“Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word.” (Acts 8.4, ESV)¹

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¹In the context, Christians were dealing with persecution including prison time, beatings, and/or death (See the books of Acts). Despite this, Christians went about preaching the word. In fact, since the Christians were so diligent in teaching others, Luke recorded in Acts that the church multiplied by the thousands and yet persecutions abounded!

What’s our excuse for not teaching others? Is it the television? Coming home after a long day and putting up our feet to watch T.V. sounds great. Is it the internet? Spending time surfing the net and social media sites like Facebook and Twitter is very relaxing. Is it tiredness? Indeed, forty to fifty hours a week at work can be exhausting. Too many activities? Little Johnny has soccer, Suzie has softball, Bobby has piano lessons, Bill has chess club, etc. Of course, these activities are necessary.

Surely one can see the sarcasm above. Simply put, we put too much before our God. We focus on the wrong things. We fill our lives with so much that we neglect spiritual things. If we find ourselves not teaching sinners, isn’t it time we examine our lives and discover what we need to eliminate to make time?

Perhaps time is not the issue. Perhaps a lack of knowledge is the reason why we do not teach. What are we doing about that, brethren? Are we diligently studying? Are we seeking to learn God’s word to teach our family or friends?

Here are the facts: If Christians in the first century lived in a time with no electricity and no modern-day comforts, and dealt with constant hardship due to persecution and yet still taught sinners, then God will not accept our excuses of being too tired, wanting to watch our favorite television shows, or that little billy has football practice every afternoon, etc. It is scary how many of us will be using those excuses on judgment day!

If you want to learn about God’s will, please e-mail Bryan Garlock, message us on Facebook, or text 903.308.405.

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7.1, ESV)¹

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¹Too often people stop with verse one of Matthew chapter seven. It is as if they do not know that verses 2-6 even exist. Jesus’ point is that if we are going to judge someone, we must make sure the log has been taken out of our eye before focusing on the speck in our brother’s eye. That is how we judge with righteous judging (John 7.24). Additionally, God’s word has already made the judgments. Those who teach sinners to obey Jesus are simply restating what God has already stated in His word and has authorization to do so (Mark 16.15; Matt. 28.19; etc.).

Below are some ways people use Matthew 7.1 along with the translation.

• "Only God can judge me" translation "leave me alone so I can sin".
• "You don't know my heart" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "We all sin" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "God knows my heart" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "Don't push your religion on me" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "I thought Jesus said, 'Don't judge'" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "Don't cast stones" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "You are judging" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "God is love" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "That's your interpretation" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "Why do you care?" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "No one likes a Bible thumper" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "Don't talk to me about religion" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."
• "You have a holier than thou attitude" translation "leave me alone so I can sin."

What’s your excuse to continue in sin? If you want to be left alone so you can continue in sin, then God will leave you alone after the judgment.

If you’re interested in learning more about God’s will, we would be more than happy to help you. Our goal is to live righteous lives so that we can properly help you overcome sin in your life too. E-mail Bryan Garlock, message us on Facebook, or text 903.308.4905 to study with us!