Tag: judgement

Was Billy Graham right? Is it just my job to love?

This is one of those quotes that sounds brilliant at first but after a little bit of reflection leaves one feeling uneasy. I guess that when Billy Graham said it, he had Matthew 7:1-6 in mind. In that sense the quote should warn us against the harsh judgementalism that we too often see -especially on… Continue reading Was Billy Graham right? Is it just my job to love?

My responsibility after a falling out

I am not talking here about a minor argument but when there has been a serious breakdown in relationships and a sense from all parties that they have been wronged.  If you have ever been asked to mediate such a situation then you will know how hopeless and painful, they often are.  Usually, there is… Continue reading My responsibility after a falling out

How do I want to be judged?

Jesus says that we will be judged by the same standard by which we judge others. This should slow us down before pronouncing a verdict on others. Judging is not just about coming to a conclusion about what has happened, it is also about handing out the penalty too.  When Jesus in Matthew 18 and… Continue reading How do I want to be judged?

On judging

Matthew 7:1-6 warns against the rush to judgement. Given that Jesus himself does make judgements, gives the keys of the kingdom to the disciples and encourages church discipline, it seems unlikely that this is a blanket ban on exercising justice or discernment. However, what we have seen throughout the Sermon on the Mount is that… Continue reading On judging

Skin Deep? Anger and Murder

Have you ever called anyone a fool or an idiot? I would probably do better to ask if anyone has not called someone that!  So, we probably should take Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:21-26 seriously. But doesn’t the Bible, Paul and even Jesus himself refer to people as fools and foolish?  So, what exactly is… Continue reading Skin Deep? Anger and Murder

Harvest Time (Revelation 14)

What is going to keep you going through tough times?  What gives you hope in the middle of lockdown. I suspect that for many of us, we look forward to future or postponed celebrations. Perhaps when the time comes we will roll together all of the celebrations we have missed or are likely to miss… Continue reading Harvest Time (Revelation 14)

“Do not judge…”

“Who are we to judge?” It’s one of those argument ending killer phrases isn’t it?  Usually the phrase is then followed up by two other phrases. “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”[1] “let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!”[2] The deployment of these phrases are designed to… Continue reading “Do not judge…”

Listen very carefully

Here’s today’s Afternoon Tea discussion. As it is Sunday, we have a first look at the Sunday Night topic which this week is “Listen carefully” (Hebrews 2:1-4). Here are the key points: 1. The context is that Jesus is greater than the angels. 2. Although Jesus’ revelation is greater, it does not replace the OT… Continue reading Listen very carefully

Whose enemies are they anyway? (Reflections on Psalm 110 part 2)

Psalm 110 is famous as one of the Psalms that clearly points to Christ and is the most quoted Psalm in the New Testament. In this Psalm David writes The Lord says to my Lord:    “Sit at my right hand,until I make your enemies your footstool.[1] Here, David introduces him to the Lord who speaks to… Continue reading Whose enemies are they anyway? (Reflections on Psalm 110 part 2)