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The Weightier Matters (Part 2): Judgment
Article by StaffJudgment, as a weightier matter of the law, carries profound importance in ensuring justice is done. Christ emphasized this in His admonition to the Scribes and Pharisees, urging them to focus on justice beyond mere legal correctness. Justice involves the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims and the fair assignment of deserved punishment or reward. It requires decisions that are factual, reasonable, faithful, morally upright, good, fair, righteous, impartial, and legally correct. The Pharisees, however, prioritized only the legally correct aspect, neglecting fairness and impartiality in their dealings, which Christ sought to correct. The necessity of impartial judgment extends to daily life, where decisions about people and circumstances must be made constantly. These judgments, whether in mundane matters or significant life choices like marriage, demand careful evaluation free from personal bias, lust, vanity, jealousy, or greed. Snap judgments or decisions based on insufficient information often lead to grief, highlighting the need for thorough and unbiased assessment. God Himself exemplifies impartial judgment, pondering the hearts of individuals over time and across various circumstances to ensure justice. He does not make hasty decisions but observes and evaluates carefully. For us, He instructs to judge righteously, looking at the fruits of a person's actions rather than superficial aspects. This impartial approach is critical in choosing mates, friends, and leaders within the Christian community. The Pharisees erred gravely by abandoning God's standards for their own traditions, leading to partiality and injustice. Their decisions favored themselves, destroying godly standards and allowing wickedness to reign. This problem of subjective judgment persists, as seen in warnings against showing partiality to the wealthy and in the constant challenge to render decisions based on the whole counsel of God. True justice, as God embodies without partiality, aims to ensure fairness and righteousness in all dealings, guiding us to strive toward perfection with His Word as our daily guide.
Judgment, Tolerance, and Correction
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughA common mantra, even among Christians, is 'You shouldn't judge.' Is this a right concept? Here is the problem, and how righteous judgment should be done.
Numbers: The Book of Judgment
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWe live daily in uncharted territory, but the sobering account in Numbers provides a roadmap, establishing God's pattern of judging our pilgrimage conduct.
The Myth of Fairness
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe term 'fairness' when used by progressives means guaranteeing equal outcome by taking from the productive and giving to the unproductive.
The Face of Identity Politics
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughIdentity politics involves a sense of grievance against the majority and a feeling that racism permeates American society and its institutions.
Another Supreme Court Nomination
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe upcoming Supreme Court appointment could possibly tilt the court in favor of conservatives for the first time in decades.
Making the Cut (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod is very much against the idea of His people either bribing or abusing and exploiting their neighbors for personal gain. His people should be generous.
Faith and the Christian Fight (Part Ten)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike with the heroes of faith, our testing will be commensurate with the job God has prepared for us. We must make our relationship with God our top priority.
God's Stare Decisis
Sermon by Mark Schindler'Stare Decisis' is a principle that precedent should determine legal decision in making a case involving similar facts.
Qualifications of a Godly Judge
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughChrist's disciples are going through a rigorous training period to qualify for positions of leadership in God's Kingdom by conforming to Christ's image.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part One)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAll authority for law and justice resides in God; when God is taken out of the picture, darkness and chaos dominate. God's laws create a better life and character.
Is Redistribution of Wealth Biblical?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible shows that economic disparity is a given. Scripture teaches that we should voluntarily help the poor rather than be coerced by the government.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughAre we ready, at this stage in our spiritual growth, to apply chapter and verse all the biblical principles that apply to a case?
Mercy and Justice
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe are obligated to emulate God's mercy, as well as kindness, forbearance, and judgment. As we extend heartfelt compassion, God will extend mercy to us.
Biblical Principles of Justice (Part Three)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough the Old and New Testament are complementary to one another, the emphasis of justice in the New Testament switches from national to personal in scope.
Five Major Problems in the Wilderness
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod did not take ancient Israel by a direct route, and our lives likewise may seem to wander. We must trust God in spite of the detours, following His lead.
The Weightier Matters (Part 4) : Faith and Fidelity
Article by StaffFaith and fidelity to God and His way of life should be a major part of our character. Here is what faith and fidelity are, how to recognize a lack of them.
Walking the Tightrope
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOur calling could be compared to tightrope walking, in which balance and proportion must be assiduously maintained and elements are in correct proportion.
The Tongue: Our Tool of Power
'Ready Answer' by StaffOur hurtful words can create scars that last longer than any physical scar that sticks and stones may cause. Christians must harness the power of the tongue.