DOGMATISM

DOGMATISM

When we say we are dogmatic about fundamentals it means we are absolutely sure, convinced, unlikely to change as we have studied it well. However, a true dogmatic is impossible to deal with and we run into them in every walk of life.You may not agree with me on the term Dogmatic, call it as you desire but all of us have run into this terrible attitude. Consider:

I am absolute in my love for truth and Proclaiming the gospel but I am not dogmatic about anything
and here is why:

Definition of Dogmatic:  1. Relating to, characteristic of, or resulting from dogma. 
2. Characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of "unproved" or unprovable principles.
See Synonyms for dictatorial....Technically Dogmatic means that I believe something without the
benefit of being able to express it with logic and facts. In other words to be dogmatic means I
refuse all logic and refuse to "use my God given mind to understand. "  I am acting
irrationally because I don't think I need to explain to someone else the reasons why I believe something.
Am I dogmatic about the gospel? No. Because that would mean I accept it without any evidence as to it's
authenticity. It's like saying to a lost person who challenges the gospel that I don't need to explain my position to you.

IT'S RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I SAID SO. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. If the gospel I preach can't stand
up under the scrutiny of of a critic then it must be irrational. Of course the gospel "is" rational and there is
Biblical evidence of doctrines that make it logical. It is a substitutionary atonement  which makes sense.
It fulfills God's Justice which makes sense etc. Grant it there are many things about it we may not understand
but what God wants men to understand about it we are able to understand and required to believe it.

We can't punch holes in false doctrines with dogmatic tools. We must debate scripturally,  rationally, logically
and doctrinally. Without the God given laws of logic doctrinal agreement is impossible. Communication is impossible Take notice of
our discussions with others. We are constantly using logic based on a scriptural system under the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Faith and rational thinking are not mutually exclusive as some would have us believe. Some one once said to me "I'm spiritual not logical"---that's really wrong thinking.  We should be able to scripturally and logically defend what we believe in a logical, scriptural and doctrinal way by sound hermeneutics. 

A truly dogmatic person by definition ignores God's gift of rationality because they stick to something and proclaim it arrogantly without explanation, facts or logical discourse.
When confronted the dogmatic operates in a circular argument that goes something like this like this:
Lost man-- Why is the gospel true? 
Dogmatic--"Because I said so." 
Lost man--Prove to me why you believe what you believe. 
Dogmatic---I don't have to explain it to you. It's the truth. 
Lost man---How do you know it's the truth? 
Dogmatic---Because I said so. 
Lost man--Don't you need a reason why you believe it? 
Dogmatic---No it's true don't challenge what I believe. 
Lost man--How do you know what you believe is true 
Dogmatic--I don't need to hear your arguments as to why it is not true. Your arguments are wrong. 
Lost man---How do you know my arguments are wrong? 
Dogmatic--Because I am right and you are wrong. 
Lost man--How do you know my arguments are wrong? 
Dogmatic---Because I am right. 
Lost man---Won't you even consider what I have to say? 
Dogmatic---No because I know I am right. 
Lost man---How do you know? 
Dogmatic---Because it is what I believe therefore it is right and you are wrong. 
Lost man--Won't you even Listen to what I have to say and consider why you think I am wrong?
Dogmatic--No, my mind is closed. 
Lost man--Why is your mind closed. 
Dogmatic----Because I am right, I know it and I don't need to explain why I am right.
                     So take or leave it.
A man who believes something should be able to listen to others and weigh their thoughts because he
might be wrong. I don't mind the Gospel being challenged because if the Gospel is true it will stand all tests
thrown at it. Pure Dogmatism stops a man from growing and learning. He says,"Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up" Usually because he is proud and insecure and doesn't like people challenging him.
So he thinks in an a twisted stubborn way.----Pastor Rodney

JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED ON WEDNESDAY

JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED ON WEDNESDAY. This is evident in the scripture. The confusion is due to the fact that there are Sabbaths on the Jewish calendar other than the weekly Sabbath or Saturday. Keep in mind that the Jewish day begins at sundown and ends at sundown the next day.

The scripture says in Mark 15 and Luke 23 that the crucifixion took place before the Sabbath. Folks mistakenly think this was Friday. There are two kinds of Sabbaths. There is the seventh day Sabbath and the High Day Sabbaths.

In Leviticus 23, we have seven Sabbaths listed besides the weekly Sabbath. Leviticus Chapter 23--The Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation This was a yearly Sabbath. Leviticus 23:32. "And it shall be unto you a Sabbath of rest, and ye shall afflict your souls: in the ninth day of the month at even, from even unto even shall ye celebrate your Sabbath." This is the Sabbath of the Atonement. Leviticus Chapter 23:39 When ye have gathered in the fruit of the land, ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. In Leviticus 23 there are seven sabaaths. There is the Passover Sabbath in the first month, fourteenth day followed by the Unleavened Bread Sabbath fifteenth day. There is the First Fruits Sabbath on the first month, and the seventeenth day. There is a Pentecost Sabbath fifty days later. There is a Sabbath of the Trumpets in the seventh month, the Sabbath of Atonement in the seventh month, and also the Sabbath of the Feast of Tabernacles. The Sabbaths listed here are not the weekly Sabbaths.These seven are called high Sabbaths.

Jesus Died before sundown the time in which the PASSOVER SABBATH commenced. Remember the Jewish day begins at sundown. We know it was passover. Jesus ate the Passover before the crucifixtion with his disciples. John 19:14-- "The Jews, therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day for that Sabbath day was an high day." ( A HIGH DAY SABBATH WAS NOT THE WEEKLY OR SATURDAY SABBATH). Jesus was crucified before sundown just before the PASSOVER SABBATH NOT THE WEEKLY SABBATH. Passover sabbath was the 14th day of the month. ALWAYS the day following the the Passover Sabbath was the Sabbath of unleavened bread the 15th day of the month. This lasted from sundown Thursday until sundown Friday.

So Jesus was crucifed on Wednesday before the passover Sabbath which lasted from Wendesday Sundown until Thursday sundown. Thursday Sundown began the Sabbath of unleavened bread; from Sundown Thursday until sundown Friday. The weekly Sabbath went from sundown Friday until Sundown Saturday. Jesus arose Early Sunday AM.

Matthew 28:1 ---In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. Sunday AM He arose. He was in the grave three FULL Jewish days an nights. Just as he said he would be----Pastor Rodney Houston

CAN WE KNOW ANOTHER'S HEART?

I HAVE BEEN MUSING over something. Now before you all get upset with me. Think for a moment "with me" before you begin TO DISDAIN ME.

We all know God knows our every thought. We do not know another's every thought. We often quote, including myself from Samuel 16:7

"But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."

This verse is used very often to say you can't possibly know about me or have a clue about my heart. However let us look closer at the context of this verse:

Samuel17:7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.

9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, Neither hath the Lord chosen this.

10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons to pass before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Jesse, The Lord hath not chosen these.

11 And Samuel said unto Jesse, Are here all thy children? And he said, There remaineth yet the youngest, and, behold, he keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Jesse, Send and fetch him: for we will not sit down till he come hither.

12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he.

Here is the scenario: Samuel is to anoint a king for Israel. God sends him to Jesse. Samuel has never met his sons. They come one by one. Samuel has had no dealings with these men. He has not heard them speak but he does notice:

16:6 And it came to pass, when they were come, that he looked on Eliab, and said, Surely the Lord's anointed is before him.

7 But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him:

Samuel is thinking as men. Here is a man, Eliab. He is tall and physically stout. King Saul whom Samuel loved was of such stature. Saul made a terrible king though and lost that honor.

Little David passes before him and God says this is the one to anoint king.

CONSIDER: Samuel was a prophet with considerable discernment. Had he been able to spend a lot of time with each of these brothers the heart of David would have been manifested to Samuel "BY HIS SPEECH AND ACTIONS" as it later was!

What does the scripture say? Can we discern another's heart. To a great degree yes, if we spend time with them.

Matthew 15:Matthew 15:18-20

18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies: 20 These are the things which defile a man:

2 Samuel 14:1
Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king's heart was toward Absalom.

Solomon knew his fathers heart: 1 Kings 3:6
And Solomon said, Thou hast shewed unto thy servant David my father great mercy, according as he walked before thee in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with thee;

We know a wise heart receives commandments of the Lord and a Fools does not: Proverbs 10:7 The memory of the just is blessed: but the name of the wicked shall rot. The wise in heart will receive commandments: but a prating fool shall fall. He that walketh uprightly walketh surely: but he that perverteth his ways shall be known.
Proverbs 12:23
A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. Proverbs 15:7
The lips of the wise disperse knowledge: but the heart of the foolish doeth not so.

