Who Are You to Judge?

Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Although the author does a thought-provoking job of teaching about proper discernment concerning the moral issues, some deviances in worship, etc., I was disappointed that he seems not able to discern the obvious problems with a professing Christian's acceptance of John Calvin's abhorrent thoughts about the ways of God and then encourages the rest of us to accept and believe in him because..."God is Sovereign."

What the author said concerning Calvinism and Arminianism, that "these should not not be the matters over which we divide, nor should they define heresy," makes me seriously question his own powers of discernment in theological matters. What he believes is not important enough to divide over appears to be the leading cause of our churches dividing these days. Which is likely the reason that now John MacArthur is finally giving some public attention to the matter of his own Calvinism, though obviously avoiding the real issues involved. (Can you blame him, what Calvinist wouldn't?)

I was disappointed that the author, who did give some good tips on discernment concerning the moral issues, himself appears unable to discern accurately the difference between truth and heresy.

Rating:
Summary: Judging God's way
Review: As a Christian I have, in the past, grown very frustrated with the populary held idea that Christians cannot declare something to be wrong even though the Bible condemns it. I always heard, "Judge not that ye be not judged." This attitude never felt right with me.

Thankfully I am not the only one. The author does a masterful job of distinguishing between unlawful judgement and lawful discernment. He makes good use of scripture, in context, to support his points.

In the current post-modern world that we live in, where tolerance is held above justice, this book and others like it can help Christians deal with the world we live in. You'll learn how to judge situations based on God's standards not your own. This book does not promote self-righteousness. Rather, it promotes sensitivity to the righteousness of God.

Rating:
Summary: Judging God's way
Review: As a Christian I have, in the past, grown very frustrated with the populary held idea that Christians cannot declare something to be wrong even though the Bible condemns it. I always heard, "Judge not that ye be not judged." This attitude never felt right with me.

Thankfully I am not the only one. The author does a masterful job of distinguishing between unlawful judgement and lawful discernment. He makes good use of scripture, in context, to support his points.

In the current post-modern world that we live in, where tolerance is held above justice, this book and others like it can help Christians deal with the world we live in. You'll learn how to judge situations based on God's standards not your own. This book does not promote self-righteousness. Rather, it promotes sensitivity to the righteousness of God.

Rating:
Summary: Discernment is to judge?
Review: Discernment is the ability to recognize the truth and distinguish it from error. This work is a call for discernment. One learns the truth from the word of God. To discern, one makes a "judgment" what is consistent with the bible and what is "error". In John MacArthur's endorsement, states that there is a crying need in today's church for discernment. Each individual person in the body of Christ needs to study God's word, learn the truth, examine oneself for rebellion against God, and learn how to react properly to false teaching and ungodly living in this world.

Lutzer argues misguided tolerance plagues the Christian church today. That there is a disconnect between people who accept the authority of scripture and how they live their daily lives. Knowing the truth and living the Truth is paramount to the body of Christ. Lutzer uses Jesus' prayer for His disciples, recorded in John chapter 17, to illustrate his point. In the prayer Jesus prays for those who are His. He describes the disciples as holding the truth, being in the world, but not of the world. This is a definition to whom a Christian is. This is prayer for protection from sin not hardship. That Christ's followers would persevere through physical and mental hardship (temptation that comes from living in a sinful world).
Lutzer argues the context of the scripture: Do not Judge:
"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. (Matthew 7:1-2 RSV)

"Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. (Matthew 7:6 RSV)

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. (Matthew 7:15 RSV)

Who is a dog? Who is a swine? Who is a false prophet? Is not Jesus asking the believer to examine and make determinations about people? To be able do this one must make determinations about truth, who holds the truth, and who is seeking to teach the truth.

Matthew 7:3-5 tells us to take the log out of our own eye before attempting to take the speck out of someone else's eye. Meaning one needs to evaluate ones own sinfulness first, repent, and move away from the sinfulness before making determinations about others. Lutzer also argues that not doing this first will actually make you more judgmental and a harsher critic of others.

