Many people reject the gospel and cite their primary reason to be the hypocrisy of those claiming their name of Christ, whether co-workers, family members or neighbors. Their disappointing experience with people they deem “hypocrites” tops the list of frequently given reasons to avoid any church. In response, we as believers often defensively attempt to explain or excuse the charge by admitting that we are all sinners, and that no church is perfect and that hypocrisy on the part of some need not invalidate the witness of others. However, I’m taking a new approach after my recent study in Matthew.  Hypocrisy shouldn’t be a surprise.  Consider the very words of…