*sigh*
I just don't understand how people think they can call themselves christians just because they believe in God. It's sad to think so many people think they are saved just because they said a scripted prayer. They don't go to church, don't read their bibles (if they even own one), and don't live their lives to glorify God at all...Why do people think
( Read more... )
- "are we not to hold them accountable?" No, we are not to hold them accountable. It is God's job to hold them accountable. God his here to judge - we are here to accept. All that we can do is try and help them become closer to God.
- If someone does claim to be Christian and does not improve themselves it is only because they don't know the love of Jesus. That's where we come in. That's why there are people like that. Sadly, they have been mislead about God. All we can do is help. And, as I'm sure most people reading this post understand, sometimes we need compassion and understanding to keep our faith alive.
And, yes, I might have been a little misguided by the intentions of your post only because the behavior of criticism is rampant in Christianity. Unfortunately, many people still try to scare and degrade people into believing instead of helping them love Jesus. These people are a great threat to the image of Christianity.
I would also like to agree that the closer you become to Jesus the easier it is to resist temptation. The struggle is becoming closer to Jesus. It might be easy for you, but there are many who struggle. They, of all people, deserve our prayers, understanding, and help.
And, no, I was not being petty or assuming the worst. I was simply responding to what was written.
Mark
Reply
Many people believe in God, but not Jesus. Or they believe in Jesus but not what he did. That is the point I was trying to make. Don't read to far into what I am saying. I understand that you were considering it to be another "harsh criticize" and maybe that is why it came off the way it did to you.
- "are we not to hold them accountable?" No, we are not to hold them accountable. It is God's job to hold them accountable. God his here to judge - we are here to accept. All that we can do is try and help them become closer to God.
Is there biblical evidence for your view? I think we are to hold our brothers accountable. It should be done in the love of Christ of course.
Matthew 18:15-20 (ESV)
15 "If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
And, as I'm sure most people reading this post understand, sometimes we need compassion and understanding to keep our faith alive.
I most certainly agree.
And, yes, I might have been a little misguided by the intentions of your post only because the behavior of criticism is rampant in Christianity. Unfortunately, many people still try to scare and degrade people into believing instead of helping them love Jesus
It's ok, no worries. I do however think that the gospel will be offensive to an unbeliever. We shouldn't water it down and preach a different gospel. But our purpose is not to persuade people by appealing to emotions by any means. It is the work of God. We plant the seeds and water them; but God give the growth(1 Corinthians 3:5-7)
It might be easy for you, but there are many who struggle. They, of all people, deserve our prayers, understanding, and help.
I agree with the latter. As for the former, if only it was easy...hehe
Reply
Keep the faith.
Mark
Reply
Levi
Reply
Leave a comment