Yes Christians Have The Right To Judge As Jesus States In Scripture

By Jim Wright

 I often hear or read of people saying we are not to judge. Really? We need to understand when we are to judge. 

Question: "What does the Bible mean that we are not to judge others?"

Answer: Jesus’ command not to judge others could be the most widely quoted of His sayings, even though it is almost invariably quoted in complete disregard of its context. Here is Jesus’ statement: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged” (Matthew 7:1). Many people use this verse in an attempt to silence their critics, interpreting Jesus’ meaning as “You don’t have the right to tell me I’m wrong.” Taken in isolation, Jesus’ command “Do not judge” does indeed seem to preclude all negative assessments. However, there is much more to the passage than those three words.

The Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean we cannot show discernment. Immediately after Jesus says, “Do not judge,” He says, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6). A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16). How are we to discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets” unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and deeds? Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong.

Also, the Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean all actions are equally moral or that truth is relative. The Bible clearly teaches that truth is objective, eternal, and inseparable from God’s character. Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie—but, of course, to call something a “lie” is to pass judgment. To call adultery or murder a sin is likewise to pass judgment—but it’s also to agree with God. When Jesus said not to judge others, He did not mean that no one can identify sin for what it is, based on God’s definition of sin.

And the Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean there should be no mechanism for dealing with sin. The Bible has a whole book entitled Judges. The judges in the Old Testament were raised up by God Himself (Judges 2:18). The modern judicial system, including its judges, is a necessary part of society. In saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not saying, “Anything goes.”
Elsewhere, Jesus gives a direct command to judge: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24). Here we have a clue as to the right type of judgment versus the wrong type. Taking this verse and some others, we can put together a description of the sinful type of judgment:

Superficial judgment is wrong. Passing judgment on someone based solely on appearances is sinful (John 7:24). It is foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts (Proverbs 18:13). Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but he could not see that the woman had been forgiven; Simon thus drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment (Luke 7:36–50).

Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves (Romans 2:1).

Harsh, unforgiving judgment is wrong. We are “always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). It is the merciful who will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7), and, as Jesus warned, “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).

Self-righteous judgment is wrong. We are called to humility, and “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6). The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector was confident in his own righteousness and from that proud position judged the publican; however, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9–14).

Untrue judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness (Proverbs 19:5). “Slander no one” (Titus 3:2).

Christians are often accused of “judging” or intolerance when they speak out against sin. But opposing sin is not wrong. Holding aloft the standard of righteousness naturally defines unrighteousness and draws the slings and arrows of those who choose sin over godliness. John the Baptist incurred the ire of Herodias when he spoke out against her adultery with Herod (Mark 6:18–19). She eventually silenced John, but she could not silence the truth (Isaiah 40:8).

Believers are warned against judging others unfairly or unrighteously, but Jesus commends “right judgment” (John 7:24, ESV). We are to be discerning (Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are to preach the whole counsel of God, including the Bible’s teaching on sin (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2). We are to gently confront erring brothers or sisters in Christ (Galatians 6:1). We are to practice church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17). We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

Recommended Resources: Judging Others: The Dangers of Playing God by Ken Sande

The Truth About Obamacare's Repeal The Left Doesn't Want You To Know

By: David Trott
MI 11th Congressional District Congressman (R)

Since coming to Congress, I have supported replacing the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) with a market-based plan that reduces costs and provides better care for the American people. 

That's why, yesterday, I voted in support of the American Health Care Act-legislation that replaces Obamacare with a patient-centered system, lowers costs for families, and protects Americans with pre-existing conditions.  

While this bill is far from perfect and there is plenty that both sides are not satisfied with, I do believe it is a better approach than was taken by Obamacare.

Back in 2009, the American people were promised health premiums would decline by $2,500 per family, but the average premium has actually gone up and the average family's employer-sponsored health care plan now costs more than $18,000 a year. In Michigan, premiums for individuals are expected to climb nearly 17% in 2017. Last year alone, we saw deductibles increase an average of $492 across all plans on the Obamacare exchange.

What I have heard from many families and small businesses in Southeast Michigan is that this top-down, Washington-centered approach to health care has not worked. Citizens that I represent have told me concerns regarding increasing premiums, higher taxes, fewer choices, and less access to care. 

After carefully reviewing the American Health Care Act and the amendments made to the bill, I believe this legislation makes several key improvements, such as:  

• Eliminates the individual and employer mandate penalties, which forced millions of workers, families, and job creators into expensive, inadequate Obamacare plans that they don't want and cannot afford.

• Dismantles the Obamacare taxes that have hurt job creators, increased premium costs, and limited options for patients and health care providers. 

• Guarantees coverage to Americans with pre-existing conditions and bans health insurers from charging a patient with pre-existing conditions higher premiums as long as they maintain continuous coverage, or sign up for new coverage within 63 days of exiting a previous insurance plan.

• Helps young adults access health insurance and stabilize the marketplace by allowing dependents to continue staying on their parents' plan until they are 26.

• Modernizes and strengthens Medicaid so states can better serve  patients most in need. 

• Empowers individuals and families to spend their health care dollars the way they want and need by enhancing and expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs).

• Help Americans access affordable, quality health care by providing a monthly tax credit-between $2,000 and $14,000 a year-for low-and middle-income individuals and families who don't receive insurance through work or a government program. 

Yesterday, I also supported the Public Health Service Act, legislation that requires Members of Congress to live under the American Health Act, ensuring there are no exemptions for Members or their staff. 

Regrettably, there has been a lot of misinformation spread about this bill, especially regarding how the bill protects people with pre-existing conditions.  Here is the truth:

Under no circumstance can people be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition. Current law prohibiting pricing customers based on health status remains in place and can only be waived by a state if that state has chosen to take care of the people through other risk-sharing or reinsurance mechanisms. Even if a state asks for, and is granted a waiver, no person may be priced based on health status if they have maintained continuous health coverage.

On November 8^th, citizens voted for President Trump and Congressional Republicans on the promise to replace the Affordable Care Act with real patient-centered reforms. The American people have already rendered a verdict on Obamacare and I am committed to fighting for the kind of reforms the citizens of this country expect to see.

We all knew that bringing change to Washington would not be easy - there are many special interests and partisan groups who will always fight to keep the status quo. Making the kind of tough decisions that are needed to turn our country around will require real leadership and teamwork.  

Today's vote is the first step in a longer, three-phase legislative process that will move away from the big government mandates in the Affordable Care Act and instead allow people both the freedom and the ability to choose the quality health care they want. 

You can learn more about the legislation and read the text of bill by clicking here.

I believe the American people send their lawmakers to Washington to tackle big challenges - and I am committed to doing just that.

Thank you for standing with me in this fight. 

Patriot falls victim to Obamacare

A hard working patriot falls victim to the death panels of Obamacare.  This patriot's story is why President Trump is trying to repeal Obamacare.  

Here is the story his friends wrote on a gofundme page they set up for him.  If you feel like contributing click here.  Any amount will do:

Michael Krausman is a fighter. He is also one of the kindest, most generous and hard-working men you will ever know. When he was just 3 yrs. old living in Chicago he was kidnapped, beaten and left for dead next to a dumpster. Soon after that, Michael and his brothers were placed in an orphanage for a couple of years then eventually taken in by foster families for the next 5 years where they were in good hands and living somewhat normal lives for the first time. While they were in foster care, Michaels mother was notified his father was killed in Viet-Nam and she fought to get them back and they moved to Michigan. Michael lived a very tough life without a father and a very young mother who was really a child herself. He was determined to be self-sufficient however, and refused to ever think of himself as a victim. 

Michael worked very hard and became a successful Realtor. He saved enough money to purchase and remodel his own home. Last year, without warning, Michael’s world was turned upside down. He began to have balance issues, memory loss and seizures that turned into multiple seizures every day, and he found himself becoming increasingly confused and disoriented. He was forced to stop working, as he was unable to focus long enough to read a single sentence. As a real estate agent he does not have the option of unemployment or Workmen's Compensation to rely on.

Michael had purchased Obamacare a couple years earlier so he was insured, however, after several tests and 7 days in the hospital, Obamacare informed the hospital that they were no longer able to cover any further testing or treatment. Michael was in jeopardy of losing his house, and for the first time in his life was finding himself in a position he never thought he would be in. He sold his house and moved to a small condo with his dog, but his condition got worse and his medical bills continued to grow. He reluctantly signed up for Medicaid, as he was told they would cover more tests than Obamacare. After blowing through all of his savings, doctors still don't know the cause of Michael's seizures and horrible constant headaches. Last month it was suggested to him that he try a hyperbaric chamber treatment as an attempt to reverse some brain damage. At a minimum, health care professionals told him the treatments might be able to help alleviate his constant headaches. After 6 long months of brutal headaches, Michael was shocked to find he was finally able to experience some relief and is beginning to able to focus on things much better. The problem is, the $200.00 a day treatments aren't covered under Medicaid. Since Michael spent all of his savings on medical bills, he began maxing out his 3 credit cards to pay for the treatments. 

Michael spends his days at home with his dog, never knowing when he’ll have his next seizure, worrying about how he's going to pay for his next hyperbaric treatment, or how he'll pay for a series of tests that he needs to diagnose and (hopefully) treat his condition. The doctors are not going to be able to properly diagnose or treat Michael if he can't afford to pay for tests that are rejected by Medicaid. 

We are asking everyone who reads this to consider helping Michael by donating to this campaign. 100% of the money we collect will go to Michael to help pay for his hyperbaric chamber treatments and any tests that Medicaid won’t cover. Any additional money will go towards helping Michael to pay off the credit cards he's used to pay his medical bills. The stress he's feeling after working so hard his entire life isn't helping his condition. 

Please help us make it so Michael doesn't have to worry about how he's going to pay off his credit cards and continue with his treatments. He would never ask for help, so we're doing it for him. You don't have to give a lot, every little bit will help. 

Anyone who knows Michael will tell you he is one of the kindest and most generous people they have ever known. He would literally give you the shirt off his back. We’d like to return the kindness Michael has shown so many of the course of his life. He didn’t have a lot, but he was always the first person to offer to help someone in need. In addition to your contribution, Michael has strong faith and would very much appreciate your prayers. With God's help, he has proven that he is capable of overcoming obstacles many of us can never imagine.

Please help us to help Michael overcome the biggest challenge he’s ever had to face. 
God bless, 
Friends of Michael Krausman
Help spread the word!

London Terror Attack: Warning Signs Ignored

LEFT MEDIA LIES AGAIN: TRUMP DID NOT KILL MEALS ON WHEELS

The left propagandists  have been pushing out a false narrative saying that President Donald Trump is killing the program to help the elderly and the poor known as Meals on Wheels.  Meals on Wheels provides low cost to free meals to those in need.  However what Meals on Wheels receives from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services may surprise you.  President Trump's budget proposal will NOT kill the Meals on Wheels program.  

READ THE MEALS ON WHEELS STATEMENT TO CLEAR THINGS UP: “The nationwide Meals on Wheels network, comprised of 5,000, local, community-based programs, receives 35% of its total funding for the provision of congregate and home-delivered meals from the federal government through the Older Americans Act, administered by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living. Other federal funding sources that support Meals on Wheels program operations may include the Community Development Block Grant, Community Services Block Grant or the Social Services Block Grant. In addition, programs rely on contributions from state or local governments, private donations and other resources to cover the rest, demonstrating one of the best examples of a successful public-private partnership. Meals on Wheels America, the largest and oldest national organization representing senior nutrition programs across the country, receives only 3% of its funding from the government, specifically to run the National Research Center on Nutrition and Aging.

The 11th CD Majority Committee Is Not The 11th Congressional District Republican Committee

Altered 11 CD Majority Committee Facebook Cover
submitted by an angry delegate that wants to remain anonymous

Delegates beware there is a new club that has formed in Michigan's 11th Congressional District.  This club is not tied to any political party and is an independent committee.  Their goal though is to mirror the real 11th Congressional District Republican Committee and to work against that committee.

The group is run by Matt Maddock, who unsuccessfully tried to become the 11th Congressional District Republican Committee Chairman, by hijacking the Oakland County Republican Convention in January.  Mr. Maddock would have faced a race against current 11th Congressional District Republican Committee Chair Deb O'Hagan.  Because of his behavior with the violation of Robert's Rules and Michigan Republican Party Rules, Maddock's portion of the convention was thrown out and he ended up with just a few votes at time of Chair election.

Continuing with his quest for power, and in this author's opinion a sore loser, Mr. Maddock aided by his wife Meshawn formed the 11th Congressional District Majority Committee.  The name "Republican" was left out of the title as some legal minds have suggested to avoid a potential lawsuit while others have joked that the group is filled with many Libertarians who are following Libertarian leader Peter Schiff's plan to take over the Republican Party through infiltration.  

Mr. Maddock has a history of either intentionally misleading delegates or using poor use of words mislead the delegates. A couple of weeks ago a post was made in the Michigan Delegate Facebook Group about a training session that was available to delegates.  Since Mr. Maddock used the word "mandatory" in his promotion in a Delegate group this confused many and though they had to sign up and pay for this training.  This training was being put on by a group Mr. Maddock supports.  

Quite few delegates were confused and upset by an e-mail received by the 11th CD Majority Committee, which to this day the title doesn't make sense, majority of what?  One has stated to this author just that, "Majority of What"  They have yet to win an election, have a successful fund-raising campains and they typically lose in the primary. 

The following is a copy of the e-mail delegates received from the group's Secretary, Kathy Chestnut, whom by the way was put on the real 11th Congressional Republican Congressional District Committee, in addition to Lauren Burriss (also on the 11th CD Majority Committee)  as a sign of good faith that all are welcome on the real 11th Congressional District Republican Committee.

Dear Members of the 11th Congressional District,

Last Thursday’s meeting at the Emagine theater was a hugely successful night. We elected our 11th District Majority Executive Board and District Committee. We also set up 5 sub committees:Our Fundraising Committee, Candidate Recruitment Committee, Legislative Committee, Community Outreach Committee and lastly our Bylaws Committee.We also decided on the date of the first 11th Majority District Committee Meeting, March 20 at Buffalo Wild Wings in Novi in the closed in patio. 6:00 pm for dinner, 7:00 for the meeting. At that time we will break  into our subcommittees so as to decide on sub-committee chairs and other relevant issues pertaining to each subcommittee.Some who reside in the 11th have asked if it is too late to join a committee, the answer is there is always room on the sub-committees for people interested in helping!You do not need to be on a committee to attend the meetings.Please join us at:Buffalo Wild Wings on March 20th6:00 pm for social/dinner, 7:00pm for the meeting Please also check out the registration for FACL Training on April 8Featuring energetic field instructor Shawn Dow from Colorado.If you’re interested in making the most effective difference in the political world you are going to want to attend FACL (Foundation for Applied Conservative Leadership) Training, held right here in Walled Lake.Find out more here Sincerely,Kathy ChestnutSecretary of the 11th District  Majority Committee

The real 11th District Congressional Republican Committee is offering outreach and training as well for all Republican's not just a select few that have to pass a litmus test. The real 11th Congressional District Republican Committee sent out the following notice to all delegates and those interested in participating in the real 11th District Congressional Republican Committee:

 YOU ARE INVITED to a11th CDRC STRATEGY SESSION ! Enjoy some food and beverages; Meet fellow Republicans;Share your ideas for a winning 11th!you know you have an idea :-) To make it easier for you to attend, we divided the district into three regions. 
Attend the strategy session closest to you or one that fits your calendar! 
RSVP to:   rsvp@migop11.orgplease include names of those attending and region  (not mandatory but will help plan for food) A new program will be announced at the strategy sessions and there is an active role for everybody interested!  Politically yours,
Deb O'Hagan and your 11th CDRC leadership team!

The regions/venues/dates/times:
Wayne 11th region: Thursday, March 16th 6:30 pmGeorge's Senate & Coney Island39430 Dun Rovin Dr, Northville MI 48168Pasta and Salad will be served!
East Oakland region: Tuesday, March 21st 6:30 pmOCRP Headquarters 42611 Woodward Ave, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304Pizza and Pop will be served!
West Oakland region: Saturday, March 25th 9:00 amLakes Diner (formerly Big Boys)800 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake,  MI 48390Muffins, Bagels, & Coffee will be served!Full Breakfast available for purchase.   If you have a special goal, passion or interest for a successful 11th Congressional District, we want to hear about it!
So please join us at your region's strategy session! 

There are numerous clubs that any can belong to and that includes the club of the 11th CD Majority committee.  Ask questions though as to how your time, talent and treasure will be used.  The real 11th Congressional District Republican By-Laws state that the committee as a whole shall remain neutral in contested Republican Primaries and will support/endorse the winner of the Republican Primary in the November General Election.  Will the 11th CD Majority do the same? Research the group you wish to join before you make a mistake and realize you wasted your time talent and treasure for something that may not be what you thought.  Also get it in writing, see the by-laws.  In politics few tell the truth especially if they are power and money hungry. 

Legal Troubles For A Former State Rep Candidate With A History Of Miscues?

Elizabeth Smith, daughter of former embattled State Senator Richard Fessler and Marilyn Fessler , ran for the Michigan State House seat in district 44 (White Lake) in 2014.   She ended up losing to current Representative Jim Runstead.   The race that year went quite negative and we covered that negativity in a article  as well as some unbelievable turn of events for Ms. Smith (we suggest you read the blog post in the link above)

Now Elizabeth Smith is a Trustee for the Township of White Lake and her troubles seem to be following her there.

In the video a mother of a 2nd grader, Bethany Danowitz who is the school PTA president, described what transpired at Houghton Elementary  on Valentines Day 2017, Ms Danowitz witnessed Ms. Smith berating the school principal in front of students.  When the situation escalated she was asked to leave by administrators, she refused and White Lake police were called to escort her out of the school.

According to Ms Danowitz she also had a run-in with Ms. Smith at a Halloween party in 2016 where Ms. Smith "got in her face" and was berating her as well as the teacher in the classroom in front of students. 

Current State Representative Jim Runestad issued the following statement on facebook "That is despicable behavior for a public official, especially in front of little children."

Perhaps if the alleged bullying and disturbing the peace is true, the apple wouldn't fall to far from the cart.   This writer himself felt the Fessler family wrath when approached by Marilyn Fessler at the 2014 August Michigan State Convention.  It was at that point Ms. Fessler approached this author and advised that this author was now on a list for covering the 44th District race, particularly the miscues of Elizabeth Smith and her campaign.  This author though did ask Ms Smith's mother Marilyn Fessler,   "What List? A Hit List? Is that a threat?"

 You can watch the irate parents chastise and inform the rest of the board as to what transpired at the elementary school Ms Smith was at in the video below: