Judge Not ! by: Sis. Diane Leonardo

On a British Airways flight from Johannesburg, a middle-aged, well-off white South African Lady has found herself sitting next to a black man. She called the cabin crew attendant over to complain about her seating.

"What seems to be the problem Madam?" asked the attendant.

"Can't you see?" she said " You've sat me next to a kaffir!(Kaffir (racial term): a term for Black Africans. The term was taken from the Arabs, who had used Kaffir to mean someone who was not a believer; in their case, a non-Muslim. Europeans then applied the term to Africans, as unbelievers in terms of the Christian faith).I can't possibly sit next to this disgusting human. Find me another seat!"

"Please calm down Madam." the stewardess relied. "The flight is very full today, but I'll tell you what I'll do-I'll go and check to see if we have any seats available in club or first class." The woman cocks a snooty look at the outraged black man beside her (not to mention many of the surrounding passengers). A few minutes later the stewardess returns wit

h the good news, which she delivers to the lady, who cannot help but look at the people around her with a smug and self satisfied grin: "Madam, unfortunately, as I suspected, economy is full. I've spoken to the cabin services director, and club is also full. However, we do have one seat in first class."

Before the lady has a chance to answer, the stewardess

continues ... "It is most extraordinary to make this kind of upgrade, however, and I have had to get special permission from the captain. But, given the circumstances, the captain felt that it was outrageous that someone be forced to sit next to such an obnoxious person." With which, she turned to the black man sitting next to the woman, and said: "So if you'd like to get your things, sir, I have your seat ready for you..."

At which point, apparently the surrounding passengers stood and gave a standing ovation while the black guy walks up to the front of the plane! People will forget what you said ...people will forget what you did ....but people will never forget how you made them feel.(http://sermonideas.net)

The BLUEPRINT:

A: What to believe (Romans 1:1-11:36)

B: How to Behave (Romans 12:1-16:27)

Purpose of the Book of Romans:

To introduce Paul to the Romans and to give a sample of his message before he arrives in Rome

Background To The Book Of Romans:(http://www.scribd.com/doc/3849609/Book-of-Romans-Background)

Paul was also known by his Jewish name Saul. Paul was raised in Hebrew tradition, and as a young man became an extremely radical Pharisee. He jailed and persecuted countless Christians and it wasn’t until a miraculous run-in with God on the road to Damascus that Paul changed his life around. And did he ever. Paul became “the apostle to the Gentiles” spreading the words of Christ throughout Greece and much of the East.

Paul wrote his letter to the Romans in approximately 57 C.E. The letter itself was probably written from Corinth where Paul was staying for three months after recently completing two to three years of hard labour in Ephesus. However, Paul’s intentions for writing are not as easy to identify. This marked a transitional period in Paul’s life. Paul had been working in the East for his entire ministry, and was now preparing to take on the west in general and Spain in particular. Paul in his letter was trying to solicit the support of the Romans in both prayer and action. He wanted the Romans to start the work in the west for him, so that by the time he arrived, there would be a foundation.

The 3 NO’s

1. No Excuse

2. No Escape

3. No Partiality

Discussion:

1. No Excuse (1-4)

¹ Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. ² But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things. ³ And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God? ⁴Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

“Therefore” is a concluding word that usually appears at the end of every writing piece. This was written by Paul after presenting God’s wrath on unrighteousness on the previous chapter of Romans. He established the connections between people’s unrighteousness (previous chapter) and how God judge righteously.

There are times that we get irritated to somebody else’s sin, unknowingly and unconsciously, that same sin had actually taken roots into our hearts. We must therefore be very careful in dealing with it. When we speak of any sin towards our brethrens, let’s do it with a humble heart avoiding arrogance in every way. Let them feel that we too are sinners and that only God’s grace, mercy and love, we can be set free from the bondage of sin.

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.”-Carl Gustav Jung

God really intends us to encounter such people, no excuse, if it means understanding our own selves. So the next time you encounter these people, think positively and say to yourself, “I’m glad, God cares for me”

“Judgments prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.”-Wayne Dyer

The inner beauty of the person mostly is overlooked by us because we are so busy with our “judgments”

When Paul’s letter was read in the Roman church, no doubt many heads nodded as he condemned idol worshippers, homosexual practices and violent people. But what surprised his listeners was when he said “you are inexcusable” which means “You are just as bad”. Paul was trying to emphasize that nobody is good enough to save himself or herself.(http://godswordonline.net/romans.htm)

So whether we sin “less” or sin “more” as we thought, we totally depend on God’s GRACE for salvation. Repentance is what we need! That is why we thought and ask ourselves “Why such a sinner still lives”? Simple, because God loves the sinner but hates the sin!

