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Desire to be a vessel of honor unto the Lord Jesus Christ?
Join For His Glory for a discussion on how
https://christianforums.net/threads/a-vessel-of-honor.110278/
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Taking the time to pray? Christ is the answer in times of need
https://christianforums.net/threads/psalm-70-1-save-me-o-god-lord-help-me-now.108509/
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Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #42
Can we fraternize in a group along with those that don't believe and still build the body?
How much have we been offered in warning concerning 'witnessing'?
If we 'congregate' with 'unbelievers' or those that actually have no intention of 'following Christ' except through their lips, what does this offer to others who may visit or are interested in what is TALKED about?
It's like this: What kind of witness is it to tell others that it's OK to sin because we are all sinners?
Or
That it's OK for gays to attend and be members of a church?
When we compromise like this, we cannot be following in Truth.
Question: Can you be a 'Christian' and plan to rob or murder someone? Can you be a Christian and hate your brother?
Blessings,
MEC
How much have we been offered in warning concerning 'witnessing'?
If we 'congregate' with 'unbelievers' or those that actually have no intention of 'following Christ' except through their lips, what does this offer to others who may visit or are interested in what is TALKED about?
It's like this: What kind of witness is it to tell others that it's OK to sin because we are all sinners?
Or
That it's OK for gays to attend and be members of a church?
When we compromise like this, we cannot be following in Truth.
Question: Can you be a 'Christian' and plan to rob or murder someone? Can you be a Christian and hate your brother?
Blessings,
MEC
I
Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #43
Look, Christ came to offer hope. He did not come to offer false hope. He plainly outlined that certain types of behavior is plain evidence that those that perform it are not fit for God's Kingdom. period. I am not here to offer "false hope'' either.
The truth is the truth and sometimes it hurts. The rich man who Christ told to 'sell all that he owned and give to the poor and then follow him'. Do you reacon that this man will end up with 'life eternal'?
And how much more responsible are we? Hmmmmmm.............
Watered down and luke-warm soap won't even clean your hands.
So, what I hoped to bring to attention are those that label themselves in the hopes that 'saying' something is able to CHANGE things.
Any that understand love are able to plainly see what I am referning to. You cannot hate your brother and love Christ. Impossible. Read The Word, don't take mine for it.
You cannot do a lot of 'things' and be a 'Christian'. Or maybe you can. That's the point. Is the word Christian merely a label? And one that has no power? For how could one call themselves a Christian and commit adultery, fornication, lie, cheat, steal, etc.................... For even if one were attempting to follow Christ, SAYING that they ARE and doing these things is nothing other than 'luke warm and watered down witness and testimony.
Yes, we can be forgiven. But once forgiven, we are to put away the old man and put on the new. Get it? And what did Christ tell us concerning those that are "luke warm"? He will spew them out of his mouth, (vomit them out). Why? Because these are able to lead others into a 'false sense' and 'belief' that it's ok so long as one says that they believe in Christ. This is not truth. For those that have Christ in their hearts are not able to continue in their previous fleshly lusts.
Blessings,
MEC
The truth is the truth and sometimes it hurts. The rich man who Christ told to 'sell all that he owned and give to the poor and then follow him'. Do you reacon that this man will end up with 'life eternal'?
And how much more responsible are we? Hmmmmmm.............
Watered down and luke-warm soap won't even clean your hands.
So, what I hoped to bring to attention are those that label themselves in the hopes that 'saying' something is able to CHANGE things.
Any that understand love are able to plainly see what I am referning to. You cannot hate your brother and love Christ. Impossible. Read The Word, don't take mine for it.
You cannot do a lot of 'things' and be a 'Christian'. Or maybe you can. That's the point. Is the word Christian merely a label? And one that has no power? For how could one call themselves a Christian and commit adultery, fornication, lie, cheat, steal, etc.................... For even if one were attempting to follow Christ, SAYING that they ARE and doing these things is nothing other than 'luke warm and watered down witness and testimony.
