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Have you noticed lately,that there are lot of wolves and goats, in the body of Christ, that are good putting on a church face , talk walk, sing, and act holy; Or is it just me??
but behind closed doors are ravenous wolves, dividing and devouring those that are not only new converts, but even the very elect;
A pastor spoke Sunday on being real, as a professing follower of Christ;
I've also just started to realize that Christianity is a very profitable business
The televangelism, prophets, musicians (that are on satellite channels that are leading a double life (porno, cursing) ..
This is what makes me know that the Prophetic word of God in the Bible is true. because everything is happening just like the bible said it would,
this is not a mere coincidence; but we have to fine tune our discernment and wisdom, and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us in all things;
Just wanted to know if anyone has noticed all the deception first hand in the body of Christ (collectively) lately.
I am aware that a lot of it has been "in the closet" so to speak since the beginning of the church... But I'm speaking of now 2008
Thanks for your input
God Bless
Moderator cut:
THIS IS THE OP.
I am asking that you all address the above topic, RESPECTFULLY, as well as remain on topic.
I only find it logical that it is very hard to distinguish the wolves in sheep clothing from the sheep.
I mean, why else would a wolf pretend to be a sheep, if not to lead them to the slaughter? It just is unfortunate that people who do not question other people and / or their (own) motivations are easily corrupted.
So I don't find it unlikely that some people who actually believe themselves to be (good) Christians in reality are wolves (evil).
Oh I've noticed it for quite some time. It is my opinion that these things must pass for the fullfillment of Revelatoin. I remember a part of scripture (paraphrased here) that speaks of not getting discouraged, but to keep up living our lives with our eyes heavenward!
I feel the need quite a bit to pray for my community, our country and leaders and church leaders world wide, as well as leaders of other countries. I know I am only one voice, but I feel God puts that need in my heart.
I try to be true to the Bible and try what I hear against the Word, to test it as pure.
Tricky, the solution is to watch the "fruits of their spirit" or the actions of their everyday life. Like you mentioned, a lot of folks act one way in public and then do things that run counter to what they believe/profess in their private life. Granted, we are all human and we make mistakes, letting our human nature get the better of us at times. However, some folks run through the course of the day without a thought to the fact that others are watching them and thus forming an opinion of their adherence to what they believe.
As Christians, we need to be mindful of the statement, "actions speak louder than words" because they really do. We can talk till we're blue in the face but if our actions don't back up our talk, then we need a sincere introspection of our heart condition. The Bible is full of stories of people who have sinned greatly against God, yet after a time of deep repentance, have performed mighty works in His Name. Others fell victim to their own desires and suffered the consequences.
In a nutshell, we need to remember that Christians are considered a light to the world and that others are watching us. If we go about our business with a heart of love, humility and gratitude for all that God has done for us, our lives will reflect that. If we go around with a heart/spirit condition that runs contrary to God's Word, it reflects negatively to others. Did I address this ok?
Granted, we are all human and we make mistakes, letting our human nature get the better of us at times. However, some folks run through the course of the day without a thought to the fact that others are watching them and thus forming an opinion of their adherence to what they believe.
The problem is that many religious people only stick to their own kind.
Even Jesus had been guilty of this 'sin'.
Quote:
If we go around with a heart/spirit condition that runs contrary to God's Word, it reflects negatively to others. Did I address this ok?
You did address it ok, but I find it illogical for Christians to be capitalists.
I know many people find nothing wrong with capitalism, but if you combine Christianity with capitalism you might easily end up with National Socialism.
I am not saying that Christians are Nazis, but the fact still is that many German Christians found nothing wrong with Hitler's National Socialism, because Hitler's leadership did save Germany from an economical crash. In a way Hitler’s vision and leadership has made him Germany’s saviour. But once people start idealising their leaders even Christianity can become corrupted by evil.
Tricky, the solution is to watch the "fruits of their spirit" or the actions of their everyday life. Like you mentioned, a lot of folks act one way in public and then do things that run counter to what they believe/profess in their private life. Granted, we are all human and we make mistakes, letting our human nature get the better of us at times. However, some folks run through the course of the day without a thought to the fact that others are watching them and thus forming an opinion of their adherence to what they believe.
As Christians, we need to be mindful of the statement, "actions speak louder than words" because they really do. We can talk till we're blue in the face but if our actions don't back up our talk, then we need a sincere introspection of our heart condition. The Bible is full of stories of people who have sinned greatly against God, yet after a time of deep repentance, have performed mighty works in His Name. Others fell victim to their own desires and suffered the consequences.
In a nutshell, we need to remember that Christians are considered a light to the world and that others are watching us. If we go about our business with a heart of love, humility and gratitude for all that God has done for us, our lives will reflect that. If we go around with a heart/spirit condition that runs contrary to God's Word, it reflects negatively to others. Did I address this ok?
Amen!
A true christian is one who lives the life. For if it is in Christ the life will reflect that life.
It is who they are!
I believe one walks what they believe and you will see the fruit of that belief sooner or later.
The true christian is so saturated with the Holy Spirit and He is the life of that individual. And all the attributes of God will be the light of that life.
The word of God will be life! You will see it walking, talking among all.
Blessings
I guess the greatest danger to Christianity is their conviction that Christians can do no evil. Once you have accepted this 'truth' (read: lie) it is easy to turn sheep into wolves.
I only find it logical that it is very hard to distinguish the wolves in sheep clothing from the sheep.
I mean, why else would a wolf pretend to be a sheep, if not to lead them to the slaughter? It just is unfortunate that people who do not question other people and / or their (own) motivations are easily corrupted.
By George, Tricky and I agree on something! (Where's my calendar? )
Wolves come with a purpose. To deceive and devour. They know what they're doing. Once they get into the flock, they act like sheep until they're accepted and then they start twisting scriptures, just a little at first. And, today, at least in America, people don't do a lot of thinking for themselves. They trust other's words too easily because, frankly, they're too lazy to search things out for themselves. They immediately trust and believe what they hear on the news or read in the newspapers and magazines. In the same manner, people tend to trust pastors and Bible teachers too thoroughly, too quickly. Thus, as Tricky said, they're easily deceived. We are supposed to be in the Word for ourselves and to test and prove all we hear against the scriptures.
Quote:
So I don't find it unlikely that some people who actually believe themselves to be (good) Christians in reality are wolves (evil).
I'm not quite in agreement with this statement, though. As I said, wolves come in with a purpose. I think the folks you described above are the victims of the deceit, rather than the deceivers themselves. They're the ones who have accepted teachings too quickly, without weighing them against scriptures.
I guess the greatest danger to Christianity is their conviction that Christians can do no evil.
It is not that they can do no evil.... It is that the heart of one who truly believes and trusts, changes and does not want to do evil! Because of the Spirit of God brings the joy of the new life in Christ into one's heart.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Galatians 5:24-25
And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Not everyone who speaks the name of Jesus is a true believer.
Matthew 7:21-23
"Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'
Galatians 5:19-21
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Quote:
Wolves come with a purpose. To deceive and devour. They know what they're doing. Once they get into the flock, they act like sheep until they're accepted and then they start twisting scriptures, just a little at first. And, today, at least in America, people don't do a lot of thinking for themselves. They trust other's words too easily because, frankly, they're too lazy to search things out for themselves. They immediately trust and believe what they hear on the news or read in the newspapers and magazines. In the same manner, people tend to trust pastors and Bible teachers too thoroughly, too quickly. Thus, as Tricky said, they're easily deceived. We are supposed to be in the Word for ourselves and to test and prove all we hear against the scriptures.
Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things.”
Luke 6:39-40 (King James Version)
King James Version (KJV)
Public Domain
39And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?
Why Do I Do What I Don't Want to Do? (http://www.pbcc.org/sermons/vanderet/1204.html - broken link)
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It just is unfortunate that people who do not question other people and / or their (own) motivations are easily corrupted.
But once people start idealising their leaders even Christianity can become corrupted by evil.
