“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?“—–His Book

Discernment and judgment starts in the house of God, but it doesn’t stop there.
It’s time for Christians to . . .
– do something besides surviving.
– remember we have an offensive weapon, the Bible, besides all the defensive, protective armor.
– overcome the cultural accusation, criticism, intimidation to not judge.
– strengthen and encourage each other and pray together for faith, wisdom, and boldness to stand up, speak up, and make a difference—be different, so others will say of us, “They have been with Jesus.”
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What did Jesus say besides “Judge not . . . “?’

That’s only part of what He said then, plus more specifics on addressing and fixing wrongs in others.

“Judge not, so that you will not be judged—BECAUSE the same standards for discerning [understanding right and wrong when you see it] and judging [speaking up to address specific right and wrong to specific people] also apply to you.”

That is why Jesus made such a graphic deal about a log and a speck in the eye.
“First remove the log in your own eye; then you will see clearly to remove the speck in another’s eye.”
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Interesting observation—so many of Jesus’ illustrations and sayings stick with us thousands of years because they carry weight, because He carries authority.
– – –
Remove the log in our own eye, to see clearly and judge and speak up to remove what is wrong and obstructing sight in others.

It will not be easy, not fun, not popular, we may not win—but we must not hesitate, not compromise, not back away, not be silent.

Gifted . . .
– with a voice
– with communication
– with freedoms
– with a platform
– with an audience
– with discernment
– with truth
– with boldness
– with . . .

– – –

Now, what are you going to do ‘with’ it ?
– clearly and forcefully identify everything that’s wrong around us.

Now, what are you going to do ‘about’ it ?
– tell about Jesus and be an example.

Now, what are you doing ‘for’ the people losing their freedom and suffering for following Jesus ?
– “Remember those in bonds, as though you were suffering with them.”
– “Share in the fellowship of His suffering.”

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Now, what is the bottom line following Jesus today ?
– “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood, striving against sin.”
– “We should lay down our lives for the brethren (all fellow believers).”