faithful he is
Thank You so much for speaking about Judging Others…
The church has taken this verse so out of context and lead others to deceivement with it. I too was decieved but God showed me this …
It is can be see like this ,
some are called to the gift of healing , and some to preaching, some are called to the gift of tongues interpertaion, and so on….but them that have the gift of prophecy…well, to them that have it understand that it is so sweet to receive and yet bitter to give many times..cause of the rebellious hearts and hard faces of many who have closed their eyes and ears to the gifts of God. Them that do have the gift are very cautious in testing the spirits…They have a burning fire inside that produces the word of God that proceeds forth. But, many take it as being judgemental. How dare they speak out against some one or something that has the name God attached to it. Yes, I agree that we should always pray on behalf on them ..just as Moses did for the Isarelites. But , I also know that judgement comes upon the one that does not share it either..if God speaks something then let Him confirm it and then speak it.
we are called to expose the works of darkness.
Dear Sir
I am afraid that I get this wrong. What id this is a move of God and we miss it because we have been so mistrusting.
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