From The Pastor's Desk
You can judge
In Matthew 7:1, Jesus said not to judge. Again, one of the most misused scriptures in the Bible. This is Dolly Parton's favorite verse. People, please stop listening to her or Oprah Winfrey, Dr. Phil, Dan McClellan, Bart Erhman. Kenny Copeland, and a host of other popular entertainers and false prophets on the subject of the Bible.
I guess Jesus contradicted Himself because in that same chapter He speaks of discerning false prophets and casting your pearls before swine. Sounds like judging to me.
Paul said we can judge some matters in the church instead of going to worldly judges outside the church. (I Corinthians 6:1-5)
We are to judge ourselves. He without sin cast the first stone. (John 8:7)
What we cant judge is the motives, thinking and the heart of others. Only God can. (I Samuel 16:7)
We are to preach the whole counsel of God. (2 Timothy 4:2) If that offends you then so be it.
Our judgment can't be full of hypocrisy. (Matthew 7:2)
Here is a judgment for you. Are you a born again believer? You be the judge.
I am Johnie J. Logue, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church at 31046 Hwy MM in Warsaw. You can reach me by calling (660) 281-4775.
Unity Of The Lakes
This Sunday 12/10/23 is the second Sunday of Advent and we will light the candle for Peace. Rev. Don's service is "True Peace". Can you use more peace in your life? Join us at 11 am to find and experience the true peace of God. Dress is casual and all are welcome. Please join us for fellowship and refreshment after service. We are located 8 miles south of Warsaw on highway 65. Our physical address is 34948 Hwy 65 South.
Hopewell Baptist Church
In Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 Jesus tells a Parable of the Wheat and the Weeds. Parables are earthly stories with a Heavenly meaning. A farmer sows wheat seeds and as it comes up, something else is coming up too. There is a false wheat seed that looks just like wheat except that the seed heads are different and it’s hard to see until it forms, closer to harvest. The servants want to pull the bad weeds and the farmer says to wait until harvest, explaining they might pull the good with the bad. At harvest, they can first pull the weeds, bundle, and burn them and then pull the wheat. Without Jesus’ explanation, it doesn’t make sense because waiting until harvest, stunts the good wheat, so they ask what the parable means – the farmer is the Son of Man, the field is the world, the good seed are the people who follow Jesus, and the weeds are the people who follow Satan.
There are wicked and evil people in this world, and we ask why doesn’t God remove them? Jesus says, “they are mine to take care of”. We think we are qualified to tell wheat from weeds, but we are not. Wicked men will come and go but the glory of the Lord endures forever! The hell people bring to earth is not permanent, but His Kingdom is! God is here, still watching over His field! Jesus tells them two things, the righteous will shine like the sun, and the wicked will burn in the furnace. Those who follow Jesus will go to Heaven, and those who follow Satan will go to Hell. The parable is designed to illustrate what happens with the choices we make. Some make their choice, but their time has not come.
This Christmas let’s take it to heart. Let’s look at people in a new way and find a way to serve them. Reality is, Jesus is always with us, so let’s share! There is no time like now to ask Jesus into our hearts! If God is calling us to do something, let’s do it!
Join us Sunday mornings for Sunday School at 10 a.m. with Worship at 11 a.m., and Sunday and Wednesday Bible Study at 6 p.m. Watch us live at 11 a.m. on Hopewell Baptist Church Facebook page.