Yes, we can be forgiven. But once forgiven, we are to put away the old man and put on the new. Get it? And what did Christ tell us concerning those that are "luke warm"? He will spew them out of his mouth, (vomit them out). Why? Because these are able to lead others into a 'false sense' and 'belief' that it's ok so long as one says that they believe in Christ. This is not truth. For those that have Christ in their hearts are not able to continue in their previous fleshly lusts.
Blessings,
MEC
I
Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #44
And let me offer this:
We have numerous examples of Christ confronting His followers and after such 'confrontation', many walked, knowing in their hearts that they were unable to offer the sacrifice necessary to truly follow him.
Blessings,
MEC
We have numerous examples of Christ confronting His followers and after such 'confrontation', many walked, knowing in their hearts that they were unable to offer the sacrifice necessary to truly follow him.
Blessings,
MEC
I
Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #46
Sad indeed. And imagine the impact that it had on Christ. Watching those unable to bear the truth for the sake of self. Knowing what He was offering and watching those refuse that were unable to bear the truth. It has been a heartbreaking experience to any and ALL that have leared what LOVE truly IS.
Blessings,
MEC
Blessings,
MEC
Aero_Hudson
Member
- Apr 15, 2009
- 1,110
- 0
Imagican said:
You can be a Christian and sin. Everyone sins even after coming to God and Jesus. I think the difference is your intent. If someone has the intent of getting away with what they can in life but then asking for forgiveness as an excuse to do it then they are, in my mind, "luke warm". On the other side, if you have someone sin out of weakness even when they are trying with everything they have not to do so, these folks can truly repent and be forgiven and not be "luke warm".
Everyone sins. I think the difference is the intent in their heart when they do so.
Just my 2 cents.
I
Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #48
Aero,
It's not what you do, but WHY you do it that makes the difference.
One cannot have two masters.
Yes, we all fall short.
But some simply choose to 'play the game' while others are truly devoted to the truth. Some will not sacrifice at all while others are perfectly willing and able.
Some don't even understand what love is.
Most don't even understand that Love is what God is.
Calling oneself anything means nothing if there is no evidence of their being. Just words.
And my original point was not who is or who isn't following in truth. It was more a matter of pointing out the responsibility that goes along with 'calling oneself' a Christian.
I see much more watered down or down right false witness than anything that compares to the truth. So many talking so much about how they believe but offering nothing so far as meat is concerned. Exhibiting the same characteristics of 'those of this world' yet claiming to be 'folloers of Christ'.
My purpose is not to discourage but to encourage. But, as Christ offered, "Not all that say to Him, 'my Lord' even know Him". Nor HE them.
Blessings,
MEC
It's not what you do, but WHY you do it that makes the difference.
One cannot have two masters.
Yes, we all fall short.
But some simply choose to 'play the game' while others are truly devoted to the truth. Some will not sacrifice at all while others are perfectly willing and able.
Some don't even understand what love is.
Most don't even understand that Love is what God is.
Calling oneself anything means nothing if there is no evidence of their being. Just words.
And my original point was not who is or who isn't following in truth. It was more a matter of pointing out the responsibility that goes along with 'calling oneself' a Christian.
I see much more watered down or down right false witness than anything that compares to the truth. So many talking so much about how they believe but offering nothing so far as meat is concerned. Exhibiting the same characteristics of 'those of this world' yet claiming to be 'folloers of Christ'.
My purpose is not to discourage but to encourage. But, as Christ offered, "Not all that say to Him, 'my Lord' even know Him". Nor HE them.
Blessings,
MEC
Aero_Hudson
Member
- Apr 15, 2009
- 1,110
- 0
I think we are both are on the same page but saying it just a liitle differently. :amen
lovely
Member
- Apr 20, 2005
- 3,012
- 0
I think being identified as a Christian is an honor. I usually refer to myself as a believer, but I don't cringe when people call me a Christian, and I don't feel the need to qualify the 'label'. I feel blessed to be identified with Jesus Christ, and if the world, or the church, uses the name in a negative way I don't care. I feel happy, and at peace, that the Lord has allowed me to be identified with His name in any way in this world. I am His, because I believed on His name and have been born of God, and so He is the One who has given me the power to be called His, not man. "Behold what manner of love the Father hath given unto us that we should be called the sons of God."
John 1
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
As the body we have to bear with one another. We even have to endure 'labels' from within. Things like 'fundy' and 'libera'. Ever met a Christian who didn't want to be identified with you? It reminds me of the Pharisee and Publican praying, and I think we are all guilty of it. We are set apart when we are truly the 'sons' of God, and when we believe on His name and are born of His Spirit, and yet we consider ourselves 'set apart' when we are not like our other, more lowly, brothers and sisters.
The Bible says we will be identified by our love for one another, and that's how people will really 'see' that we are Christians. I can call myself anything I want, but the truth of who I am is in how I follow Christ in love. This is also where our unity as brothers and sisters is found. I think Vic and Jeff already touched on the need for the various parts of the body.
In Phillippians we read...
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We are called to have the 'same love', and it's the love that Jesus had for us. Jesus identified with me, and gave me life eternally with God, and so I will not be ashamed to be identified with Him in any way. He was made low for my sake, made a man, and if I am made low for His, well then I am just blessed all the more. This is not false humility, this is the Truth, and it's founded in the love of Christ in me, because I am dead. I am compelled to follow after Him, and be hidden in Him. A dead man doesn't care what other people call him. The 'Christians', the 'Church', the 'Bride' is made up of those who are dead, who are hidden with Chirst, and so the 'labels' should mean very little overall, because the sin and evil no longer represents us. Basically, we need no defense, because the Tares that trample His name will be pulled some point, until then we bear the shame right along with Christ being a people who has set themselves on things above.
Colossians 3 says...
"1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
1 Peter 3 tells us that it is the hidden man of the heart that God sees as having great price. He tells wives to be in subjection, to call their husband's lord, and tells the men to honor the weaker vessel. Jesus has honored His Bride, the weaker vessel, and we can take His name and call Him Lord with the knowledge that we will be heirs together with Him. We don't have to be afraid to be called Christians, because the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and it is a good thing if we suffer for doing well.
People who are identified as believers, or Christians, but are not known by Christ are TARES, not
'sons' of God. They are set on the things of this world. God will not honor them, and they will not follow Him as heirs into glory, but they were planted by the evil one to thwart God. They have not been given the power to be called the Sons of God, because they do not believe...the name is given by God, not by men. It is up to God to separate them out in that day, being the One who sees those who are hidden in Christ.
Just some thoughts, sorry about the longer post. The Lord bless all of you.
John 1
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
As the body we have to bear with one another. We even have to endure 'labels' from within. Things like 'fundy' and 'libera'. Ever met a Christian who didn't want to be identified with you? It reminds me of the Pharisee and Publican praying, and I think we are all guilty of it. We are set apart when we are truly the 'sons' of God, and when we believe on His name and are born of His Spirit, and yet we consider ourselves 'set apart' when we are not like our other, more lowly, brothers and sisters.
The Bible says we will be identified by our love for one another, and that's how people will really 'see' that we are Christians. I can call myself anything I want, but the truth of who I am is in how I follow Christ in love. This is also where our unity as brothers and sisters is found. I think Vic and Jeff already touched on the need for the various parts of the body.In Phillippians we read...
1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8 And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
We are called to have the 'same love', and it's the love that Jesus had for us. Jesus identified with me, and gave me life eternally with God, and so I will not be ashamed to be identified with Him in any way. He was made low for my sake, made a man, and if I am made low for His, well then I am just blessed all the more. This is not false humility, this is the Truth, and it's founded in the love of Christ in me, because I am dead. I am compelled to follow after Him, and be hidden in Him. A dead man doesn't care what other people call him. The 'Christians', the 'Church', the 'Bride' is made up of those who are dead, who are hidden with Chirst, and so the 'labels' should mean very little overall, because the sin and evil no longer represents us. Basically, we need no defense, because the Tares that trample His name will be pulled some point, until then we bear the shame right along with Christ being a people who has set themselves on things above.
Colossians 3 says...
"1 If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
1 Peter 3 tells us that it is the hidden man of the heart that God sees as having great price. He tells wives to be in subjection, to call their husband's lord, and tells the men to honor the weaker vessel. Jesus has honored His Bride, the weaker vessel, and we can take His name and call Him Lord with the knowledge that we will be heirs together with Him. We don't have to be afraid to be called Christians, because the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and it is a good thing if we suffer for doing well.
People who are identified as believers, or Christians, but are not known by Christ are TARES, not
'sons' of God. They are set on the things of this world. God will not honor them, and they will not follow Him as heirs into glory, but they were planted by the evil one to thwart God. They have not been given the power to be called the Sons of God, because they do not believe...the name is given by God, not by men. It is up to God to separate them out in that day, being the One who sees those who are hidden in Christ.
Just some thoughts, sorry about the longer post. The Lord bless all of you.
- Jun 21, 2009
- 10,783
- 414
lovely said:
- "Aren't sparrows sold for next to nothing (five for two assarions)? And not one of them has been forgotten by God. Why, every hair on your head has been counted! Away with fear; you are worth more than many sparrows."
Lovely, thank you. I didn't like the adjective "merely" when I read this thread. My first reaction was a desire to jump up and say, "Merely a Christian?!?" But as I read through the post I came to understand more about what was meant. Still...
It strikes me as something of a "Deal you can not refuse" when I read slightly past the verse quoted in my signature -
-And- again in Matthew:
Because if we are ashamed then...
It's similar to our salvation agreement where we trade our shame for His Righteousness, yes?
And now lovely you show yourself to be well named, having touched upon a Mystery. I must agree with you, what Bride can stop speaking of the one she is promised to?lovely said:
And you also.lovely said:
That we be strengthened as an Overcomer to receive our new name:
I
Imagican
Guest
- Thread starter
- #52
While there are those that are unable to come to 'grips' with what I have offered, it was NOT meant to be offensive or divisionary, (except in cases where those are offering 'lip service' and nothing of substance).
My hoped point was to point out that those 'Christians' that offer NOTHING BUT 'words' and have been unable to 'bow' to The Spirit, offer LITTLE in regards to BUILDING The Chruch and actually are 'tearing it DOWN'. Encouraging those that may well BECOME true followers into becoming 'luke-warm' believers instead.
So, take it how you will. Some, I'm SURE, are quite aware of the pertinence of the words that I speak. Some will ultimately 'take offense' for the sake of their OWN conviction. And that's a GOOD thing. For it may just be the ONE THING that is able to 'open their eyes' and see what it is that I truly offer. Those that simply 'take offense' for the nature of the flesh, I have little to offer them to start with.
We were TOLD to 'take up' our crosses. We were TOLD that if we follow Christ the WORLD will HATE US. There are MANY such offerings that plainly SHOW us our PLACE in life. Whether we are willing and able to submit to The Spirit or NOT. And I am unable to alter this in ANY WAY. But I AM able to POINT IT OUT.
Blessings,
MEC
My hoped point was to point out that those 'Christians' that offer NOTHING BUT 'words' and have been unable to 'bow' to The Spirit, offer LITTLE in regards to BUILDING The Chruch and actually are 'tearing it DOWN'. Encouraging those that may well BECOME true followers into becoming 'luke-warm' believers instead.
So, take it how you will. Some, I'm SURE, are quite aware of the pertinence of the words that I speak. Some will ultimately 'take offense' for the sake of their OWN conviction. And that's a GOOD thing. For it may just be the ONE THING that is able to 'open their eyes' and see what it is that I truly offer. Those that simply 'take offense' for the nature of the flesh, I have little to offer them to start with.
We were TOLD to 'take up' our crosses. We were TOLD that if we follow Christ the WORLD will HATE US. There are MANY such offerings that plainly SHOW us our PLACE in life. Whether we are willing and able to submit to The Spirit or NOT. And I am unable to alter this in ANY WAY. But I AM able to POINT IT OUT.
Blessings,
MEC