2. No Escape (5-9)

⁵ But in accordance with your hardness and your impenitent heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God^{, 6} who “will render to each one according to his deeds” : ⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality; ⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath^{, 9} tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

God doesn’t want His people to experience His wrath that is why we believe that our God is the God of second chances. Chances are given until His people will repent. But this doesn’t mean that we can escape the judgment day. It will surely come and we will surely face our Creator.

Paul mentioned two things that we can’t escape from (to the Romans & the believers today)

a. God’s love

⁷ eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality;

b. God’s wrath

⁸ but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath^{, 9} tribulation and anguish, on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek;

Judge means:

a. To form an opinion or estimation of after careful consideration (http://www.thefreedictionary.com)

Yet we seemed to be very careless in our judgment!

But God’s definition is different:

H6419 פּלל pâlal paw-lal'

A primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension to intercede, pray: - intreat, judge (-ment), (make) pray (-er, -ing), make supplication.

No wonder why God always holds back His anger! He is interceding for us so that instead of experiencing His wrath, we will experience His love…hallelujah!

3. No Partiality (10-11)

¹⁰ but glory, honor, and peace to everyone who works what is good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek ¹¹For there is no partiality with God

Paul says that those who patiently and persistently do God’s will, find eternal life. It is not limited to the Jews but as well as to the Greeks or the Gentiles. Therefore, you and I are part of it.

CONCLUSION:

As we wake up every day, before boarding to the different flights in our life, make this simple prayer in our heart in order that we may not be led into judging others, as in the woman in the British Airways Flight. We must pray especially at times that we seemed to feel that we can’t escape sin.

A prayer for a new day

Dear Lord

So far this week I've done well....

I haven't gossiped, I haven't lost my temper, I haven't been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overindulgent. I'm very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, Lord, I'm going to get out of bed, and from then on I'm probably going to need a lot more help.

Amen...

http://sermonideas.net

Christianity 101 by Bro. Kevin de Guzman

CHRISTIANITY 101

Tests That Christians Must Pass (James 1:1-27)

Who among us dislikes exams and quizzes? Back in school days, most of us probably despised having them, especially those that just pop out of the blue. I remember one incident back in college. It was just the beginning of the semester, the first meeting with our new professor, and as she entered the room she asked us to take out a piece of paper for a quiz. Everybody was surprised. You could hear murmurings from across the room. To begin with, nobody even brought paper! Our professor was so disappointed that he would just give a perfect score to anyone who could bring out a clean sheet of paper. It was one of the rare moments that I was thankful that nobody was ready for a quiz.

That experience was both silly and shameful. In our Christian life, being unprepared for the trials we meet may cause us serious complications. When you don’t have enough strength to resist adultery, it can cause you your marriage, and it’s not funny. When we give in to temptation it results to sin, and sin brings death, and this not a laughing matter.

When the book of James was written, the author’s goals were to expose hypocritical practices and to teach right Christian behavior. The message was originally meant for the first-century Christians residing in gentile communities outside Palestine. The author was concerned for the persecuted Christians who were once part of the Jerusalem church.

James 1:2-4

All human beings experiences trials, dilemmas and persecutions in some point of our lives. That is a fact. Now as a Christian, you get twice as much of those compared to an unbeliever. Does that scare you? It might scare an ordinary human, but if really are a Christian, you know the fact that God is with you and whatever trial or dilemma you are facing can turn into blessings.

The character of the Christian is being tested. The point is not just pretending to be happy when we face pain but to have an optimistic outlook. Consider it an opportunity to turn hardships into times of learning. In science, the more viruses you encounter the more immune you become to diseases. When you have been exposed to chicken pox or measles during childhood, you won’t have them ever. The body has already the proper defenses against the virus before it starts a disease.

These hardships aids in our spiritual growth. We can not really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It’s easy to act kind and loving towards others when all things are well.

I. The Test of Faith (v. 5 – 8)

Epistemology is the branch of philosophy concerned with the scope and limitation of knowledge. Human knowledge is limited. God’s is beyond human knowledge and is limitless. We should ask God for wisdom not just knowledge. Having wisdom is the ability to make wise decisions in difficult circumstances. An intelligent person may have profound ideas, but a wise person put s profound ideas into action.

When we ask God for wisdom, we asked with an unwavering faith, immovable and steadfast. Our faith should be constant, not rising or sinking in each moment. Our faith should also be undivided (double minded man). A person with a divided loyalty is not convinced that God’s way is the best way.