When you see a man seeking Godly Knowledge and teaching it you know something about his heart.---Proverbs 15:14
The heart of him that hath understanding seeketh knowledge:
Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips.

We know that the heart of fools is in the house of partying:
Ecclesiastes 7:4
The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

We know a man's heart by knowing what he treasures: Matthew 6:21
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

As a man speaks his heart is revealed: Matthew 12:34
O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.

A mans actions reveal his heart to all:Matthew 12:35
A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

A man shows all a good heart by his fruits:Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Peter knew Simon's heart by his request: Acts 8:20-22

20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

21 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: FOR THY HEART is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of THINE HEART may be forgiven thee.

An evil heart curses children and has eyes full of adultry, covets, and beguiles unstable souls. 2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children.

We cannot know all of another's heart but these and other verses show we do have a level of discernment on a man's heart by his ongoing words and actions. On any given day one with a good heart can do an evil deed. But watch and listen "over time"and a pattern appears. A man's heart is manifested by his words, his treasure and his deeds.

1 John 3:7
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

-------Pastor Rodney Houston

HAS THE END TIME FALSE PROPHET ARRIVED?

MASS IN AMMAN: MAY THE HOLY SPIRIT PREPARE US FOR ENCOUNTER DESPITE DIFFERENT IDEAS, LANGUAGES, CULTURES OR RELIGIONS

Vatican City, 24 May 2014 (VIS) – Following his meeting with the Jordanian authorities, the Pope transferred by car to the International Stadium in Amman, which forms part of the “Al Husseini” sports complex, the construction of which was initiated by King Hussein. The stadium, in which Benedict XVI celebrated mass in 2009 during his apostolic trip to the Holy Land, holds more than 25,000 people and several thousand were able to follow the event broadcast on maxi-screens installed outside. Numerous Christian refugees in Jordan, originally from Palestine, Syria and Iraq, participated in the Eucharist presided by Pope Francis, during which 1,400 children received their first Communion.
Pope Francis began his homily by commenting, “We are not far from where the Holy Spirit descended with power on Jesus of Nazareth after his baptism by John in the River Jordan, and today I will go there”. He continued, “Today’s Gospel and this place to which, by God’s grace, I have come as a pilgrim, invite us to meditate on the Holy Spirit and on all that he has brought about in Christ and in us. In a word, we can say that the Holy Spirit carries out three actions – he prepares, he anoints and he sends”.
He explained, “At the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus to prepare him for his mission of salvation. … Yet the Holy Spirit, present from the beginning of salvation history, had already been at work in Jesus from the moment of his conception in the virginal womb of Mary of Nazareth … and acted in Simeon and Anna on the day of the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. … They gave prophetic expression to the joy of encountering the Redeemer and, in a certain sense, served as a preparation for the encounter between the Messiah and the people. These various works of the Holy Spirit are part of a harmonious action, a sole divine plan of love. The mission of the Holy Spirit, in fact, is to beget harmony – he is himself harmony – and to create peace in different situations and between different people. Diversity of ideas and persons should not trigger rejection or prove an obstacle, for variety always enriches. So today, with fervent hearts, we invoke the Holy Spirit and ask him to prepare the path to peace and unity”.
Secondly, “the Holy Spirit also anoints. He anointed Jesus inwardly and he anoints his disciples, so that they can have the mind of Christ and thus be disposed to live lives of peace and communion. Through the anointing of the Spirit, our human nature is sealed with the holiness of Jesus Christ and we are enabled to love our brothers and sisters with the same love which God has for us. We ought, therefore, to show concrete signs of humility, fraternity, forgiveness and reconciliation. These signs are the prerequisite of a true, stable and lasting peace. Let us ask the Father to anoint us so that we may fully become his children, ever more conformed to Christ, and may learn to see one another as brothers and sisters. Thus, by putting aside our grievances and divisions, we can show fraternal love for one another”.
Finally, the Holy Spirit sends. “Jesus is the one who is sent forth, filled with the Spirit of the Father. Anointed by the same Spirit, we also are sent as messengers and witnesses of peace. The world has much need of us as messengers of peace, witnesses of peace! The world needs this. The world asks us to bring peace and to be a sign of peace! Peace is not something which can be bought or sold; it is a gift to be sought patiently and to be ‘crafted’ through the actions, great and small, of our everyday lives. The way of peace is strengthened if we realise that we all of the same stock and members of the one human family; if we never forget that we have the same heavenly Father and are all his children, made in his image and likeness”.
“It is in this spirit that I embrace all of you: the Patriarch, my brother bishops and priests, the consecrated men and women, the lay faithful, and the many children who today make their First Holy Communion, together with their families. I also embrace with affection the many Christian refugees; let us all earnestly turn our attention to them, to the many Christian refugees from Palestine, Syria and Iraq; please bring my greeting to your families and communities, and assure them of my closeness”.
“The Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus in the Jordan and thus inaugurated his work of redemption to free the world from sin and death”. The Holy Father concluded. “Let us ask the Spirit to prepare our hearts to encounter our brothers and sisters, so that we may overcome our differences rooted in political thinking, language, culture and religion. Let us ask him to anoint our whole being with the oil of his mercy, which heals the injuries caused by mistakes, misunderstandings and disputes. And let us ask him for the grace to send us forth, in humility and meekness, along the demanding but enriching path of seeking peace”.

TO THE PALESTINIAN AUTHORITIES: PEACE WILL BRING IMMEASURABLE BENEFITS TO THE PEOPLE OF THIS REGION AND THE WORLD

Vatican City, 25 May 2014 (VIS) – At 7.30 this morning the Pope transferred from the apostolic nunciature of Amman to Bethlehem by helicopter, where he arrived at 9.20 a.m. local time (8.20 a.m. Rome time); he then undertook by car the journey of two and a half kilometres from the heliport to the presidential palace of Bethlehem, where he was received by the president of the Palestinian State, Mahmoud Abbas.
Bethlehem is first referred to in the Bible in relation to the death of Rachel and is identified with the Euphrates (the fruitful). In the sacred books it is called “Bethlehem of Judea”, the tribe to which it belonged. David was born and consecrated a king by the prophet Samuel there, and with the birth of Jesus, the smallest of Israel’s cities gained worldwide importance and grew due to the influx of pilgrims. In the year 135, the emperor Adrian introduced the cult of Adonis but Christianity was restored in 330 by Constantine. Following the Islamic conquest in 638, the Caliph Omar initiated a policy of religious tolerance, but with the arrival of the crusading army in 1099, the Muslims devastated the city. In 1100 the crusader king of Jerusalem, Baldwin I, was consecrated. The Arab reconquest in 1187 and the subsequent Ottoman occupation marked the decline of the citadel which by 1600 had been reduced to a small village. At the beginning of the nineteenth century the city, the majority of whose inhabitants were Christians, began a revival. In 1831, the Pasha of Egypt, Mohamed Ali, conquered the city, and the Muslims, allies of the Ottomans, were driven out and their quarters burned. Ten years later, the city fell under Ottoman control once again. Under British rule from 1918, it became part of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946. In 1967, following the so-called Six Days War, it was occupied by the Israeli army, along with east Jerusalem and most of the West Bank. Since 1995 it has been part of the Autonomous Palestinian Territories following the Oslo Accords (now the State of Palestine). The then-president of the Palestinian Authority, Yasser Arafat, ordered the construction of the presidential Palace which today receives the Pope’s visit.
The Holy Father, accompanied by President Abbas, was greeted by various representatives of the Palestinian Christian communities from the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, who delivered various messages, and then transferred to the Great Hall where he was awaited by the Palestinian authorities and members of the Diplomatic Corps, whom he addressed.
“For decades the Middle East has known the tragic consequences of a protracted conflict which has inflicted many wounds so difficult to heal”, he began. “Even in the absence of violence, the climate of instability and a lack of mutual understanding have produced insecurity, the violation of rights, isolation and the flight of entire communities, conflicts, shortages and sufferings of every sort. In expressing my closeness to those who suffer most from this conflict, I wish to state my heartfelt conviction that the time has come to put an end to this situation which has become increasingly unacceptable. For the good of all, there is a need to intensify efforts and initiatives aimed at creating the conditions for a stable peace based on justice, on the recognition of the rights of every individual, and on mutual security. The time has come for everyone to find the courage to be generous and creative in the service of the common good, the courage to forge a peace which rests on the acknowledgement by all of the right of two States to exist and to live in peace and security within internationally recognized borders”.
“To this end, I can only express my profound hope that all will refrain from initiatives and actions which contradict the stated desire to reach a true agreement, and that peace will be pursued with tireless determination and tenacity. Peace will bring countless benefits for the peoples of this region and for the world as a whole. And so it must resolutely be pursued, even if each side has to make certain sacrifices”, he emphasised. “I pray that the Palestinian and Israeli peoples and their respective leaders will undertake this promising journey of peace with the same courage and steadfastness needed for every journey. Peace in security and mutual trust will become the stable frame of reference for confronting and resolving every other problem, and thus provide an opportunity for a balanced development, one which can serve as a model for other crisis areas”.
He then referred with affection to the active Christian community, “which contributes significantly to the common good of society, sharing in the joys and sufferings of the whole people. Christians desire to continue in this role as full citizens, along with their fellow citizens, whom they regard as their brothers and sisters. Mr President, our recent meeting in the Vatican and my presence today in Palestine attest to the good relations existing between the Holy See and the State of Palestine. I trust that these relations can further develop for the good of all. In this regard, I express my appreciation for the efforts being made to draft an agreement between the parties regarding various aspects of the life of the Catholic community in this country, with particular attention to religious freedom. Respect for this fundamental human right is, in fact, one of the essential conditions for peace, fraternity and harmony. It tells the world that it is possible and necessary to build harmony and understanding between different cultures and religions. It also testifies to the fact that, since the important things we share are so many, it is possible to find a means of serene, ordered and peaceful coexistence, accepting our differences and rejoicing that, as children of the one God, we are all brothers and sisters”.
“Mr President, dear brothers gathered here in Bethlehem: may Almighty God bless you, protect you and grant you the wisdom and strength needed to continue courageously along the path to peace, so that swords will be turned into ploughshares and this land will once more flourish more in prosperity and concord. Salaam!”

