We have been doing a lot of great studies. I do appreciate everyone’s participation. Today I want to look at some scripture about what I had heard a preacher ask a while back ago. At the end of his sermon, he asked a question. I will ask that same question at the very end.
Matthew 7:
(15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. (16) Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (17) Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. (18) A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (19) Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. (20) Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
This passage Jesus is talking about false prophets, and how you would know them by their works. If we were to reverse this, we can apply this to us. Would people know us as being Christian by our works/fruits? What about just our daily lives, while we are out in public. Would our actions be enough to show that we were followers of Christ. Are we exhibiting the fruits of the Spirit when we encounter others? Are we doing good works? The bible talks about this very extensively.
Galatians 5
(22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, (23) meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Think of our encounters with people we are in contact with everyday when we go to the store, run our errands or even ourselves alone in our private time. Are we setting the example that has been laid out before us? Is it noticeable to those we encounter?
The Bible tells us our faith is dead if we are not doing good works/deeds.
James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Here are two great verses:
Matthew 5:16
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Clearly, we are to be ambassadors for Christ in all that we do. When we are in public, we must actively and dutifully spread God’s love by our actions. I think we can agree that at times our nerves are tested, and we definitely find ourselves frustrated by others. We live in an imperfect world and are subject by all the imperfections of it. I would agree that how we respond and act would be our defining moment on our faith we have in Christ.
After looking at what the scripture say about us and how we are to conduct ourselves, it is time to ask the question. Are you ready?
If being a Christian was a crime, would there be enough evidence against me to arrest me?
COMMENTS
[ posted by Kimberly, 10/30/2022 10:01 AM ]
Wow....that is a great question. Would I be arrested? I agree that people should see Christ in us. And we should see Christ in ourselves. I have a note on my computer that reads: "Do my words, thoughts and actions reflect Jesus?" I have to remind myself daily on how to respond in the adversities I face. There are some days where I do not feel I would be arrested if being a Christian were a crime. Just by my thoughts alone and what I am thinking I would definitely not get me arrested. I am a work in progress.
[ posted by Evelyn, 10/30/2022 10:48 AM ]
[ posted by Cindy, 10/31/2022 10:45 AM ]
[ posted by Mike, 10/31/2022 11:02 AM ]
[ posted by Cindy, 10/31/2022 11:10 AM ]
Jesus will be the only witness for us that matters.
[ posted by Cindy, 10/31/2022 11:12 AM ]
And another thought, we can apply the WWJD ( what would Jesus do?) in all our situations in life to help us better respond and act.