“For what have I (Apostle Paul) to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13.

As Christians, we do not judge the sinners for sinning…that’s what they do.  Someone who is not born again through the Blood of Jesus Christ cannot help but sin.  Some may have a stronger will than others but make no doubt, even the strongest will of man cannot over come satan’s power.  If it (man’s will power) could over come sin, there would have been no need for Jesus to go to Calvary’s Cross to give us dominion over sin.  Sinners are going to sin and we need not waste our time judging, complaining and debating over their sins.

However, we do tell them there is freedom from their bondage through the Blood of Jesus Christ.  We do preach deliverance to the captives so they no longer have to sin.  They are condemned to an eternal hell and in a bondage they cannot overcome…and we complain about them.  Complaining about them will not change their hearts.  Condemning them of their sins does not bring a sorrow that will lead to repentance, they are already condemned – literally.

The only One Who can change their hearts is the Lord Jesus Christ.  How many times have they already rejected the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  I ask you this…how many times did you? I praise God for His mercy and grace He showed me.  If He would have kicked me to the curb the first time I rejected the Gospel of Jesus, I’m scared to think of where I might be.    We don’t judge the lost.  We preach to them the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.  We lift up the name of Jesus to the lost and the Holy Spirit draws them.  If they reject the draw of the Holy Spirit, we shake the dust from our feet and pray for God to send His laborers to cross their path.

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the House of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.

How have we, God’s children, been faithful to the Word of God?  How have we been good stewards to this Good News of Jesus Christ and Him crucified?  Has not the modern church taken the Word of God and used it as a license to form “their doctrine” and build their empires? “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:18. 

These are not sinners that I’m judging but Saints.  As good stewards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ we are required to be found faithful to the full counsel of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 4:2).  The more popular a religious organization is the further away from God it usually is.  As a church feeds the flesh, the more flesh it will gather.  A church who is feeding the spirit with the Word of God, will only attract those who are seeking to feed the spirit.  It is not hard for those who are led by the spirit to discern the difference.  Discernment is a Gift of God and, as with all gifts from God, it is not by merit.  There is nothing we can do to earn God’s gifts.  Simple faith in Jesus and what He has done on Calvary’s Cross is the only reason we are afforded these gifts.  That faith of a mustard seed in the power of God allows the Believer to reckon those promises in God’s Word are for them and that He will give the promises to the Believer at His Will and for His purposes…NOT our presumption or I will – sorry, word of faith folks.

“For the preaching of the Cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18.

The problem is that few understand the power of God is in the Cross of Jesus.  Their faith is in the Cross of Jesus for Salvation, praise the Lord, but for victory over their bondage, they place their faith in the power of man.  The schemes of man preached by the modern church to overcome sin using their will power through the psychological and motivational gospels has forsaken God’s power for victory and seduced God’s children to another bridegroom.  They have “a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” 2 Timothy 3:5.

God’s people need to turn away from form’s of godliness and seek holiness through the power of God to change the heart of man.  Sorrow which leads to repentance is never a loss.  God will no more honor the disobedience of the church anymore than He will honor the disobedience of the individual.

“If My people, which are called by My Name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14.

Turn back to the power of God – Jesus Christ and HIS finished work.  Trust Him.

-Donna Clark Warren