THE FORGOTTEN HALF OF THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

"Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
This is the first and great commandment.
And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."---Matthew 22:37-40

This was Jesus' answer to a Phari...see who was also a lawyer. He had asked the question what is the greatest commandment. The Pharisees were self deceived religious bigots, monks, religious lone rangers. They thought they were serving God by attempting in their pride to separate themselves from people entirely to be worshippers of God. They were religious legalists untainted by the people that surrounded them. They truly thought they loved God more than most and would not dare defile themselves with the crowds of common humanity. In their minds they had arrived at the pinnacle of spirituality that placed them far above the filthy masses below them. They were cold and uncaring toward others. They kept to themselves in their intellectual spiritual Monastery.

If Jesus had only quoted the first half of the greatest commandment without the second they would have remained comfortable in their self deceived religious smugness. It was the second half of the greatest commandment that cut them to the core. "Love thy neighbor as thyself".

When I was in Bible college with three children in elementary school. My wife took a day time job working at a fast food restaurant while our children were in school. Those were difficult times financially. The kind of days where you search behind the car seats and couch cushions to buy milk and bread.

One evening my wife told me how rude and hateful she had been treated by one of my Bible professors. I had this professor for one of my classes. He was very intelligent well educated with two doctorate degrees one in theology. I was surprised to hear of his actions. On campus he was always nice and helpful to us students but apparently a lowly food server did not measure up to being one of the "neighbors to love as thyself". Little did he know he was speaking unkindly to one of his students' wife.

We cannot love God and treat our fellow man made in the image of God with disdain and unkindness.
"James 3:9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." [?]
James' question is a good one. Even in man's fallen state God demands we recognize that he was made in God's image and deserves respect as such.

We have two kinds of neighbors, saved and lost. God makes his rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Our brothers and sisters should be loved very deeply.

"If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."---1 John 4:20-21
Let us let this verse sink deep into our soul. Jesus Christ lives in our spiritual brothers and sisters and every unsaved man has the possibility of becoming a brother or sister. Yes all we need is Jesus Christ but let us never forget that He can be found not only in our own spirit but in the spirit of every believer.

Jesus rubbed elbows with the masses on a daily basis. He loved them. He saw them as sheep without a Shepard. He ate with them. Cooked fish for the disciples and dined with sinners so often he held the honor of being a "friend to publicans and sinners." He fed people when they were hungry and healed the sick whether they believed on him or not.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief."---1 Timothy 1:15

We are not just spiritual beings. We are, for now, also earthly, beings. Until God calls us home we have a mission. "As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world."---John 17:18
Some "super spiritual saints' " feet never need washing. We are not of the World but we are certainly sent into the world. Let us never forget this fact! The depth of our love for God can always be determined by how we treat our fellow man. "God so loved the world..." and so shall we if we love Him. "Love thy neighbor as thyself." -----Pastor Rodney Houston

CHRISTIAN ARE YOU EMOTIONALY MATURE IN CHRIST?

  There is a doctrine woven all through the New Testament called "Perfection". For my esteemed theologians the word "sanctification" is often used with it interchangeably. While they intersect in many ways it is my conviction there are some slight differences in the two; but that is discussion for another time.

Perfection, as mentioned in New Testament theology, for the Christian does no mean "sinless". Though it does mean "sinning less". A new Christian is a baby and should be accepted as such. Now new babies are wonderful and sweet. New babies also cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom. This is expected. However if in 18 years the baby still cannot feed, dress, walk or go to the bathroom it is no longer a pretty picture. It means something is very wrong. We have many such dysfunctional Christians. This is very sad.
"For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat."---Hebrews 5:12

Now the Lord expects us to mature.
"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."---1 Corinthians 13:11

There are certain things that help us grow. Prayer, Bible study, and regular participation in a Bible believing church are among the main ones. Older mature Christians also have an obligation to care for the babies.

A man is made up of many facets. All of these need to grow together, but sometimes sin causes one facet of a man to grow while another area remains stagnate. Let us consider just two such areas. The mind and the emotions. There are some Christians who grow very strong in mind or what may loosely be called intellect and remain Babes emotionally. The Christian intellectual often wants to play down the emotional side. But our feelings and affections are to grow to maturity as well.

Often someone who has been emotionally hurt, rather than seeking Christ for help and healing they attempt to make Christianity a purely intellectual growth. They believe that emotions are a weakness and attempt to do away with them. However emotions are a gift from God and part of a man's make sways his will. A man's will is no small matter as it directs his life.
Colossians 3:2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.

Now our mind is to keep emotions in Check, not the other way around but an emotionally mature Christian has a deep passion for God. Jesus demonstrates this emotion when he wept seeing the Jews weeping at Lazarus death. He had zeal when he drove the money changers out of the temple. He was a man of sorrow acquainted with grief. He never sought to eliminate his emotions but to bring them to the obedience of His Father just as his mind was. We are to minister to others in doctrine and emotions. "Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep". I have met some very knowledgeable Christians whose demeanor was cold as ice. They were mature in the mind but babes emotionally. Other immature Christians are out of control in their emotions allowing their emotions to rule their mind. This is often the case in Neo-charismatic churches. Some in an effort to down play immature emotions have sought to eliminate them. This is a mistake. Both of the above extremes demonstrate spiritual babes emotionally.

We live for Jesus not only mentally but with zeal, compassion, sorrow and even righteous indignation. It is our emotions that allow us to care very deeply for others and to share one another burdens. It is our emotions that gift us to praise in Spirit and in truth with passion and zeal. We are commanded to be "Zealous and repent". "Godly sorrow leadeth to repentance". This makes sorrow very important emotion.

Don't squash your emotions bring them under obedience to Christ as we should all the facets of our make up. As the psalmist says we are fearfully and wonderfully made.----Pastor Rodney Houston

PASTOR, A TARNISHED TITLE?

 Hebrews 13:4,17
"Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you."

As the Bible commands this Pastor calls out false prophets that stand in pulpits. However I will not stand for someone using a broad brush on all Pastors tarnishing this God given office. I admit without apology a personal conviction and mission to restore confidence in the Biblical office of Pastor. I taught respect for Pastors even when I was not a Pastor.

No Holy Spirit led Christian would deny that we have a serious moral problem in our nation and I agree that false prophets are a big part of the problem. However, there is bigger problem. Tele-evangelist, which is where many wrongfully learn to define the office of Pastor, are largely Heretics and false Prophets; not all but most. I know, like you, because I have watched them and know what they teach. These tele-heretics are visible to all and most are not Pastors but false prophets.

The media will readily publish stories about money making tele-heritics, false prophets and snake handlers. These are not Biblical Church Pastors. They are false prophets. The many, many good Pastors in this country that you never hear about don't care for the general media and the general media care nothing for them. Therefore most will not know of the heavenly labor Pastor's do.