II. Test of Humility (v.9 – 11)

Christianity brings a new dignity to the poor and not so influential people of this world. That dignity is most apparent in the church, where there is no class distinction. Whether our collars are blue or white, we share the same dignity of being changed of the gospel. Whatever our social or economic situation, we are challenged to see it beyond our eternal advantages. What we can have in Jesus Christ outweighs anything in this life. Everything we have on earth is like a flower quickly fading under the sun. it won’t even last a day.

III. Test of Endurance and Temptation (v. 12 -16)

The crown of life is like the victory wreath given to athletes. God’s crown of life is not glory and honor here on earth but the reward of eternal life-living with God forever. The way to be in God’s winners’ circle is by loving Him and staying faithful even under pressure.

Temptation comes from evil desires inside us. It is not from God. God may test us, but he will never tempt us by trying to seduce us to sin. God sometimes allows Satan to tempt people in order to refine their faith.

Temptation begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. It’s like a snowball rolling down the hill; sin grows more destructive the more we let it have its way.

7 stages in temptation

1. Tempted - thought of evil

2. Drawn away - strong imagination

3. Lust - delight in viewing it

4. Enticed - weakening of the will

5. Lust conceived - yielding

6. Sin - sinful act committed

7. Death - result of actual sin

The best to stop a temptation is before it is too strong or moving too fast to control. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey His Word.

IV. Test of Appreciation (v.17)

Whatever is good comes from God, who is unchanging and constant.

V. Test of Christian experience- new birth (v. 18)

A kind of first fruits - By creatures we are here to understand the Gentiles, and by first fruits the Jews, to whom the Gospel was first sent; and those of them that believed were the first fruits of that astonishing harvest which God has since reaped over the whole Gentile world. We should die to one’s self and be born again.

VI. Test of Christian living (v.19 – 21)

Commands to Christians:

1. be swift to hear
2. be slow to speak
3. be slow to wrath
4. lay aside all filthiness
5. lay aside all overflowing of wickedness
6. receive the word with meekness

When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that our ideas are more important than theirs. When people talk with you, do they feel their ideas and viewpoints have values?

These verses speak of anger that erupts when our ego is bruised. We should never be angry when we fail to win an argument or when we feel offended or neglected. If our old self is dead and if we are born again in Christ, pride and ego will never be an issue.

We need to humbly accept the salvation message we have received because it alone can save us.

VII. Test of Obedience (v.22 – 25)

It is important to listen to what the Word of God says, but it is more important to obey it and do what it says. We can measure the effectiveness of our bible study time by the effect it has on our behavior and attitudes.

The word of God is like a mirror that lets us see our imperfections and blemishes and so we make a move to wash any imperfections that we see.

During a Presidential Prayer breakfast in Washington, this diminutive woman, just four feet and a few inches tall, stood in front of an audience of luminaries from around the world and fearlessly pleaded for protection of babies in their mothers’ wombs. She called for the leaders to take pity on the weakest and to show compassion on the little ones. “How,” she asked, “can we speak out against violence when we are the most brutal with the most defenseless?” President Clinton, when asked about his opinion about what Mother Theresa had to say, paused and said, “It is very difficult to argue to a life so beautifully lived.”

- Source: Ravi Zacharias, Telling the Truth

VIII. Test of Pure Religion

We should be able to distinguish true and pure from false and vain religion.

Vain religion is much for a show- affecting to seem the eyes of the others. Are we concerned to “seeming” or “looking” more religious than we really are? We should abstain to the evils of the tongue. We should not speak to lessen the wisdom and piety of others so that we may seem the wiser and better. People who practice religion in vain do not only deceive other people but also deceive their own souls. Whereas true religion is before God, chiefly attains for His approbation. It is compassionate. It doesn’t merely dwell on ceremonies or traditions but to holiness and charity.

CONCLUSION:

There are many characteristics that are required for Christian in able to pass the different tests that we will encounter. But the real challenge is the application of all the things that we have learned in our lives. Back in school, the most of the difficult exams are not the ones that are written and theoretical, but are the practical exams where you are to apply everything you’ve learned. The same thing when it comes to being a Christian. We can memorize and learn as much knowledge as we want and recite it over and over again, but still it is our actions that will tell our identities as Christians, not our lips. It is our actions that will minister to others. As a famous poem says “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day; I’d rather one walk with me than merely tell the way; the eyes is a better pupil and more willing than the ear; fine counsel is confusing, but example’s always clear.”

When the Wine Runs Out by: Sis. Jennifer Galit

(How To Find Joy In Times Of Need)

The story of the wedding in Cana is well loved among us when we were still kids, because of the fact that Jesus saves the day during the wedding. Back when we were small, it all seemed "magical" how Jesus turned water into wine.

