Be a Light, Not a Stumbling Block

[Cody]

Titus 2:7-8
7 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." KJV

These are good verses for Christians. In the first part of verse 7 it tells us to have good works. As Christians, we need to bring glory to God and be an example to fellow Christians and also to the lost.

Whether you know it or not, lost people are watching you. They hear you profess to be saved and that makes them watch how you live your life. That is why we need to live for Jesus and act "Christ-like". There is no way someone lost would listen to us if we lived just like them or worse. We're not perfect, but we need to show good works for people to look at us and think, "that guy/girl really has something." So as a Christian it is our job to show the lost that we really have Christ IN us.

Also, know that weaker Christians and ever strong Christians are watching how you live your life. Imagine if you saw a Christian that you thought the world of at a party getting drunk or something like that. It would hurt you wouldn't it? Well, that is why we need to live godly. Pray about that and ask yourself, "Am I bringing glory to God or am I disappointing other Christians and God more?"

Verse 8.

Are you sound in your speech? Do you have a bad habit of cursing or using words that are unnecessary? Are you bringing shame to yourself or glory to God when you speak in daily life?

How can we witness if we don't live as Christians? How can we tell someone to repent, if they can just smack us in the face with something we did. Is the way you're living your life preventing you to witness and be a light to others? People are suppose to look to Christ for an example, but don't kid yourself. People ARE watching you and you can be a mouth peace for God if you let him and have good fellowship with Him.

I hope this brief study has helped someone. God Bless you all

 

[lindadc]

A light for Christ

How can we witness if we don't live as Christians? How can we tell someone to repent, if they can just smack us in the face with something we did. Is the way you're living your life preventing you to witness and be a light to others? People are suppose to look to Christ for an example, but don't kid yourself. People ARE watching you and you can be a mouth peace for God if you let him and have good fellowship with Him.

I hope this brief study has helped someone.

Hi there ,
I agree and support your view , sis. That is what being a Christian about . Live by faith and walk by faith . Yes , we need to be those little lights , shining brightly for Christ . Many a times , we failed because we care only for our selves , being the first to cast a stone ( being judgemental ) . It is a new life in Christ that we are able to bear witness to the truth . In a nutshell , we need to follow the examples of Jesus Christ's life on earth ... always giving thanks to the Father and doing HIS FATHER'S will . We are sinners , right but through HIS grace we are made righteous .
Indeed. your brief study has been helpful .
God bless you .

 

[Maureen]

Cody
you say be a mouth piece, sometimes I think I'm too big a one, like this morning, my unsaved husband goes to church, thinks he's doing good, but though his heart is far from God, he hears preached how he is living for himself, that he should turn from his sin and all that Jesus has done for us, but how often has he heard this gospel message, time out of number.

so he comes straight home the 'good' clothes get taken of for his glad rags to go out drinking the rest of the day, yes Easter Sunday straight out of church, after hearing the way of the right path.

today just annoyed me so much, I guess it's cause through the week or Sunday it would be an evening service, and he would have work the next day, so drinking wouldn't come into it. This has just annoyed me all the more.

I had to ask him was he only 'playing at church' did he not listen, does he not want to please the Lord at all and live for him.
His answer was he just likes going to church, that's it.

It's like banging your head against a brick wall, and getting nowhere.
I know Jesus has reasons why he's not yet saved.
I know it's his own choice, perhaps he won't ever choose Him.

sorry just feel a little dispondant, the Lord will lift me as always.

 

[rlowe]

-
Actually either way we are being a witness.
How we act determines whether we are being a witness FOR Christ or AGAINST Christ.
-

 

[rlowe]

To Maureen

-
Lord Lift Us Up (Where We Belong) by CECE WINANS, Album : Unknown

part of Chorus:
Lord, lift us up where we belong,
Where the eagles fly,
On a mountain high ...

Bridge:
See time goes by,
And sometimes, yes we'll cry,
But he'll wipe every tear from our eyes,
Lord, lift us up Jesus.

-

 

[Richie]

Titus 2:7-8
7 "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you." KJV

These are good verses for Christians. In the first part of verse 7 it tells us to have good works. As Christians, we need to bring glory to God and be an example to fellow Christians and also to the lost.

Whether you know it or not, lost people are watching you. They hear you profess to be saved and that makes them watch how you live your life. That is why we need to live for Jesus and act "Christ-like". There is no way someone lost would listen to us if we lived just like them or worse. We're not perfect, but we need to show good works for people to look at us and think, "that guy/girl really has something." So as a Christian it is our job to show the lost that we really have Christ IN us.

Also, know that weaker Christians and ever strong Christians are watching how you live your life. Imagine if you saw a Christian that you thought the world of at a party getting drunk or something like that. It would hurt you wouldn't it? Well, that is why we need to live godly. Pray about that and ask yourself, "Am I bringing glory to God or am I disappointing other Christians and God more?"

Verse 8.

Are you sound in your speech? Do you have a bad habit of cursing or using words that are unnecessary? Are you bringing shame to yourself or glory to God when you speak in daily life?

How can we witness if we don't live as Christians? How can we tell someone to repent, if they can just smack us in the face with something we did. Is the way you're living your life preventing you to witness and be a light to others? People are suppose to look to Christ for an example, but don't kid yourself. People ARE watching you and you can be a mouth peace for God if you let him and have good fellowship with Him.

I hope this brief study has helped someone. God Bless you all

Dear Cody,

Great post! Thanks for posting. One thing we've got to remember is that it is the Lord who gives us the Spirit to do good works. We cannot rely on our strength, because we will fail. Most importantly if we have the intention of bringing Glory to God, then obviously, God will give us the spirit to do good, but if we don't have the intention of bringing Glory to God, then we will fall in sin and possibly we will be a bad witness to the Lord.

This is what I want to share with you.

God bless you.

Happy Easter.

 

[Maureen]

-
Lord Lift Us Up (Where We Belong) by CECE WINANS, Album : Unknown

part of Chorus:
Lord, lift us up where we belong,
Where the eagles fly,
On a mountain high ...

Bridge:
See time goes by,
And sometimes, yes we'll cry,
But he'll wipe every tear from our eyes,
Lord, lift us up Jesus.

-

He lifted me, from the miry clay, praise Him.
thank you for your song.

 

[By His Grace]

Maureen, encourage your self in the Lord, dont focus too much of his negative part but keep on believing God for his redemption. Whenever you feel downcast in your spirit just remember that God is your Stregnth, deliverer, strong tower, your refuge, your present help in time of need.

David wrote in psalms "When my heart is over welmed , Lead me to the rock that is higher than i" Jesus is the rock that is higher above that situation, He's well able to intervene. Take courage sis.

 

[By His Grace]

"Am i bringing glory to God, or am i disappointing other christians and God more?" Very good point....

 

[Maureen]

Psalm 61 v 2
my favourite verse.
I quote it always in prayer I love it so very much.
believe me if my eyes where not on the Lord I could never get through this life.

Thank you bro's and sis's

 

[Zee]

THis is goood Word. I have definately learned. I also realize that people are watching us. ANd it is true that when I see a fellow believer live "like the world", it hurts. I have been in such a situation, and it hurts so much sometimes that I do not want to speak to him. I have another colleague, and he has also turned from his good ways and I am dissappointed in him. I do speak to him, but he is convinced to keep on the wrong path. I also know that only by God's spirit and our prayers and example will these folk choose to live by grace, but what can I do to get over my dissappointment and hurt.

sister in Christ
zee

 

[Maureen]

Zee
my own son did the same, last year, walked with the Lord for a few months, such a change was wrought in him, but then he was married to a J.W. whom he'd left when he got saved, so he returned to her thinking this is what God would have him do, unfortunatly it all went so wrong, he was strong at first and was able to tell her she was being led so wrong, but after a while (she was very domanant) she confused him with her way. I saw him drift very fast until now theres nothing.
He's not even with her again, he's left, and I had thought he'd seek the Lord again, but to no avail.

What can we do for them?
Pray, be there if they want help, I too was annoyed at the begining but being annoyed with them will not help to win them for Jesus.
Perhaps you think as I did that if we aren't annoyed they will think it doesn't matter, but I don't believe they see it this way, I have since been able to speak a few words with my son, and I learned that he didnt know the right way to come to God, the only way through His son, he thought him and God could be just best buddies.
Again this is a J.W. way, they leave Jesus out, no Salvation they say.

So perhaps he never had a true conversion, although I did see signs but had it been the right way, those signs would not have fizzled out as they did so.

anyway I've learned to get along with him, and just be there for him, should he ever need to talk he knows he's only to say. I don't pursue it, it would only chase him and I wouldnt want that.

don't know if theres anything here Zee to help.
I can only tell you how it was with me.
I pray you won't let it steal your joy, that can so easily happen.
Just be a friend, they will see Jesus then, friend of sinners.