So... What is very disconcerting is the name Pastor is being tarnished and drug through the mud. Sadly much of the disdain is coming from church members themselves! They are killing their own local church when they disrespect the office of Pastor. This is why I am so adamant about calling a man of God a Pastor and calling heretics false prophets. Don't call false prophets Pastors. The very word pastor means Shepard. One who "cares" for the sheep. A false prophet is a hireling according to Jesus Christ.

Now it may seem I that I am splitting hairs over a word here but the respect for the office and "Biblical title" Pastor needs restoration. It is evident more and more people disdain the very office of Pastor. I, for one, shall continue to defend God's word concerning respect for the office of Pastor.

Think of it this way. Suppose you are a carpenter and the media began showing shoddy work of houses. What if people began calling and redefining all carpenters as wood butchers. What if people began putting them down and disrespecting all of them to the point that the name "carpenter" became tarnished. Someone asks, "What do you do for a living?" and you say, "I'm a carpenter" and hang your head because you know what has been done to the title. Lawyers have suffered the same fate as Pastors in this respect. We all know the jokes about lawyers but I happen to know a fine Christian Lawyer. The word Pastor is an important Biblical title that needs renewed respect because it is a crucial office and part of God's plan for Churches and society as a whole.

Pastor's have ministered more morality to this Nation than any other single group of people. I love Pastors. They have shaped my life for good and are my dearest of friends. Pastors have a tough time teaching on this subject (respect for the office of Pastor) because people think they are being self serving. We really need a grass roots movement from the pew to rise up and defend this wonderful God given office, call and gift to the Church... "Pastors". -----Pastor Rodney Houston

IF I MUST WEAKEN MY CONVICTIONS TO REMAIN YOUR FRIEND. GOOD BYE.

 "Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than m...e is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it."----Jesus Christ, Matthew 10:34-39

For sometime I have been wanting to post for all my FB family and friends on this subject. Often a friend or family member will post something that is contrary to sound Biblical teaching. It then forces me to make a choice. Go along to get along or stand for my convictions. Some believe their relationships are made better by compromising their convictions. Jesus did not live this or teach this and this Christian does not believe it for that reason.

First conviction must be defined. Many think a conviction and an opinion are the same thing. They are not. An opinion is What I think. A conviction is "what I believe God thinks". What God thinks is more important than our opinions. How do we know what God thinks? The answer is that it is shown to us by sound Biblical study under the leadership of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Everyone should determine their convictions. One is better off to have a wrong conviction than have none at all. If I am wrong I can repent and change but a man with no convictions is nothing, stands for nothing and is good for nothing. My conviction could be wrong but you will not change my mind without showing me by "soundly interpreted scripture where I am wrong". Your opinion will not sway me. Show me your convictions based on sound Biblical interpretation. I am all ears to hear.

Here is the problem. Some people take it personal when your convictions disagree with their opinions or their convictions. Whenever there is a post on my FB page or discipleship groups I am a member of, do not expect me to always agree just to remain your friend. I will not break friendship over such disagreements. Even my dearest and closest's relatives and friends I want you to know this. I will do my best to state my convictions whether you agree with them or not. I don't mind that you have a contrary conviction. In fact I want to hear it. However, if you make me choose between our friendship and my convictions... Good Bye. You see my convictions define the boundaries of my personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Do not force me to choose you over HIM. In fact it is these very convictions that define who I am. I am a child of Jesus Christ, born again of HIM. . It is my Identity. You cannot change that. When I state something that does not agree with your statement please know that I am not being egotistical or know it all. I love truth and am commanded by Jesus Christ to always stand and teach truth the best I can. Jesus Christ is not just someone I meet with on Sunday. He is my life moment by moment. So don't think I don't love you or that I am being hard to get along with. I simply want all to know the joy of a personal relationship as defined in the Bible that I have been given. If I remain silent, you may never know the convictions I have been blessed with and who I really am.

"There came then his brethren and his mother, and, standing without, sent unto him, calling him. And the multitude sat about him, and they said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren without seek for thee. And he [Jesus] answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or my brethren? And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!
For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother."---Mark 3:31-35

--Pastor Rodney Houston

DOGMATISM IS THE DEVIL'S TOOL.


I am absolute in my love for truth and Proclaiming the gospel but I am not dogmatic about anything and here is why: Definition of Dogmatic: 1. Relating to, characteristic of, or resulting from dogma. 2. Characterized by an authoritative, arrogant assertion of "unproved" or improvable principles. See Synonyms for dictatorial....Technically Dogmatic means that I believe something without the benefit of being able to express it with facts. In other words to be dogmatic means I refuse all logic and refuse to "use my God given mind to understand. " In other words I am acting irrationally because I don't think I need to explain to someone else the reasons why I believe something.

Am I dogmatic about the gospel? No. Because that would mean I accept it without any evidence as to it's authenticity. It's like saying to a lost person who challenges the gospel that I don't need to explain my position to you. IT'S RIGHT JUST BECAUSE I SAID SO. TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT. If the gospel I preach can't stand up under the scrutiny of of a critic then it must be irrational. Of course the gospel is rational and there is Biblical evidence of doctrines that make it logical.

It is a substitutionary atonement which makes sense. It fulfills God's Justice which makes sense etc. Grant it there are many things about it we may not understand but what God wants men to understand about it we are able and required to believe it.

We can't punch holes in false doctrines with dogmatism. We must debate scripturally, rationally, logically and doctrinally. Without the God given laws of logic doctrinal agreement this is impossible. Take notice our discussions here. We are constantly using logic based on a scriptural system under the guiding of the Holy Spirit. Faith and rational thinking are not mutually exclusive as some would have us believe. Recently a person on here said to me

"I'm spiritual not logical"---that's really wrong thinking. We should be able to scripturally and logically defend what we believe in a logical, scriptural and doctrinal way by sound hermeneutics. A truly dogmatic person by definition ignores God's gift of rationality because they stick to something and proclaim it arrogantly without explanation, facts or logical thought.

When confronted the dogmatic lives in a circular argument that goes like this:
Lost man--" Why is the gospel true?
Dogmatic--"Because I said so."
Lost man--Prove to me why you believe what you believe.
Dogmatic---I don't have to explain it to you. It's the truth.
Lost man---How do you know it's the truth?
Dogmatic---Because I said so.
Lost man--Don't you need a reason why you believe it?
Dogmatic---No it's true don't challenge what I believe.
Lost man--How do you know what you believe is true
Dogmatic--I don't need to hear your arguments as to why it is not true. Your arguments are wrong.
Lost man---How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic--Because I am right and you are wrong.
Lost man--How do you know my arguments are wrong?
Dogmatic---Because I am right.
Lost man---Won't you even consider what I have to say?
Dogmatic---No because I know I am right.
Lost man---How do you know?
Dogmatic---Because it is what I believe therefore it is right and you are wrong.
Lost man--Won't you even Listen to what I have to say and consider why you think I am wrong?
Dogmatic--No, my mind is closed.
Lost man--Why is your mind closed.
Dogmatic----Because I am right, I know it and I don't need to explain why I am right. So take or leave it.

A man who believes something should be able to listen to others and weigh their thoughts because he might be wrong. I don't mind the Gospel being challenged because if the Gospel is true it will stand all tests thrown at it. Pure Dogmatism stops a man from growing and learning. He says, "Don't bother me with the facts, my mind is made up" Usually because he is proud and insecure and doesn't like people challenging him. So he thinks in an a twisted stubborn way.----Pastor Rodney

"DO YOU LOVE ME?" ----Jesus Christ.

Many Times Christians are crudely accused of being hypocrites by worldly people while they brag unremorseful, and uncontrite openly, as it were, on their sinful lifestyle. They tort, "At least I ain't a hypocrite" as they gleefully sin for all to see.

A prime example is the so called, "Coming out of the closet" for those who practice sodomy. Truly we are a nation that has forgotten how to blush. A true Hypocrite, in it's purest sense, is someone who feels no shame for their sin. They knowingly and willfully without any remorse worship themselves and put forth a fake self to gain the worship of others. They are actors for the applause of men every moment they are in the public eye. However, one who is not ashamed of their sin is as bad as a hypocrite.

Often as Christians we hide our sin and weaknesses from others simply because we are ashamed of ourselves or because we know how cruel others can be in their judgment of us. However, we do not hide our sin from God. We acknowledge our transgressions. At times even while we are in the midst of sin our heart is smitten by grief from the Holy Spirit; and we know it.

The scripture says we are to confess our faults one to another. Does that mean we shout them from the roof top. No. We confide in others who know and understand the same conviction and shame we feel for not loving our Lord in word or deed.

