Hello friends and family.  I’ve waited so late to post this that many of you probably won’t see it until it’s old news, but here’s what’s coming up.

First I want to say how much I appreciate all of you pitching in to help keep the church going.  Right now every one of you is especially important to the life of the church and I am so thankful for you.  At the end of the service we gave everyone an opportunity to rearrange the duties that they originally volunteered for a few months ago, and I look forward to seeing you shine.

I spoke on the importance of seeking to know Jesus and follow him as individuals and as a church.  Priscilla spoke on not judging others, following the theme we were on for the last few weeks.  What we’ve said on that subject is true, and I’ll reinforce that truth in this Sunday’s message.  However, I also want to provide some balance.

I think it’s safe to say that Matthew 7:1 is one of the most misused verses in the Bible today.  Even people who don’t believe anything in the Bible know that verse and are quick to throw it up as a shield against any Christian who dares to challenge the way they choose to live.  The same thing happens among people who do claim some form of belief.

Are they right?  Are we forbidden to make any judgment at all regarding another person’s choices or actions?  Maybe if you stop right there, but no document can be understood by reading just one sentence plucked conveniently from its text.  To understand what Jesus said here, we need to read at least through verse 5, and I think you need verse 6 too.  Then we need to consider it along with other things that Jesus said on the topic of judging.  That will give us a very different understanding.

See you Sunday.  Love y’all!

Larry