If someone says they are saved, but you suspect they are not, what are the main characteristics you look for to determine if someone is a Christian and living a Christian life?
Today's Question #18
Are There Signs For Christian Living?
If someone says they are saved, but you suspect they are not, what are the main characteristics you look for to determine if someone is a Christian and living a Christian life?
Being a Christian and living a Christian life are not the same thing. One could have believed, at one time in their life, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and are forever written in the Book of Life (saved). That same person can then denounce Jesus Christ, commit all kinds of heinous sins, and still go to heaven (yea, I know, it doesn't seem "fair", but keep God's "grace" in mind, not human viewpoint).
We don't know what is in the minds of others, hence the "judge not that you be not be judged". There are "fruits", but people, apart from God, can be nice, helpful, moral and not drink, curse, smoke or chew. That does not prove they are a Christian.
So, bottom line . . . one cannot judge a book by its cover, after all, only the writer of the book truly knows. I wouldn't be looking for characteristics in another person in order to determine if they are Christian and living a Christian life. That's legalistic and judgmental, IMO, and the sole prerogative of God Almighty.
Being a Christian and living a Christian life are not the same thing. One could have believed, at one time in their life, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and are forever written in the Book of Life (saved). That same person can then denounce Jesus Christ, commit all kinds of heinous sins, and still go to heaven (yea, I know, it doesn't seem "fair", but keep God's "grace" in mind, not human viewpoint).
We don't know what is in the minds of others, hence the "judge not that you be not be judged". There are "fruits", but people, apart from God, can be nice, helpful, moral and not drink, curse, smoke or chew. That does not prove they are a Christian.
So, bottom line . . . one cannot judge a book by its cover, after all, only the writer of the book truly knows. I wouldn't be looking for characteristics in another person in order to determine if they are Christian and living a Christian life. That's legalistic and judgmental, IMO, and the sole prerogative of God Almighty.
I asked God for my soulmate and prayed a lot for it, but why is it that it seems He doesn't hear me?
Today's Question #19
Why Doesn't God Give Me A Mate?
I asked God for my soulmate and prayed a lot for it, but why is it that it seems He doesn't hear me?
There could be several reasons why you have not acquired a mate. First, you may not be ready for marriage (maturity, financial, timing, etc.). Secondly, the future mate may not be ready for marriage and has some growing up to do, or finishing college, or taking care of family responsibilities, etc. Thirdly, God has a perfect plan for your life, specifically made for you, and it may just not include a mate.
The important thing is not finding the right person, but being the right person. Work on your own spiritual growth, and be the best person God wants you to be. God knows where you are and where your potential mate is, and He's quite capable of bringing you two together at just the right time. So, "wait on the Lord" while staying in His plan. : - )
There could be several reasons why you have not acquired a mate. First, you may not be ready for marriage (maturity, financial, timing, etc.). Secondly, the future mate may not be ready for marriage and has some growing up to do, or finishing college, or taking care of family responsibilities, etc. Thirdly, God has a perfect plan for your life, specifically made for you, and it may just not include a mate.
The important thing is not finding the right person, but being the right person. Work on your own spiritual growth, and be the best person God wants you to be. God knows where you are and where your potential mate is, and He's quite capable of bringing you two together at just the right time. So, "wait on the Lord" while staying in His plan. : - )
Posted: Aug 29, 08 6:47am
Today's Question #18
Are There Signs For Christian Living?
If someone says they are saved, but you suspect they are not, what are the main characteristics you look for to determine if someone is a Christian and living a Christian life?
Being a Christian and living a Christian life are not the same thing. One could have believed, at one time in their life, that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior, and are forever written in the Book of Life (saved). That same person can then denounce Jesus Christ, commit all kinds of heinous sins, and still go to heaven (yea, I know, it doesn't seem "fair", but keep God's "grace" in mind, not human viewpoint).
We don't know what is in the minds of others, hence the "judge not that you be not be judged". There are "fruits", but people, apart from God, can be nice, helpful, moral and not drink, curse, smoke or chew. That does not prove they are a Christian.
So, bottom line . . . one cannot judge a book by its cover, after all, only the writer of the book truly knows. I wouldn't be looking for characteristics in another person in order to determine if they are Christian and living a Christian life. That's legalistic and judgmental, IMO, and the sole prerogative of God Almighty.
Posted: Aug 29, 08 6:56am
Today's Question #19
Why Doesn't God Give Me A Mate?
I asked God for my soulmate and prayed a lot for it, but why is it that it seems He doesn't hear me?
There could be several reasons why you have not acquired a mate. First, you may not be ready for marriage (maturity, financial, timing, etc.). Secondly, the future mate may not be ready for marriage and has some growing up to do, or finishing college, or taking care of family responsibilities, etc. Thirdly, God has a perfect plan for your life, specifically made for you, and it may just not include a mate.
The important thing is not finding the right person, but being the right person. Work on your own spiritual growth, and be the best person God wants you to be. God knows where you are and where your potential mate is, and He's quite capable of bringing you two together at just the right time. So, "wait on the Lord" while staying in His plan. : - )
Posted: Aug 29, 08 7:25am
I believe that King Saul and Sampson were both bipolar.
Lois
Saul also would be classified as "Paranoid Personality Disorder" under the DSM-III codes. ; - )
Posted: Sep 12, 08 11:12pm
I think we all have times when we need revival.