As disciples of Christ we sin sometimes with sin that no one knows about but us and God. We are ashamed for others to know. We fear the condescending looks, unforgiveness and their harsh judgment. We know our God is more merciful and gracious than they are. We often confide only in those who are true Godly friends our hidden sins. We protect our reputation not because we are hypocrites but because we know that others are cruel, without compassion and unforgiving.

As true disciples we can feel deeply for the apostle Peter. Yes, he cursed and denied Christ but he also immediately went out and wept bitterly over his sin. We can really relate as disciples to the shame he felt when the Lord ask him, "Peter do you love me?" This is the true disciple's motivation for his walk and service. This Christian hears the Holy Spirit almost continually asking, "Do you love me?"

Are we Hypocrites if we acknowledge in Godly sorrow our sin? Was Peter a hypocrite? NO. We are sinners saved by grace battling every day a sin nature that we inherited. One day Christ will remove this thorn in our side. We love our Lord sometimes, hopefully most of the time, but sometimes to our shame and grief we do not. Never the less He loves us ALL the time!

GRACE! SO NEEDED. SO MISUNDERSTOOD.

The Bible speaks often of grace. It is God bestowing favor on us without us doing anything to earn it. Grace cannot be bought, bargained for or earned. Neither should it be taken for granted or abused. "Shall we 'abide' in sin that grace may abound? God forbid..."---Apostle Paul. Nevertheless a man cannot serve God and fellowship with him without a steadily receiving his grace.

For mankind the true opposite of grace is pride. He reasons in his own estimation that some how his morals have earned God's favor. It has not!
God's favor is given to us only because of the sacrificial death on the cross of Jesus Christ. Any morality or righteousness we may accomplish is not a means of earning God's grace but a result of swimming in God's grace. Grace is so abundant and yet so elusive to mankind because his pride warps his perception of it.

God has angels who worship him without ever personally experiencing grace. Many men think they are here to be as righteous as the angels in their works. They cannot because on this side of heaven the sin nature is ever present. Others live in willful sin with an ungrateful attitude toward God's gift of grace even as HE continues to extend grace to them in their rebellion. The one trying so nobly to walk in fellowship looks upon the carnal Christian with the mistaken idea that they themselves are more deserving of God's grace, In the process they judge God who makes his rain the fall on the just and unjust. Unwittingly this judgmental fellow trying so hard is receiving the very grace he despises in others as he is sinning by judging the goodness of God!

Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.---Apostle Paul

Paul got it right. Why are we created? Why did God allow us to inherit the sin of Adam. The angels and men will forever more be in awe not at our self imposed righteousness or even for our great reward for genuine faithfulness. OH NO!! The great attribute demonstrated in man that will ever amaze the heavens is GOD'S GRACE TO MAN!
Ephesians 6:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

AMAZING GRACE HOW SWEET THE SOUND!

HEALING IN THE MIDST OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
(One Pastor's confession) By Pastor Rodney Houston

Relationships can be very trying. I run into all kinds of broken relationships as a Christian and a Pastor. Sometimes with family or church members a rift develops for one reason or another. I may doing a funeral or a wedding or trying to minister to one person and suddenly find myself caught in an u...ncomfortable triad with a third person who hates me. In many ways it is impossible for me or any of us for that matter to totally avoid these situations. It's this triad that is so awkward. This happens to everybody and it is important come to some righteous conclusion on this matter as Christians.

As in all things, I try to put my life in the framework of my Christianity and Biblical principles and my walk with Jesus Christ. I believe in loving my enemies but I don't think I am required by God to always fraternize with them. When put in a situation of having to be in contact with them I have no other biblical mandate than Charity! Love my enemies. Do good to them that use me and are spiteful. Christianity requires great love and courage. Where do I get this? I cannot give what I have not received. I must first consider how Jesus Christ handled such situations. When I look at him I am overwhelmed at his example of love and courage.

Consider Judas Iscariot. Three and 1/2 years he traveled with Jesus on a daily basis. Jesus knew all the time that Judas would betray him to death. Judas was also was stealing money from the whole group; Mind you money that had been given to Jesus for their ministry! What does Jesus do? The night of his betrayal he gives Judas bread to eat and washes his feet! Now I gotta tell ya, I gotta be honest, I would have a hard time washing the feet of some people! And it makes me realize I am not yet where Christ wants me to be. For me this is the hardest of things to admit. So I must rely on God's grace in my life while I act like what I consider myself to be--A spiritual ass! Hee Hawing like a stubborn donkey. This is honest and pure confession for me! Confess your faults one to another. So I have at least now obeyed that portion of scripture.

How is it we get caught in these difficult situations? Sin is the problem as always. Either mine or someone else's or both. James addresses the problem we have:
James 3:
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

So. What do we do? I don't think there is a mathematical formula to this relationship problem. Every person is unique and therefore every relationship is unique. It should come as no surprise that the number one response in the "about" section of Face Book social networking to the question "relationship status?" is "It's complicated!".

We live in a sin cursed world. Our own sin and other's sins is the source the emotional and painful relationships. If I were as mature spiritually as Jesus I could always walk in love with my enemies like he did with Judas. But am not there completely there yet and every broken relationship in my life gauges and test my spiritual growth and actually lends itself to helping me in said growth. Here is what I do know. I can't always run and and hide from these situations. I am amazed as much as I try to avoid some people how God continues to box me into situations with them that truly shows me if I made a D or an A on the "Loving My Enemies Test".

In a particular unavoidable personal relationship some years ago I said that I am not going to have anything to do with this person any more. And I didn't for almost a year. However, this bothered me so I sought counsel from a very wise Christian fellow Pastor. I ask him, "Am I making a mistake? Am I sinning by having no contact with this person?" My friend was straining to answer me. After much pause he "wisely" said to me "No". Slowly I began to get it. The dynamics of this situation were such that at this time the pain of the situation was more than I could reasonably handle with the spiritual tools and strength I possessed! I didn't like it but it was true. Further more no amount of bible study and intellectual exercise or anything "I could do" was going to deliver me. I was helpless! If I was ever going to be able to handle this differently God was going to have to do something in me that I could not do. I was stunted in my spiritual growth in this narrow band. Some of it was my fault. Most of it was not. Either way I had to admit my weakness and rely solely on God's grace. It hurt my pride to say, "I can't. God you must".

And then the strangest thing began to happen. Conceding that I was incapable of acting correctly from the heart and depending on God's grace healed me in ways never before possible. I have at least the best relationship I have ever had now with this person that I cannot remove from my life. It's still not easy and I still avoid this person at times but I am no longer paralyzed by the situation. I have a new appreciation because of this for God's grace.
Ephesians1:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.|

---Pastor Rodney HoustonSee More

SEEK GOD BUT HOW?

God uses all kinds of things to guide our lives. He may or may not use the following as "HE" sees fit: Circumstances, the Church, people, Pastors, teachers, friends, enemies, dreams, visions, angels and many other ways. I do not limit God in these things. My whole point in this: that there is nothing like the Holy Spirit and inspired scripture. God ALWAYS uses the Holy Spirit an...d inspired scripture every time we read or hear it. When folks "bypass" this method of communicating with God and "seek" other ways they are missing God's will and blessing in their life. We are commanded to read the word, study it, preach it, teach it and live it. Prayer and scripture are the only two tools we are called upon in the New testament to SEEK AFTER GOD.

If God wants to use other things to guide us HE can and sometimes does; I have heard missionaries testify of places where there was no scripture about God doing some unusual things to people seeking him. BUT! We are commanded to pray and read the inspired scripture if we have it. We are told there are angels who watch over us and many have entertained angels unaware. We are not told to ask God to have them communicate with us. There is a reason we live by faith and not by sight in the Church and are not commanded to seek for dreams or visions or some supernatural event, miracle or sign according to the New Testament . In fact Jesus said an evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign. Furthermore the Scripture and Holy Spirit living in us leads, guides, convicts illuminates and reveals God's will in our life. It cost a great deal for us to have him live in us to be our guide and there is nothing more sure than him when he makes his will known according to scripture. We are commanded to pray and read the word, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and obey him. We are commanded to teach and preach inspired scripture. We commanded to preach as "a word from God" nothing but the whole counsel of the word of God according to "inspired scripture" and nothing else!

There is now a whole generation of professing Christians who DO NOT KNOW, READ, STUDY OR SUBMIT TO THE AUTHORITY OF INSPIRED SCRIPTURE. As a result many are becoming spiritual mystics and being deceived because they are not grounded in sound doctrine. Jesus and the Apostles predicted this would happen producing scores of "false" prophets and teachers even working miracles. Instead of this great gift of the Bible that God has given us they deny it's authority and have tried go backwards to a time when the Holy Spirit and the Bible was not given to us. Pentecost and the Bible CHANGED EVEREYTHING concerning the way God prefers to fellowship with his people.----Pastor Rodney Houston.

