It seems to me that some Christians are quick to attack and judge various ministries and servants of God. Let me say this up front , I strongly believe that we as believers need to speak out against false teachers, heresies, etc. The Bible even exhorts us to expose these false ministers and teachers and those who contradict the word of God and teach others to follow their example. But I see people on social networks and blogs criticizing true servants of God, like for example, Billy Graham. They are quick to point out that Billy Graham said this or he said that. Billy Graham has been a faithful minister and follower of Jesus Christ from his early days as an evangelist. Today in his nineties, he still proclaims Christ when appearing on TV or in public. His son Franklin Graham, carries on the ministry of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and Samaritan Purse.
Franklin has been raised by Godly parents and the evidence is shown in their faithful ministry and the compassion and love for the less fortunate and needy of the world. Their love for Christ is evident, exemplified by their world-wide ministry that bears fruit and helps people all over the world in places like Haiti, after the devastating earth quake. None of this would have been possible without Billy Graham and the groundwork he laid. God has blessed his ministry and who are those who criticize him? They point to something that he may have said in an interview or on TV like the Larry King show, something that they may not agree with. Even if at times Billy may have said something that appeared to be compromising to some, I feel they have no grounds to persecute him as bad Christian. How many times have we said something that didn’t come out the way we meant it, or was misunderstood or taken out of context? Some Christians find fault in almost anybody else but themselves, which to me borders on self-righteousness. Who are we to judge another servant of God? Who are we to judge another believer in Christ Jesus? If we judge, do we not do those very things Jesus told us not to do?
“Judge not, that you be not judged. “For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? “Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Mat 7:1-5
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:37
How many people have come to the Lord through ministries like Billy Graham’s and others? How many have received the love of Christ and the forgiveness that He gives to those who believe? The Billy Graham crusades have brought thousand upon thousands to Christ. How many have come to Christ by those who love to criticize and judge others? How many have they led to the Lord? I think we all need to reflect sometimes on ourselves. Judging comes very easily to us, it is our human nature. I catch myself from time to time engaging in criticism or judgment, which leads nowhere. We as believers should have love for one another and if some are found in error, we should gently correct them. None of us is perfect, none of us is sinless but we should all be of the same mind and spirit. Those who frequently love to judge others are divisive and cause strive among other believers. The are critical of others, not looking at themselves, they have a spirit of contention and not of love. Therefore, let us not judge one another. Let us walk in love and if some believers are caught up with false teachers or live in a compromised state, let us gently exhort them and show them their error in love, found in the infallible word of God.
“Who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Romans 14:4
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written: “As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” Romans 14:-12
I think that say’s it all, believers in Christ will not face the great white throne judgment of God, but we will all have to stand before the Bema seat of Christ.
Media 4 Life Ministries 
Thanks Cathy for sharing you story about the Grahams. I never met them, but I have been doing some work with Samaritan Purse and Operation Christmas child (shoe boxes). People are quick to judge and I question those who do, show me your fruit. Jesus said by their fruit shall you know them….. the Grahams have produced much fruit. Blessings to you, Freddy.
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Freddy, thanks for standing up so much for the Grahams. After living virtually down the street and as a member of the church they still attend for 17 years I get agitated at those who especially render to Franklin a judgement. They are wonderful people and have done so much for the kingdom of God. I remember one Sunday morning about 15 years ago I went to church alone. I was a single parent and had put my daughter in her class. I found a pew about 3/4 of the way back of the Montreat Chapel and sat down. A few minutes later Ruth Graham wheeled herself in her wheelchair as she was recovering from hip surgery. She looked over at me and just smiled and said “hello.” I saw her a few more times there and heard Franklin preach a number of times. Before Dr. Graham was unable to preach anymore I was blessed to hear him once in that little Chapel. Their lives are very protected there not only by security but those of us who lived there. They wanted their privacy which was cherished by their family and we in the community granted that. I would hear of those who went to school with Franklin and how badly they spoke of him in his days of rebellion. They failed to see all the good he is doing today. My husband was privileged to be one of the many who aided in Ruth Graham’s funeral which was a very sad day for us all. She was a true woman of God with a sense of humor that outlasted many. She was a tough lady and the inspiration behind the great man. I was blessed to be a part of their community for so many years. Thanks again for your support for them.
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Thank you Cindy, be blessed.
Send from Freddy’s iPhone
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amen, brother. there are many facets to God. many more, i am sure, than we can fully comprehend while we live in these earthly bodies. many times,one minister focuses on one facet of the Almighty and another focuses on something else. i particularly like joseph prince’s emphasis on God’s grace and the permanent forgiveness for those in Christ, but i am not yet sure whether i agree with other things he teaches. but, as far as i can tell, all of his teaching IS biblical. i think i just don’t understand some of it. my lack of agreement, or understanding, of some of his message, does not negate his message or God’s grace. i just pray for the Holy Spirit to lead me in ALL truth.
keep writing. you are bringing up some important topics and i enjoy reading your thoughts.
cindy
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