Elton John: You Can Tell Everybody that You’re Dead Wrong!
Elton John says he has an in with Jesus, and that El Cristo said homosexuality is alright. Hmmmmm, maybe he needs a better perscription for those glasses. See why Zo thinks Elton’s crazy in this ZoNation.
Flotsam and Jetsam 
September 1, 2014 at 4:20 pm
The problem with Bible-thumpers is they need to come down from the cross. Someone else needs the wood. Judge not, lest you be judged.
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July 25, 2015 at 10:35 am
The problem with people who have no understanding of the Scriptures is that they misunderstand and misquote many Scriptures and Scriptural injunctions. The Bible’s command that we “not judge” others does not mean we cannot show discernment. Immediately after Jesus said, “Do not judge,” He said, “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs” (Matthew 7:6). A little later in the same sermon, He says, “Watch out for false prophets. . . . By their fruit you will recognize them” (verses 15–16). How are we to discern who are the “dogs” and “pigs” and “false prophets” unless we have the ability to make a judgment call on doctrines and deeds? Jesus is giving us permission to tell right from wrong.
Also, the Bible’s command that we not judge others has nothing to do with “all actions,” that are equally moral or that truth is relative. The Bible clearly teaches that truth is objective, eternal, and inseparable from Yahweh’s character. Anything that contradicts the truth is a lie—but, of course, to call something a “lie” is to pass judgment! To call adultery or murder a sin is to also passing judgment—but it is also to agree with Yahweh. When Jesus told us not to judge others, He wasn’t saying that no one can identify sin for what it is, based on God’s definition of sin.
And the Bible’s command that we not judge others does not mean there should be no mechanism for dealing with sin. The Bible has a whole book entitled Judges. The judges in the Old Testament were raised up by Yahweh Himself (Judges 2:18). The modern judicial system, including its judges, is a necessary part of society. In saying, “Do not judge,” Jesus was not saying, “Anything goes.”
In fact, “Bible Thumpers” are commanded to judge: “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly” (John 7:24). This is the clue as to the right type of judgment versus the wrong type. Taking this verse and some others, we can put together a description of the sinful type of judgment:
Superficial judgment is wrong. Passing judgment on someone based solely on appearances is sinful (John 7:24). It is foolish to jump to conclusions before investigating the facts (Proverbs 18:13). Simon the Pharisee passed judgment on a woman based on her appearance and reputation, but he could not see that the woman had been forgiven; as a result, Simon drew Jesus’ rebuke for his unrighteous judgment (Luke 7:36–50).
Hypocritical judgment is wrong. Jesus’ command not to judge others in Matthew 7:1 is preceded by comparisons to hypocrites (Matthew 6:2, 5, 16) and followed by a warning against hypocrisy (Matthew 7:3–5). When we point out the sin of others while we ourselves commit the same sin, we condemn ourselves (Romans 2:1).
Harsh, unforgiving judgment is wrong. We are “always to be gentle toward everyone” (Titus 3:2). It is the merciful who will be shown mercy (Matthew 5:7), and, as Jesus warned, “In the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Matthew 7:2).
Self-righteous judgment is wrong. We are called to humility, and “God opposes the proud” (James 4:6). The Pharisee in Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector was confident in his own righteousness and from that proud position judged the publican; however, God sees the heart and refused to forgive the Pharisee’s sin (Luke 18:9–14).
Untrue judgment is wrong. The Bible clearly forbids bearing false witness (Proverbs 19:5). “Slander no one” (Titus 3:2).
Christians are often accused of “judging” or being intolerant when they speak against sin. But opposing sin is not wrong. When we do not present the standard of righteousness naturally defines unrighteousness and draws the slings and arrows of anyone who chooses sin over godliness. John the Baptist was persecuted by Herodias when he spoke out against her adultery with Herod (Mark 6:18–19). She eventually silenced John, but she could not silence the truth (Isaiah 40:8).
Believers are warned against judging others unfairly or unrighteously, but Jesus commends “right judgment” (John 7:24, ESV). We are to be discerning (Colossians 1:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are to preach the whole counsel of God, including the Bible’s teaching on sin (Acts 20:27; 2 Timothy 4:2). We are to gently confront brothers or sisters in Christ who are involved in sin (Galatians 6:1). We are to practice church discipline (Matthew 18:15–17). We are to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
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