HEALING IN THE MIDST OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

HEALING IN THE MIDST OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS
(One Pastor's confession) By Pastor Rodney Houston

Relationships can be very trying. I run into all kinds of broken relationships as a Christian and a Pastor. Sometimes with family or church members a rift develops for one reason or another. I may doing a funeral or a wedding or trying to minister to one person and suddenly find myself caught in an uncomfortable triad with a third person who hates me. In many ways it is impossible for me or any of us for that matter to totally avoid these situations. It's this triad that is so awkward. This happens to everybody and it is important to come to some righteous conclusion on this matter as Christians.

As in all things, I try to put my life in the framework of my Christianity and Biblical principles and my walk with Jesus Christ. I believe in loving my enemies but I don't think I am required by God to always fraternize with them. When put in a situation of having to be in contact with them I have no other biblical mandate than Charity! Love my enemies. Do good to them that use me and are spiteful. Christianity requires great love and courage. Where do I get this? I cannot give what I have not received. I must first consider how Jesus Christ handled such situations. When I look at him I am overwhelmed at his example of love and courage.

Consider Judas Iscariot. Three and 1/2 years he traveled with Jesus on a daily basis. Jesus knew all the time that Judas would betray him to death. Judas was also was stealing money from the whole group; Mind you money that had been given to Jesus for their ministry! What does Jesus do? The night of his betrayal he gives Judas bread to eat and washes his feet! Now I gotta tell ya, I gotta be honest, I would have a hard time washing the feet of some people! And it makes me realize I am not yet where Christ wants me to be. For me this is the hardest of things to admit. So I must rely on God's grace in my life while I act like what I consider myself to be--A spiritual Donkey! Braying and Hee Hawing in my stubborn pride. This is honest and pure confession for me! Confess your faults one to another. So I have at least now obeyed that portion of scripture.

How is it we get caught in these difficult situations? Sin is the problem as always. Either mine or someone else's or both. James addresses the problem we have:
James 3:
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

So. What do we do? I don't think there is a mathematical formula to this relationship problem. Every person is unique and therefore every relationship is unique. It should come as no surprise that the number one response in the "about" section of Face Book social networking to the question "relationship status?" is "It's complicated!".

We live in a sin cursed world. Our own sin and other's sins is the source the emotional and painful relationships. If I were as mature spiritually as Jesus I could always walk in love with my enemies like he did with Judas. But I am not completely there yet and every broken relationship in my life gauges and test my spiritual growth and actually lends itself to helping me in said growth. Here is what I do know. I can't always run and and hide from these situations. I am amazed as much as I try to avoid some people how God continues to box me into situations with them that truly shows me if I made a D or an A on the "Loving My Enemies Test".

In a particular unavoidable personal relationship some years ago I said that I am not going to have anything to do with this person any more. And I didn't for almost a year. However, this bothered me so I sought counsel from a very wise Christian fellow Pastor. I ask him, "Am I making a mistake? Am I sinning by having no contact with this person?" My friend was straining to answer me. After much pause he "wisely" said to me "No". Slowly I began to get it. The dynamics of this situation were such that at this time the pain of the situation was more than I could reasonably handle with the spiritual tools and strength I possessed at this juncture in my spiritual growth! I didn't like it but it was true. Further more no amount of bible study and intellectual exercise or anything "I could do" was going to deliver me. I was helpless! If I was ever going to be able to handle this differently God was going to have to do something in me that I could not do. I was stunted in my spiritual growth in this one area. Some of it was my fault. Most of it was not. Either way I had to admit my weakness and rely solely on God's grace. It hurt my pride to say, "I can't. God you must".

And then the strangest thing began to happen. Conceding that I was incapable of acting correctly from the heart and depending on God's grace healed me in ways never before possible. I have at least the best relationship I have ever had now with this person that I cannot remove from my life. It's still not easy and I still avoid this person at times but I am no longer paralyzed by the situation. I have a new appreciation because of this for God's grace.
Ephesians1:
2 Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:

4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

6 To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.|

---Pastor Rodney Houston

SHOULD WE JUDGE ONE ANOTHER?

SHOULD WE JUDGE ONE ANOTHER?

At least once a week I hear from someone quoting Jesus Christ "Judge not that you be not Judged." Yes Jesus did say this according to the Gospels, but what did he mean? Jesus also said, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" Luke 12:57. Jesus also said, "You shall know a tree by the fruit that it bears." It has become a part of the culture to consider almost any statement of Godly truth, morality or sin, improper because one is "judging" someone else. Judging is a word with many different connotations and definitions that have been lumped into one common theme---"Leave me alone. No one tells me what is right or wrong. I will do what ever I want." "Judge not" has been twisted into an excuse for rebellion. We cannot escape being judged. God establishes the law and it is his laws that judge us all. When a person is caught stealing something that rightfully belongs to another, you judge them as a thief and try to stop them. Hopefully so does the Courtroom Judge. Consider for a moment that it is not the victim of this crime that is judging. It is the law of God judging. We are not judges of one another but we are required to APPLY the law of God in situations and to people's words and actions, including our own. This misunderstanding of refusing to apply the law of God is creating an amoral  and destructive society. God is the Judge. Breaking his LAWS always brings pain to ourselves and/or others. Take a curve in your car to fast, break the law of inertia determined by God, and one immediately pays the price. Suppose the contractor building your house says, "It is not necessary to use a level or plumb line". You protest. He says to you, "Now, Now, Judge not that you be not judged." You are not Judging him, you are invoking the law of God who's judgment is sure and just. The old Testament prophets often used the plumb line, and scales as tangible ways to prove that God's spiritual laws cannot be broken without consequence. The problem with breaking God's spiritual laws is found in Ecclesiastes 8:1.---"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." The Alcoholic most of the time will not feel the results of breaking God's law for many years until cirrhosis of the liver sets in. Proverbs says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." A parent that does not teach, love and discipline a child when they are young has "Broken the law of God" and the child, the parent and society will in time will suffer the judgment of God for breaking his law. We do not live in this world alone. Our actions and words hurt or help one another. Cain said to God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The obvious answer is yes. We have an obligation to love one another. Real Love always means applying God's principles to our lives and MAKING THEM KNOWN TO OTHER PEOPLE. If a person was about to step in front of a moving car we should grab and restrain them; but under the perverted principle of judging others being used these days, we should let them get run over. After all, It's not any of my business what they do.
   There is an evil way of judging that Jesus speaks about. It involves "improper motive" and "lack of compassion." It is done in such a way that the pride of man is exalted. It is Judging another's perceived or actual sins in order to make one FEEL SUPERIOR. This was the kind of judging of which Scribes and Pharisees were guilty and which Jesus vehemently condemned.
  Not only is applying the law of God to judge ourselves and other's actions good, it is commanded and expected by God. God gave to Noah a law "Whosoever sheds man's blood by man shall his blood be shed." . If a man commits murder he should be killed." God told Ezekiel the prophet that if he did not warn the people of their evil ways that  their blood would be required at Ezekiel's hands. Every courtroom judge is a minister of God. So is every parent who rightfully judges and corrects their children's actions. Every Boss is required to righteously judge his employees work--he is God's minister. Every teacher judges the progress of their students. Every true Gospel preacher judges his congregation and the evils of the society and is REQUIRED BY GOD TO PROCLAIM HIS LAWS. Every true friend will warn and/or rebuke their friend if they are breaking God's law. This is real love. Our society has redefined love into a kind of new tolerance that says do not judge me, let me hurt myself and other people. The law of the land may give you the RIGHT to choose to disobey God but one will not get away with it  for Jesus Christ is Judge of all. This writer appreciates friends that invoke God's law into my life, because I know they love me and have my best interest at heart. That is why Jesus taught over and over that we are to submit ourselves one to another. Submit to another considering another's  righteous judgment. There is safety in a multitude of counselors.
  A word Should be said on this subject about "authority." People are given authority by God  in certain arenas. For instance the Judge's authority is limited to the courtroom. A parent's authority is limited to their own children. The rule is that one's "God given authority is limited to ones God given responsibility".
  The exercise of God given authority over another should always be preceded by righteous judgment. (The application of God's laws and principles.)  And Mercy should be extended to the contrite while the full force of the law should be executed to the rebellious. When entering any given situation one should immediately ask, "Who is in charge here."  When no one is in charge or God given authority is rebelled against, confusion ensues and little or nothing is accomplished. One should submit themselves to the God given authority. Not
to do so is to rebel against God himself. This is the heart of the problem in many people's statement, "Who are you to judge me." This is Rebellion against God. If a person loves Jesus Christ they gratefully, honor and submit to his authorities. It is true that some people misuse their authority by "NOT APPLYING GOD'S LAWS" but that doesn't change their office which should be respected. They will answer to God for how they used their authority. Furthermore, one is not required by God to keep any man made law that is diametrically opposed to God's law.
   It is true that we cannot judge another person's heart. Watchman Nee said that we do not know  what  is in a persons heart until they open their mouth. Jesus said, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and by their fruit (actions) you shall know them. Proverbs says even a fool seems wise when he closes his mouth.
   Judging another to help them by invoking God's law is serious business and one should be certain their own heart is right with God before the process. Jesus said remove the log from your own eye so that you may see clearly to remove a speck from another's eye. Jesus did not say "DO NOT remove a speck from your brother's eye." Removing a speck from someone's eye is a wonderful and needed ministry, but it is a sensitive and precarious operation and should be done with the utmost care.
   One last word on this subject. God NEVER allows his laws to be broken without consequence because he is a Holy and perfect God. His judgment ALWAYS comes. We have all broken God's law so what hope do we have. The judgment of God for the believer's sins was taken care of when the Father crushed his son, Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. The one who rejects God's justice on the cross has the wrath of God abiding on them according to the Bible. God cannot just let the breaking of his laws "slide" or he would be unjust himself. So through Jesus justice was served and we are set free from the penalty of eternal punishment for breaking God's law if we repent and believe on him. Then we are given a new life through his resurrection. That does not mean that there are not consequences in this life for breaking God's laws. "Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap"   