An accurate picture of God starts with studying the Bible and being taught the word of God. To be able to discern correct theology and false theology.
What one believes determines:

(1) How one thinks of himself.
(2) How one thinks of others.
(3) Ones purpose in life
(4) Determines one's existence in the afterlife.

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own likings, (2 Timothy 4:3 RSV)

But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. (2 Peter 2:1 RSV)
First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, (2 Peter 1:20 RSV)

Dr. Lutzer instructs about false prophets (any false teacher) and how to discern their teachings as false. Three examples a theology that justify accumulation of wealth, cater to the pride of 'God's' spokesman, and a context where immorality will flourish. The is one type of heretic.
The second is described in First Corinthians 11:19. For there must be heresies among you that they which are approved are made manifest among you. This is the New American standard version. The revised standard version uses the word faction. This was a division caused in the church by the wealthy consuming more food for the Lord's supper then the poor. This type of division in God's church is considered a heresy. See also Galations 5:6.

In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the likeness of God. (2 Corinthians 4:4 RSV)

Lutzer argues the Christian parent is often in 'cahoots' with the god of this world. When the parent does not edit what their children view on the television, hear or read. Also included in text is a discussion what adults should permit themselves view in television, the movies, and the occult. Do not let the world corrode your own soul or the children in your charge. Parents should be able to explain their 'tastes' are determined by what is pleasing to God. Lutzer argues that resistance to sin is lessen when Christians laugh at homosexuality, adultery, and incest. This often is the aim of the entertainment industry.

but test everything; hold fast what is good, abstain from every form of evil. May the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:21-23 RSV)

Lutzer concludes his work on judging discussing Christian integrity. He does not say it, but through implication a warning for Christians to not allow logs to get lodged into their eyes. First is an analysis about Christian organizations that misrepresent their influence, size of their membership, exaggerate stories to raise money, and/or are to driven by sales. He also argues against positive only ministries and failure to point out false teachers. Lutzer discusses Characteristic of a person of integrity: speaking the truth, honor friendship, keeping commitments, refuse to take advantage of others, and is not for sale.

Rating:
Summary: Sound, Biblical Discernment
Review: I am new to Dr. Lutzer's books, but after hearing much about it, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed! This book runs in the same vein as John MacArthur's _Reckless Faith_, although this book is more broad in its scope of defining deviant doctrines.

AMong the statements that Dr. Lutzer makes on biblical discernment these are the most notable: A half-truth is more destructive than a whole lie, namely because a half truth is harder to recognize. The theme of the book would be to develop in Christians the discipline to learn discernment in a loving way. That is, when one is exposing error, one should do it with an intent to win back the brother. He then goes into detail on distinguishing between true and false miracles, true and false doctrine, false prophets, etc.

However, I must warn this: If you have read Dr. Macarthur's book on discernment (please read this one as well), and you were offended by his "intolerant" statements about the Charismatic movement or the Catholic Church (amazing that Christians now adopt the language of the world!), then this book will probably have the same effect. But then maybe not. MacArthur writes with fire and ice; Lutzer is more cool and rational. Anyway, Just read both

Rating:
Summary: This is a MUST-READ for Every Serious Christian...
Review: I was blest enough to be part of the congregation of the historic Moody Church here in Chicago when Pastor Erwin Lutzer preached this wonderful series to the people he shepherds every week from one of America's great pulpits.

Pastor Lutzer, a kind, compassionate, gracious, loving man...PULLS NOT PUNCHES.

He address subjects that many ministers are afraid to tackle, and the people of Moody Church are the better for it. Appearances, Miracles, Spiritual Gifts, Discernment, Entertainment, Prophets, etc. They are all included, and it is sound, biblical, godly wisdom, sown from a heart of love for God's people.

I would recommend this book and this pastor to anyone, at any time.