Absolutes and Christs often misunderstood words of Judge not..

One of the many distinguishing features which separate the Christian believer from the non-Christian, unbeliever, is, in the area of absolutes. Those who firmly believe Christs words as recorded in the Gospels, and the other Scriptures of the Hebrew Old and New Testament historical, revelation writings, are often viewed with derision and contempt. Such derogatory phrases such as Bible thumping Christians and Gun totting Christians are just a couple of denigrating phrases used by some who pride themselves into not believing and ordering their lives according to absolutes. After all, why would one desire to restrict himself, believing and ordering his [or her] life after fixed principles found in an old book? Why would a person desire to limit his or her beliefs and experiences and repress human expression whatever it may be? So goes the thinking of many who think and believe that living ones life guided by absolutes is ludicrous and fanatical. Those who often deride others for believing and ordering their lives after absolutes, contradict their own thinking and behaviors Believing in no absolutes is contradictory, in itself. The perception to ignore absolutes and to definitively declare that there are no absolutes makes the person promulgating that philosophy, to be a believer in that one absolute belief. Ignoring the obvious, does not alter reality. Ignoring or

attempting to change the traditional understanding and practice of marriage (between a man and a woman), does not change the institution. Ignoring Gods Commandments will not change or alter them or, even absolve the one running from them. People who run from the reality of absolutes, illustrate that they desire to hide from reality: I often participate in my towns online forum. Recently a particular online forum participant apparently did not agree with my comment. So, (as some do on the forum) this person chose to reprimand me by reminding me of Christs words about Judging. It is a very familiar ploy by non-thinking people, when confronted with certain realities, to ignore those realities and invoke Christs words, regarding, making judgment. Matthew, Chapter 7:1f especially, Verse 1 One of the most misunderstood Scriptures is Christs words about judging. [Matthew 7:1f] If there is one Scripture which unbelievers will know it is this one. Both nonChristians and Christians, alike, are often of the opinion that a person should not be outspoken and critical of others. When confronted with their sinful lifestyles, nonChristians (and Christians) will utter their misinterpretation of Christs words, as a rationalizing defense mechanism. Their mistake is that they fail to understand the very first verse of Matthew 7:1f in light of the entire chapter. Christ was teaching about hypocritically judging others. For instance, a person should not criticize his neighbors dog for nuisance barking when he himself is not careful to

control his own dog from disturbing the neighborhoods peace and quiet. When looking at any Scripture, it is important to allow Scripture to interpret itself and to understand particular Scriptures within their framed context. Christ cautioned about (hypocritical) judging, and then also warned his disciples that they could recognize false prophets by their fruits. [Matthew 7:13-20] In essence, Christ called upon His disciples to be fruit inspectors, - to judge others by their very words and lifestyles. Christs disciples, are, expected to be (ethically) discriminating rebuking (reproving) the deeds of darkness. Ephesians 5:11 When Cal Thomas, a syndicated Christian columnist wrote a commentary on Barack Obama, -- basically, calling him a non-Christian, Mr. Thomas was not judging in the negative hypocritical sense. Cal Thomas supported his [seeming] judgmental assertion with the USA presidents own words, in light of Scripture's own words:
"Obama Is No Joshua" -- by Cal Thomas -- .....Obama can call himself anything he likes, but there is a clear requirement for one to qualify as a Christian and Obama doesnt meet that requirement. One cannot deny central tenets of the Christian faith, including the deity and uniqueness of Christ as the sole mediator between God and Man and be a Christian. Such people do have a label applied to them in Scripture. They are called false prophets. -calthomas.com

The Politically Correct Culture of today frowns on calling out [criticizing] certain peoples' belief and lifestyle distinctions: Political correctness would bring reproach upon any individual like Cal Thomas for being so outspoken. After all, Mr. Obama is now the USA president and he is,

(according to the politically correct crowd), to be held in such high esteem that he should not be subject to such critical analysis. However, my Bible says that Mr. Obama, like everyone else will stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10 Christ, preached Himself to be the Absolute An honest person cant read the New Testament Gospels and not be confronted with both the unique and absolute Christ. [John 18:37] Read the whole chapter of Matthew 7:1f and you [by Gods grace] will be able to recognize the zenith absolute. Christ is called in the Scriptures, the 'Beginning' and the 'end;'" the "First and the 'last.' [Revelation 22:13] He is Creator God. And in Him all things [the universe] consists. Colossians 1:16 For those of you who do not know this Christ For those of you who do not know this Christ, you have every opportunity to come to know Him as both Savior and Lord. [Isaiah 55:6-7 ; 2 Timothy 3:14-17] Without his apportioning holy blood (as sacrifice) to cover your lifes sins, you will have no future eternal hope, but an eternal hereafter of death, everlasting. [Luke 16:19-31 ; Matthew 25:31-46] The good Lord has provided for you the righteousness of Christ to cover your damnable sins. [Matthew 22:1-14] Avail yourself of Gods mercy. Read the Scriptures and cry out to your Maker. [Luke 18:9-14] Come to recognize the one Absolute that is most paramount and absolutely, necessary. May God have mercy upon your humble quest. Amen.

Related Scriptures [below] -- Intended to be utilized in a simple worship format: Old Testament: 1 Kings 18:1-40 The true God demonstrates his reality Psalm 135:15-18 False gods New Testament: Matthew 7:1f Judging explained in its context. Also, the Absolute Christ Of Whom Does the Prophet Speak" -- by Victor Buksbazen --Isaiah 53:1-12 -an in-depth view of and the prophecy of Christ, hundred of years before his birth. Isaiah 53:1-12 underscores the truthfulness of Divine Revelation as exemplified in the Hebrew and Christian Scriptures. Please note: Topical Messages, by subject Pastor (emeritus) Nathan Bickel http://www.thechristianmessage.org/ Please also note: The "Words in Season" topical messages and related worship format are not intended to discourage or replace the Christian worship and assembly of Christians at their particular places of church worship. As this website's author, it is my prayer and hope, that many souls will find the topical messages, related worship format and other material, a useful and valuable Christian resource. The Christian Faith: Parts 1-3 1 -- What is meant by Believing and / or, being, Saved? 2 -- How the saving (believing) process of the Christian Faith takes place 3 -- What are the tell-tale signs that a person has been Saved [is a Christian Note: The above message (with minor editing) was previously posted online by Nathan Bickel