OCCUPY WALL STREET"--What would Jesus Christ say about it?

"OCCUPY WALL STREET"--What would Jesus Christ say about it? I have largely avoided the "Occupy" fray mainly because I have been reading and waiting for a collective ethos. While much confusion and organizing is still going on I think I am seeing a common theme among "Occupy". It seems apparent in a sentence the message is: "We have been robbed by the greed of corporate America and demand our Government make you give us more of their greedy excess."
I must say I am always moved by people who involve themselves in civil disobedience and pay a price to raise the moral standards of society. Rosa Parks comes to mind. Is "Occupy" of the same standard as Rosa Parks or Patrick Henry's declaration "Give me liberty or give me death"? Peter the Apostle was jailed and beaten for preaching the Gospel. He ask should we obey God or man? His question is still a valid one.

We do indeed have an economic problem in our country. Who is to blame? The community I live in has had the highest unemployment rate in Virginia for the last 25 years. I see first hand the heartache every day. The reason unemployment is so high in our community and our country is fairly simple. Our jobs have gone over seas because labor is cheaper. Many Americans are spoiled. They will not work unless they can make a certain amount of money. I have neighbors who farm for a living. Every spring legal Mexicans come form Mexico and work the fields. I thought that they must be getting cheap labor...NOT SO. The pay is good. I ask, "If the pay is good, why don't you hire people here?" His answer--"People here won't do the work because it is so laborious". We are indeed a nation fat and spoiled people. I know college graduates washing dishes and working two and three part time jobs. There ws a time in this country when people felt ashamed to take Government help. They would take help, but only as a last resort. What ever happened to that work ethic? Now I know there are people who need help as a last resort but far too many expect help without even attempting to work. They feel entitled. In the garden of Eden God told Adam, "By the sweat of your face you will earn your bread."

Many of us lived through the protests of the sixties against the Vietnam War. But the sixties protest turned ugly as a general hatred developed for "The Establishment". The establisment became a nebulous term in which the revolution lost it's way and degraded into a mob who basically rebelled and lived in immorality and as an unfocused group. They were overcome by the excess of drugs, sexual immorality and hatred for the establishment even as they lectured of peace. If "Occupy" does not focus in a respectful and peacful way they could degrade into the same gutter.

Occupy is going to run headlong into some philosphcal and ethical dilemmas, namely where to draw the line on "excesses of greed". Within the movement protestors have different ideas as to who is the 1% and a sense of entitlement is evident among many in the "Occupy movement".

What would Jesus say? I relate here two dialogues that Jesus gave for consideration. One time a lady poured a bottle of expensive perfume onto Jesus. Some began to complain about such excess and ask why wasn't this sold and given to the poor. Jesus said, " Leave her alone the poor you have with you always but I shall go away". Notice that Jesus commended her act of love to Him while others judged her as a poor steward because she didn't distribute this wealth to poorer people.

Jesus gave a parable. He said that a man needed laborers for his field. Early in the morning he agreed with a man a certain wage to work for him that day. At mid day he hired another man to work and they agreed on the price. An hour before quitting time he hired a third man. When it came time to pay, he payed all of them the same. The man who worked all day expressed how unfair this was that he paid the man who only worked an hour the same amount as the one who worked all day. The man who hired said, I have not wronged you. I paid you as we agreed. IS YOUR HEART EVIL BECAUSE I HAVE DONE GOOD? IS IT NOT MY MONEY TO DO WHAT I WISH WITH IT? If a person is moral and honest, wise and works hard and makes more money than another, Jesus recognizes that he rightfully owns what he has earned. If someone has oppressed and stolen from others that is something to protest. But according to Jesus personal ownership is a good thing and no one has a right to take it away from you and give it to someone else. Jesus does require his servants to to be good stewards and help people but that arena is between the person and God; not a political matter, not a legal matter or protesting matter.

"Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth."--Ephesians 4:28


"Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labour that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him: for it is his portion."---Ecclesiastes 5:18

SOMETHING SMELLS FUNNY

We have about 30 chickens and enjoy farm raised eggs very much. Our chicken pen has a fenced in yard made of chicken wire and a laying box with a lid that is accessible from outside the pen. So as usual I opened the box lid to pick up the eggs and what did I see--A SKUNK! I shut the lid and ran. Now what do I do? A skunk is in the chicken pen/box!
You can't herd a skunk! You can't coax a skunk! You can't rope a skunk!  You can't do ANYTHING with a skunk! They eat eggs and kill small chickens. From my country raising, I know that if I shoot it, I must shoot it in the head. If I miss and wound it, the spray will be on me and in the chicken pen for a long time. For those who do not know, skunk scent is almost impossible to get off of you. What to do?? So I call my brother Randall who has all kinds of birds and has run into all kinds of problems. I ask him what to do? He says..."If you shoot it in the head it won't spray". To which I reply, "Really."  Now this is Saturday. I'm due to preach Sunday morning. I'm already formulating messages like, "This is what our self righteousness smells like to God". Maybe I can use Ecclesiastes 10:1 "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savor: so doth a little folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour." It is funny now, but it was no laughing matter at the time. I don't know how the skunk got in the pen. Skunks are nocturnal so he is not coming out. I believe in taking all our concerns to the Lord.  "Dear Lord, It's me again. I know there is nothing too hard for you. Please help me get this Skunk out of the Chicken box." Slowly  the  way out of this dilemma came to me with certainty. What I need to do is... Shoot the skunk in the head. Now for all you animal lovers out there, of which I am one, understand that this critter has eaten my eggs and already killed one chicken. So is your sympathy going to go to the innocent chicken or the "Stinking skunk!" No contest--Chickens must live, predator skunk must die! So with rifle in hand I head to the war zone.  Within 30 feet of the enemy I can already smell the horrible stench of battle. The say all folks call upon God when headed into battle. Now I know it's true. But there is a  logistical problem with my battle plan. The moment the egg laying box lid is lifted, I could be attacked by chemical weapons! I knew I should have purchaased that gas mask at the army navy surplus when it was on sale. Now I have no protection. It's times like this that separates the men from the boys.  I ease upon the enemy, lift the box lid---and run!  Slowly I creep back upon the enemy. Rifle ready..easy now. I spot him! He hasn't sprayed. Thank you Lord. "Now in all this excitment I'm not sure I loaded the rifle. "Do you feel lucky PUNK SKUNK? WELL DO YA?" Carefully I aim. Easy now, squeeze the trigger, fire between heart beats, wait for breath to exhale. If I am off by 2 inches I will surely be wounded! Careful..NOW!..POW! Run, Run Run Run Run away as far as possible. Whew! I escaped unscathed. When it comes to skunks in the Chicken pen. The rule is always--Take no prisoners. I ease back to  the scene of the battle field and find that this old soldier has still got it! One perfect shot has taken the enemy painlessly out!
Now what. I have a dead skunk in my chicken box. A mop up operation must be executed. Though he has not sprayed, Skunks carry a lighter scent that can still get in your clothing and hair. The longer time you spend in proximity the more it permeates. So I check the wind. I want to enter from the up wind side. As I near the box with a plastic bin and long handled shovel, the wind suddenly changes direction. Run! I approach from a new direction and quickly place the dead skunk in the plastic container and snap on the lid. The odor is still emanating from the plastic box. I can't stay near it very long. Some of the clothes I have on now will need to be burned. I take 30 feet of rope, ease up, lasso the box, and begin dragging it far from the house into the woods. It is on my farmer neighbor's property. I shall now have to go to him and plead mercy. The box will need to remain at least a year before I can remove it.  Toxic waste. I'm sure he will understand. I rush back to the house. Strip and dispose of the toxic clothes. I take a very long shower. I dress and sit in my easy chair trying to regain my sanity. I may need some therapy. "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder." Will I have nightmares. Will I be able to interact socially again. I hope I don't need medication. OH THE AGONIES OF WAR!  I'm still shaking. I keep telling myself--- I am OK.  I am OK. I am OK. In a few weeks I'm sure I'll find a good sermon illustration in here somwhere.

