A The Baptist Deacon

Are you recognized as a Christian? Would a "SINNER" be able to tell that you are a Christian?

deaconfarley | May 05, 2008 12:49

1st Corinthians 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. 8:3 But if any man love God, the same is known of him.

What do the above two verses say to you? What do you know? Do you love God? Can people see God in your lives?

1st Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 

One should "diligently strive" to be silent and calm except when speaking is necessary, gracious and purposeful (Colossians 4:6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. ). Christ soberly warns against "every idle word" (Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.), and Paul against "foolish talking" (Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. ).

Hebrews 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

Where am I going with all of this? I must confess I am on a “soap box”. I have been keeping up with several blogs and I find myself thinking “what are these people talking about and how does putting someone down fit in with God’s plan”. How can Christian people be so hostile? Are Christian people not referring to the word of God for guidance? Do we not think before we speak (or in this case write)? What can hostility show sinners? I’ll tell you what it shows… it shows them that they are just as good as we are. Bold statement? Yes it is. If they (sinners) look at you and cannot see anything different why would they want to change?

I have made the statement many times that we (Christian People) are the only bible that some people will ever read. What do they read when they see hostility?

Letmebefrank. I am in agreement with you. I am disappointed. If a person cannot be corrected by scripture, who or what can correct them.

http://letmebefrank.christianblogsites.com/blog/post/2008/05/03/disappointing

I understand basic differences, which are some of the reasons there are so many different churches with so many different names over the door. I do the majority of churches are striving for the same thing. I also believe that some have an agenda that differs from the word of God.

People that have been around me know that I will not argue over the word of God. I will tell you what I think and in some instances give scripture to back up my thinking.

God gave us instructions. He inspired men of old to write the Holy Scriptures. Everything we need to deal with life is in this set of instructions.

I have given you examples of how we should act before men. Can you do this?

Everyone is certainly entitled to there opinions. Are you searching the word of God to make sure you are correct?   

2nd Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 

Do not think that I am being hostile. I am just simply relaying what is on my heart, backed up by scripture.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

Until next time may God Bless You!

 

Brent

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Comments

Re: Are you recognized as a Christian? Would a "SINNER" be able to tell that you are a Christian?

Frank | 05/05/2008, 15:43

A true word of exhortation and admonishment is always humbling to me. And you have a true word. Brother, it is the Word that deserves the allegiance and defense, which I know you do. But thank you. God Bless You.

Post or not, as you wish

p | 05/05/2008, 16:23

How is it, little Brother, that you are able to bring me to tears? Perhaps is is only hormones, or lack thereof - my convenient fallback excuse for everything; or that I think dear brother Frank is angry with me over this brouhaha and that is distressing (and I can't find my bubblewrap.) Sad as it is to say, this little community of believers (the few of us who share "links") have been my place of connection and "belonging" the past few months. I treasure your insights, comments, and corrections. You once told me that "we won't always agree." We DO agree that it is a shame and a sorrow to the body of Christ that any one of us could display the "insensitivity" to call another some of the names that are quoted in letmebefrank's post. Our words and works SHOULD be gracious and purposeful - to God's glory! I've asked Frank to join me, and to ask if you would as well, in prayer for the situation. The Lord can accomplish what our many words cannot. Yours in Christ, paula

Recognized

deaconfarley | 05/05/2008, 18:42

deaconfarley Frank, I did not intend for this post to become a defense. I know that you didn't need me to defend as you were doing a good job by yourself. I wrote what was on my heart.I was a little frustrated with a few post that have been published.I had begun to let it get me down I believe that is why I received the words to todays post. My allegiance is to the word of God and his followers (our brothers and sisters). God looks out for his people and if it is a word of encouragement or in this case an entire post which was inspired by God then we must accept it. Paula has asked that we pray for the situation. That the Lord accomplish what our many words cannot. Her heart felt comments make me realize even more that there are a few of us here for the reason of serving God. We must continue. God Bless You Brother.

Recognized

deaconfarley | 05/05/2008, 18:56

deaconfarley Paula - Thank you for the kind comments. You are correct our words should be gracious and purposeful - to God's glory. I will join you in prayer. As I told Frank my words were inspired by God I wrote what was on my heart. God Bless You.

$0.02

loreelle044 | 05/08/2008, 01:18

...i'm starting to get scared of being "in here"... gosh. i guess i just zero in on my "friends" and buzz in and out too quickly. i do believe the Spirit of meekness, gentleness, goodness...rebukes gently. i guess before i comment further, i'd have to see the other's words toward our friend frank. but then -- it's not my battle to fight. oh, man, i need a nap. g'nite. tennessee was marvelous last weekend -- my son, myJoey...wow.

Blogs = blessings

Cindy | 05/08/2008, 11:24

Your messages always seem to say just what I need to hear - be it an instructions, an affirmation, or simply a word of Peace. I mentioned you in my own blog today. If you have the time, please take a peak.

Re: Are you recognized as a Christian? Would a "SINNER" be able to tell that you are a Christian?

Rob | 05/08/2008, 19:53

In my younger years, I thought that it was fun to argue over the versions of Scripture. Now that I have grown a few years wiser, I realize that fighing over Scripture is a waste of valuable time. Many of those I argued with did not want to hear the point made. They only wanted to counter and to call names. There is quite a difference in using words to destroy and using words to make a point. Thank you for taking the time to post what God laid on your heart. Continue on and do not be discouraged.
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