Judging—What does it mean? Is it right to judge? Have you ever pondered these questions? “Judge not, that ye be not judged” (Matthew 7:1), has led many Christians to conclude that they have neither right nor responsibility to judge what they see and hear. Yet this conclusion leaves them at a loss to know how to cope with life about them. A study of God’s Word will show that his children do have a responsibility to judge.

In the heart of every person there is a desire to be safe and secure. Little children are often afraid of being left alone. They also may fear the dark, or the unknown. Children crave the security of being held in the loving embrace of their parents. There they feel confident and protected. As we mature, the desire to be safe and secure never leaves us. This inborn desire was given to us by our Creator. While some men act fearless, in their hearts they may fear the unknown, suffering, accident, or sickness. They may also have an uneasy feeling about what might happen to them after death.

Do you know that the Bible teaches that all men are born in sin and are naturally inclined to do evil? Thus all men are in a lost state and condition. “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way” (Isaiah 53:6). “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness” (Mark 7:21-22). Psalm 51:5.

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). Various scriptures in the Bible refer to baptism. Ephesians 4:4-6 speaks of one faith and one baptism. The scriptures speak of three different aspects of baptism. The first is Holy Spirit baptism, which brings about the new birth in the life of the believer (Titus 3:5). Water baptism is the visible symbol of the Holy Spirit baptism, which is commanded to those that believe. Jesus also calls his disciples to a baptism of commitment and suffering (Mark 10:38-39). The same full commitment of the heart and life to God is required in all three. In this, they agree and become one baptism.

The Bible is a precious book that fills the need of every soul. The messages found in it provide spiritual nourishment. There are chapters exactly suited for your particular need or inquiry.

The following are some of the features and manifestations of the self-life. The Holy Spirit alone can interpret and apply this to your individual case. As you read, examine yourself in the very presence of God. Are you ever conscious of: • A secret spirit of pride or an exalted feeling in view of your success or position; because of your good training or appearance; because of your natural gifts and abilities; an important, independent spirit? Proverbs 16:18; 20:6; 25:14; Romans 12:3; James 4:6.

Jesus established his kingdom when He was on earth. We who have entered it have found it to be a place of deep pleasure and lasting satisfaction. It is a peaceful kingdom. In it we do not make instruments of destruction, neither do we learn war any more (Isaiah 2:4). Earth has had many kingdoms in the past, but they have risen with the strength of their kings and warriors, and they have fallen with their weakness.

One of the most important aspects of living a Christian life is that of submission. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 5:21 encourages us to submit ourselves one to another in the fear of God. A humble heart and an appreciation for what the Lord has done makes submission possible.

Christianity is based on God, his Son Jesus Christ, and the Bible, which is the Word of God. A Christian is one who believes the Bible and lives the teachings of Jesus Christ. This way of life brings peace and contentment here on this earth and prepares us for a home in heaven.

Ungjilli i Gjonit 10:1-18 A ju ka rastisur ndonjëherë që dikush ju thërret emrin dhe ju nuk e merrni vesh se nga vjen zëri? Ose ndoshta këtë zë e dëgjonit me vështirësi, për shkak të zhurmës rreth e rrotull. Dëgjoni, një zë po ju thërret. JU! Kush jeni ju? Cili është emri juaj? Nga vini? Ku banoni? Për ku po shkoni?