Now as we have a better understanding of who Jesus really is and what role he has in our lives, we all agree that there is nothing magical about the wedding in Cana. It is simply the awesome nature and characteristic of our Lord working and made manifest in an otherwise

normal and ordinary event in one's life.

As what happened in the story when the wine had ran out, what are we to do when we reach rock

bottom? How do we find joy in times of need?

1. INVITE JESUS INTO OUR LIVES (JOHN 2:1-2, NKJV)

On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Now both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.

The chapter begins with the words “On the third day…”

Here John was pointing out that three days had passed from the time that Jesus called Philip and Nathanael until this wedding took place. From the banks of the Jordan which was the setting of chapter 1, Jesus and His disciples journeyed about 20 miles to Cana. Cana from the Greek word Κανα (kan-ah') transliterates an old Hebrew ḳānāh, “place of reeds.” This ancient name survives in Khirbet Ḳānā, a ruined site with rockhewn tombs, cisterns and a pool, on the northern edge of Sahl el-Baṭṭauf, the plain of Asochis. Nearby are marshy stretches where reeds still abound: the name therefore is entirely appropriate. The small village of Cana was very near Nazareth which is t

he hometown of Jesus, about nine miles or about a three hour walk. With this geographical context in mind, we can assume that Jesus would have repeatedly spent the

night in Cana when travelling back and forth between Capernaum and Nazareth during the first thirty years of His life.

Thus, He most likely either has friends or relatives in this town.

As we read on in this verse we come to know that his mother was also in attendance. Some Bible scholars believe that the wedding was perhaps for a relative or a close family friend of Mary as she was also assisting during the celebration. Nevertheless, Jesus was invited as well and he brought along his

disciples.

Here we see evidence of how Jesus lived so normally amongst human beings during the time He was on earth. Here is our Savior who was on a mission to save our world, and he took time to attend a wedding. Jesus sets us an example that even if we think that we have other important things to do in our lives with no time for socialization, we never know if taking part in these occasions is also part of our mission.

Just as Jesus values attending these kind of occasions because they involved dealing with people, we can have the same kind of thinking. Our mission can also be accomplished in joyous times of celebration. Jesus encourages us to bring balance into our lives by bringing Him not only in times of work but also in times of celebrations.

Another point that we can see here is by Christ’s attendance at the weddi

ng, he sanctified or blessed the ceremony itself. How often do we see that Jesus’ intention is to bless every part, every aspect of

our daily lives.

Whether it is a time of celebration or a time of tribulation, Jesus wants us to invite him. Question is, do we even care to extend that invitation to our Savior? When we are at the peak of happiness, is the headiness of joy so thick that we forget to thank God? And what happens when we are in the valley of trials, are we still hard-pressed on doing things on our own even if we find ourselves sinking deeper into the dark?

2. ESTABLISH FULL TRUST IN THE LORD (JOHN 2:3-4, NKJV)

And when they ran out of wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, "They have no wine." 4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."

Jewish marriages are arranged just like what is typical in middle eastern culture. When two families settle on the marriage details, a betrothal contract is drawn up specifying the dowry and other financial considerations. Then a multi-day marriage feast will be announced to friends

and relatives. It could last as long as seven days. The feast included speeches, dancing, prayers, music, and of course food. The contract often included the details of what would happen at the wedding as well as what would be provided at the feast. So it is not surprising that Jesus’ mother was concerned when the wine ran out.

It is considered an insult to turn down a wedding invitation. But on the part of the people who have organized the event, running out of wine was a huge embarrassment not to mention that it broke the strong unwritten laws of hospitality.

Mary the mother of Jesus was probably not asking Jesus to do a miracle when she told him of the situation. As a mother telling her adult son, she was simply hoping that Jesus would help solve this problem. And because Mary was already a widow that time, she probably got used to asking Jesus for help in certain situations. Let's think of this as a mother-son conversation. But Jesus answer to his mother was kind of vague and hard to understand.

Contrary to what we think, when Jesus used the word woman to refer to his mother, he actually was being respectful. The word woman in Greek is γυνή (goo-nay'), it's the same word that Jesus used on the cross when He said, "Woman, behold thy son," and committed her to John. In modern day English it could be translated to the word “lady”. It was a term of respect, but it was not the same as mother. We may be wondering why Jesus did not call Mary as mother anymore. Remember, by this time Jesus had already started His public ministry, His mission of why He came into this world. When He called her lady, in effect He was saying to her, I'm God. Now Jesus was not only Mary’s son, He’s also her Lord and Savior.