AMAZING

AMAZING By Rodney Houston


He was born July 24, 1725 and died December 21, 1807. His father was an English ship master. His mother died of tuberculosis when he was almost 7 years old. He spent the next two years at a boarding school. He was at sea by age 11 and then forced into the British naval service at age 18. He became a midshipman aboard HMS Harwich. At one point, he attempted to desert and was punished in front of the crew of 350. Stripped to the waist, tied to the grating, he received a flogging of twelve lashes, and was reduced to the rank of a common seaman. Following that disgrace and humiliation, he contemplated suicide. He was then transferred to the ship the Pegasus. By chance he found a book that sowed the seeds of the gospel, "Thomas à Kempis' Imitation of Christ". In a storm at sea he later prayed to God to save him.. He became an English tax collector in 1755. The last 43 years of his life he pastored and preached the gospel in Olney and London. At 82, he said "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things, that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Saviour." William Cowper, the poet, moved to Olney and worshiped in the church where he pastored and collaborated with him in 1779 to write a hymnal. The music book was known as "Olney Hymns." This work was to have a great influence on English hymnology. The volume included well-known hymns "Glorious Things of Thee are Spoken", "How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds!", "Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare", "Approach, My Soul, the Mercy-seat." and a small hymn titled "Faith's Review and Expectation". which came to be known later by its opening phrase. This little known preacher may have been lost in history had it not been for the The hymn "Faith's Review and Expectation" which would later take on a new name based on the first two words of the of the song:

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost, but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

He was John Newton who was so convicted of slave trading as a new believer that he turned around his slave ship mid voyage and returned his prisoners to their African home and in the process turned his life around and gave us the most well known hymn in history.

SHOULD WE JUDGE ONE ANOTHER?

At least once a week I hear from someone quoting Jesus Christ "Judge not that you be not Judged." Yes Jesus did say this according to the Gospels, but what did he mean? Jesus also said, "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" Luke 12:57. Jesus also said, "You shall know a tree by the fruit that it bears." It has become a part of the culture to consider almost any statement of Godly truth, morality or sin, improper because one is "judging" someone else. Judging is a word with many different connotations and definitions that have been lumped into one common theme---"Leave me alone. No one tells me what is right or wrong. I will do what ever I want." "Judge not" has been twisted into an excuse for rebellion. We cannot escape being judged. God establishes the law and it is his laws that judge us all. When a person is caught stealing something that rightfully belongs to another, you judge them as a thief and try to stop them. Hopefully so does the Courtroom Judge. Consider for a moment that it is not the victim of this crime that is judging. It is the law of God judging. We are not judges of one another but we are required to APPLY the law of God in situations and to people's words and actions, including our own. This misunderstanding of refusing to apply the law of God is creating an amoral  and destructive society. God is the Judge. Breaking his LAWS always brings pain to ourselves and/or others. Take a curve in your car to fast, break the law of inertia determined by God, and one immediately pays the price. Suppose the contractor building your house says, "It is not necessary to use a level or plumb line". You protest. He says to you, "Now, Now, Judge not that you be not judged." You are not Judging him, you are invoking the law of God who's judgment is sure and just. The old Testament prophets often used the plumb line, and scales as tangible ways to prove that God's spiritual laws cannot be broken without consequence. The problem with breaking God's spiritual laws is found in Ecclesiastes 8:1.---"Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil." The Alcoholic most of the time will not feel the results of breaking God's law for many years until cirrhosis of the liver sets in. Proverbs says "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." A parent that does not teach, love and discipline a child when they are young has "Broken the law of God" and the child, the parent and society will in time will suffer the judgment of God for breaking his law. We do not live in this world alone. Our actions and words hurt or help one another. Cain said to God, "Am I my brother's keeper?" The obvious answer is yes. We have an obligation to love one another. Real Love always means applying God's principles to our lives and MAKING THEM KNOWN TO OTHER PEOPLE. If a person was about to step in front of a moving car we should grab and restrain them; but under the perverted principle of judging others being used these days, we should let them get run over. After all, It's not any of my business what they do.
   There is an evil way of judging that Jesus speaks about. It involves "improper motive" and "lack of compassion." It is done in such a way that the pride of man is exalted. It is Judging another's perceived or actual sins in order to make one FEEL SUPERIOR. This was the kind of judging of which Scribes and Pharisees were guilty and which Jesus vehemently condemned.
  Not only is applying the law of God to judge ourselves and other's actions good, it is commanded and expected by God. God gave to Noah a law "Whosoever sheds man's blood by man shall his blood be shed." . If a man commits murder he should be killed." God told Ezekiel the prophet that if he did not warn the people of their evil ways that  their blood would be required at Ezekiel's hands. Every courtroom judge is a minister of God. So is every parent who rightfully judges and corrects their children's actions. Every Boss is required to righteously judge his employees work--he is God's minister. Every teacher judges the progress of their students. Every true Gospel preacher judges his congregation and the evils of the society and is REQUIRED BY GOD TO PROCLAIM HIS LAWS. Every true friend will warn and/or rebuke their friend if they are breaking God's law. This is real love. Our society has redefined love into a kind of new tolerance that says do not judge me, let me hurt myself and other people. The law of the land may give you the RIGHT to choose to disobey God but one will not get away with it  for Jesus Christ is Judge of all. This writer appreciates friends that invoke God's law into my life, because I know they love me and have my best interest at heart. That is why Jesus taught over and over that we are to submit ourselves one to another. Submit to another considering another's  righteous judgment. There is safety in a multitude of counselors.
  A word Should be said on this subject about "authority." People are given authority by God  in certain arenas. For instance the Judge's authority is limited to the courtroom. A parent's authority is limited to their own children. The rule is that one's "God given authority is limited to ones God given responsibility".
  The exercise of God given authority over another should always be preceded by righteous judgment. (The application of God's laws and principles.)  And Mercy should be extended to the contrite while the full force of the law should be executed to the rebellious. When entering any given situation one should immediately ask, "Who is in charge here."  When no one is in charge or God given authority is rebelled against, confusion ensues and little or nothing is accomplished. One should submit themselves to the God given authority. Not
to do so is to rebel against God himself. This is the heart of the problem in many people's statement, "Who are you to judge me." This is Rebellion against God. If a person loves Jesus Christ they gratefully, honor and submit to his authorities. It is true that some people misuse their authority by "NOT APPLYING GOD'S LAWS" but that doesn't change their office which should be respected. They will answer to God for how they used their authority. Furthermore, one is not required by God to keep any man made law that is diametrically opposed to God's law.
   It is true that we cannot judge another person's heart. Watchman Nee said that we do not know  what  is in a persons heart until they open their mouth. Jesus said, Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks and by their fruit (actions) you shall know them. Proverbs says even a fool seems wise when he closes his mouth.
   Judging another to help them by invoking God's law is serious business and one should be certain their own heart is right with God before the process. Jesus said remove the log from your own eye so that you may see clearly to remove a speck from another's eye. Jesus did not say "DO NOT remove a speck from your brother's eye." Removing a speck from someone's eye is a wonderful and needed ministry, but it is a sensitive and precarious operation and should be done with the utmost care.
   One last word on this subject. God NEVER allows his laws to be broken without consequence because he is a Holy and perfect God. His judgment ALWAYS comes. We have all broken God's law so what hope do we have. The judgment of God for the believer's sins was taken care of when the Father crushed his son, Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. The one who rejects God's justice on the cross has the wrath of God abiding on them according to the Bible. God cannot just let the breaking of his laws "slide" or he would be unjust himself. So through Jesus justice was served and we are set free from the penalty of eternal punishment for breaking God's law if we repent and believe on him. Then we are given a new life through his resurrection. That does not mean that there are not consequences in this life for breaking God's laws. "Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap"