Not by what we call ourselves
Michael Flynn wrote,
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” Michael Flynn.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’Matthew 7:21-23
Throughout the centuries many men and women who are not Christians have called themselves Christians. These men and women may even think they are Christians but they are not. They have misinterpreted and misrepresented Christ. Some out of ignorance others deliberately.
Sadly however the world many times cannot tell the difference between a true believer in Christ Jesus and a fraud.
There are I believe however some key things that should make a true believer in Christ Jesus stand out.
Firstly a true believers in Christ Jesus will not judge anyone. Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1 Corinthians 5:12.
Billy Graham the great American Evangelist said,
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus took this concept of Love one step further saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44
The apostle Paul defined Christian love this way,
Ultimately however after sharing their faith a true believer in Christ Jesus will let the individual decide for themselves what they believe in with regards to Jesus.
Please think about it.
Michael Flynn wrote,
“Jesus said the weeds would grow with the wheat until the Judgement," Dietrich answered, "so one finds both good men and bad in the Church. By our fruits we will be known, not by what name we have called ourselves.” Michael Flynn.
Jesus said,
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’Matthew 7:21-23
Throughout the centuries many men and women who are not Christians have called themselves Christians. These men and women may even think they are Christians but they are not. They have misinterpreted and misrepresented Christ. Some out of ignorance others deliberately.
Sadly however the world many times cannot tell the difference between a true believer in Christ Jesus and a fraud.
There are I believe however some key things that should make a true believer in Christ Jesus stand out.
Firstly a true believers in Christ Jesus will not judge anyone. Jesus said,
"Do not judge, or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1,2.
The apostle Paul said,
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” 1 Corinthians 5:12.
Billy Graham the great American Evangelist said,
It is the Holy Spirits Job to Convict,
God’s job to judge
and
my job to love,
Billy Graham.
Secondly a true believer in Christ Jesus will love. Jesus when asked,“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
This is the first and greatest commandment.
And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus took this concept of Love one step further saying,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,...” Matthew 5:43,44
The apostle Paul defined Christian love this way,
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered,
it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails....
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.
But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a,13.
Out of these two attributes comes another thing. A Christian will not try to impose their faith on anyone. They will sit down and present their faith. They will even listen to those who do not share their faith.Ultimately however after sharing their faith a true believer in Christ Jesus will let the individual decide for themselves what they believe in with regards to Jesus.
Please think about it.
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