John 2:4 (NKJV)

Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? My hour has not yet come."

The words sound so harsh and distant. What does your concern have to do with Me? From the Greek text τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί (ti emoi kai soi) is a Jewish expression that translates to "what to me and to you". In effect Jesus was saying to Mary that though he was her son, she does not have any relationship to what He will do or how He will act in this matter. He was telling her, “It's Mine to do as God. And when the hour comes I'll do it.”

When Jesus implied that His hour has not yet come, He was not pertaining to His suffering and death. What he meant was that it wasn’t the right time for Him to work miracles in public so early in His ministry as it might provoke His enemies to go after Him. Though Jesus was still willing to help out and perform this miracle, he did so in a private manner wherein only a few people were witnesses.

Here we see how Mary is so trusting of her son, she may not know how or what Jesus can do to help, but she trusted him to do what was right.

The same for us, we encounter situations in our lives that we don't quite understand, we don't even know how we will get out of it. But we trust in the One who knows all things and knows the best for us.

3. SUBMIT TO GOD'S WAY OF DOING THINGS (JOHN 2:5, NKJV)

His mother said to the servants, "Whatever He says to you, do it."

Mary told the servants to do what Jesus asks them to do. Jesus was prepared to help, not according to Mary’s plan, but according to what fits the purpose of God.

When we bring our problems and our concerns to God, it often happens that we already have a preconceived notion of how God should take care of it. But we know our God, he is not like us. Often enough, his ways are not our ways, his thoughts are not our thoughts. He may be saying, “Not yet! This is not the best time. “I will accomplish it another way.” God is in the business of answering our prayers. Sometimes the answer is, “No” and other times the answer is, “I will do it another way.” We should take a hint from Mary and allow God to deal with the problem as he sees best for us.

FIND EXCITEMENT FROM GOD (JOHN 2:6-10, NKJV)

Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, "Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast." And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom. 10 And he said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out the good wine, and when the guests have well drunk, then the inferior. You have kept the good wine until now!"

These containers of water were used for ceremonial washings of the feet, hands, utensils. The number six according to some Bible scholars is symbolic of human effort or a number less than the completion. It was ultimately a sign pointing toward Jesus as the completion. The miracle of transformation into wine reminds us of the shedding of Jesus’ blood on the cross. Jesus is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, and the transformation and transfiguration of the old into the new, the abundance of this "good wine" is the new promise, the new life brought out of the old by this transforming power.

As “Logos”or the Word, Jesus only has to say "the word" and it is immediately done. Just imagine what the word of God can do. It can literally transform our lives! From water into wine, from a crisis into abundance, His word alone is enough to bring us joy and satisfaction.

And as the water pots are filled to the brim, it shows us that if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, joy floods our hearts and our cup overflows.

People look to other things but God when they want excitement in our lives. Being holy doesn’t mean lifeless and boring. Just as the wine Jesus made was the best, so life in Him is better that life on our own. It would be exciting to see what God can make of our lives, what his plan is for us. Just as the water that He turned to wine, God can take our lives and turn it into something great for His glory. Why wait when until everything else runs out before trying God? Why save the best for last?

CONCLUSION (JOHN 2:11-12, NKJV)

This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him. 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days.

If we remember the purpose of why John wrote this Gospel, it is to prove beyond any doubt that Jesus is the Son of God. John tells us in verse 11 that Jesus gave this first sign through which he revealed his glory. Jesus is the very expression of the Father, Hebrews 1:3 says that He is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being. Jesus wants the people to know, in the presence of his family and friends in his very own hometown that He is God. This sign or miracle is just a foretaste of what is still to come, it is but a glimpse of what Jesus was going to do and why.

We may notice that John refers to this a sign. What does a sign do? It points us into the right direction of course. And this sign was like a thumbnail to a bigger picture and a compass to make sure that we keep going in the right direction. What an awesome way for Jesus to start his ministry, and we all know that it has an even grander ending

with the sacrifice he made on the cross.

No miracle is without any result. We are not informed whether the servants who brought the wine to the headmaster were transformed by the miracle that they witnessed. But we know that Jesus’ new disciples believed. When they first started to follow Jesus, some of them probably were just curious as to who Jesus really was, especially with all the talk that He was the Messiah. So when they saw with their own eyes, they believed in him.

What about us, we were not there to witness the miracle for ourselves. But now as we read about it again, does it endear Jesus more to us? Was our faith strengthened? Did it give us hope and comfort that our God supplies our every need? Do we need to worry when we know that our God is a miracle worker? The same God who turned water into wine can turn death into life.

Colossians 2:17 (NIV)

These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.