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We all are around wolves all the time; and you will know them by their fruits; but how can you tell that later on that they wouldn't come to knowing the things of Christ. Basically aslong as you don't follow after them, then it is okay.
Matthew 10:16“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 7:16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Matthew 10:16“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.
Matthew 7:16By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
N
I voted with a big emphatic "Yes" on your survey, and I would like to explain my reason for doing so. There are many times I have often wondered if it was acceptable, in the eyes of God, to befriend a non-believer. Yet I concluded from personal experiences with non-believing friends, it is my duty as a Christian, to fulfill the 'Great Commission.' I have so far shared the Gospel message with my two non-Christian friends. Neither one has come to receive Jesus Christ, and one of my friends was not only non-receptive the first time I shared the Gospel, but cut me off mid-sentence and became extremely hostile toward me, to the point I believed they were going to physically harm me. I went several months without speaking to him after this occurrence, and I eventually shared the Gospel message with him several more times over a four year time frame. Every time I would share the 'Good News,' my friend would react in the same manner he did the first time I shared the Gospel; I thought I would be physically harmed. I know it is not my responsibility to convert my friend, nor is it my responsibility to save my friend; only Christ can save, and only the Holy Spirit has the power to convict my friend's heart. Yet I must say it still pains me to know my friend is devoid of the grace of God. I do remain hopeful that I have, at the very least, planted the seed of truth.
Upon reflection of my experiences regarding the sharing of the Gospel with my two friends, there were a couple of examples set before us by Jesus that came immediately to mind. The first of these examples is when Jesus spoke of the parable of the lost sheep: "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:12-14, New International Version, 2011). I hope I have applied a correct 'exegesis' of this parable. I do understand the Shepherd is God, and we are the sheep, and no one can save us accept for Christ. But aren't we responsible for fulfilling the 'Great Commission' as Christ commanded? Indeed, my responsibility is merely to share the Gospel, not to save, as I cannot even save myself. But when should we stop sharing the Gospel with non-believers? When should we say "enough is enough; to hell with this person"? I think also of Mark 2:17, when Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." While I think of how undeserving my non-Christian friends are of receiving the grace of Christ, I know that I am no different; who is worthy of receiving His grace? Jesus' earthly ministry lasted for only three years, but He accomplished much within that short amount of time. Many people received His Gospel, and many did not. These are the tough questions: How many times should we share the Gospel with a person who is non-receptive? When does one say, 'enough is enough'?
There are, without a doubt, at least several scriptures which suggest Christians should not mingle with non-Christians. I wanted to share that I am a Christian today because of the grace of Jesus Christ, but if not also for several Christian friends, who constantly shared the Gospel with me over the span of many years, I would not have received Christ.
I do believe Christians can have non-Christian friends. Yet if there is not intent to share the Gospel message with your non-Christian friends, then what use are you to them? More importantly, what use are you to God? And if you do not follow the examples of Christ, then how do you glorify your Father in heaven? If there is one thing that should be of the utmost importance to all Christians, it should be sharing the Gospel of Christ, and it must be shared with intent. These are just some things to consider.
Upon reflection of my experiences regarding the sharing of the Gospel with my two friends, there were a couple of examples set before us by Jesus that came immediately to mind. The first of these examples is when Jesus spoke of the parable of the lost sheep: "What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish" (Matthew 18:12-14, New International Version, 2011). I hope I have applied a correct 'exegesis' of this parable. I do understand the Shepherd is God, and we are the sheep, and no one can save us accept for Christ. But aren't we responsible for fulfilling the 'Great Commission' as Christ commanded? Indeed, my responsibility is merely to share the Gospel, not to save, as I cannot even save myself. But when should we stop sharing the Gospel with non-believers? When should we say "enough is enough; to hell with this person"? I think also of Mark 2:17, when Jesus says, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." While I think of how undeserving my non-Christian friends are of receiving the grace of Christ, I know that I am no different; who is worthy of receiving His grace? Jesus' earthly ministry lasted for only three years, but He accomplished much within that short amount of time. Many people received His Gospel, and many did not. These are the tough questions: How many times should we share the Gospel with a person who is non-receptive? When does one say, 'enough is enough'?
There are, without a doubt, at least several scriptures which suggest Christians should not mingle with non-Christians. I wanted to share that I am a Christian today because of the grace of Jesus Christ, but if not also for several Christian friends, who constantly shared the Gospel with me over the span of many years, I would not have received Christ.
I do believe Christians can have non-Christian friends. Yet if there is not intent to share the Gospel message with your non-Christian friends, then what use are you to them? More importantly, what use are you to God? And if you do not follow the examples of Christ, then how do you glorify your Father in heaven? If there is one thing that should be of the utmost importance to all Christians, it should be sharing the Gospel of Christ, and it must be shared with intent. These are just some things to consider.
S
I have been friends with non-believers all my life the atheists, the agnostics (all self-proclaimed of course), harlots, drunkards, dramatists, lovers of violence, liars, cheaters,scoffers. Probably all the kinds you don't want your children to know but if there is one thing I have always noticed is that they respect my stand with God, sometimes ask me questions, protect me from those who would come against me because of God and some of them are just everyday people. Many now seek God but we don't live in the same community so no chance to get together. Old friends have passed on or drifted away to the lifestyle they chose.
I voted 'maybe' because of this. If you are grounded in the word or sought the Holy Spirit to guide you and are not easily overtaken by what others say or do, then you will know what is right or wrong.
Jesus said, 'I have not come to call the saved but the lost'
One does not hide their light inside but sets it upon a hill so others may see and seek out the light which is Jesus shining through you
I voted 'maybe' because of this. If you are grounded in the word or sought the Holy Spirit to guide you and are not easily overtaken by what others say or do, then you will know what is right or wrong.
Jesus said, 'I have not come to call the saved but the lost'
One does not hide their light inside but sets it upon a hill so others may see and seek out the light which is Jesus shining through you
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So we are sheep and if we trust God will do this through us
[h=3]Matthew 10:16-19[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [SUP]17 [/SUP]But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; [SUP]18 [/SUP]and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. [SUP]19 [/SUP]But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
[h=3]Matthew 10:16-19[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]16 [/SUP]Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [SUP]17 [/SUP]But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; [SUP]18 [/SUP]and ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. [SUP]19 [/SUP]But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
How many are there today, when many have been called and few are chosen
It all boils down to whether, one believes or not. Many say they do, but do they, this includes me. So the tree is identified by its fruit right? And Christ was accursed for hanging around the worst sort of sinners.
Today people are accursed for not doing this or that, one person says this is the way and another says no, this is the way.
When there is only one thing left for us all after the cross. And that is to either believe or not believe
[h=3]John 16:8-9[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]8 [/SUP]And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [SUP]9 [/SUP]of sin, because they believe not on me;
It all boils down to whether, one believes or not. Many say they do, but do they, this includes me. So the tree is identified by its fruit right? And Christ was accursed for hanging around the worst sort of sinners.
Today people are accursed for not doing this or that, one person says this is the way and another says no, this is the way.
When there is only one thing left for us all after the cross. And that is to either believe or not believe
[h=3]John 16:8-9[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]8 [/SUP]And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: [SUP]9 [/SUP]of sin, because they believe not on me;
J
well my friend.. light and darkness cannot mix together it wouldn't make any sense for you to be among them i had to get rid of mine with all the dirty talking and alot more stuff... 14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14 been so lonely now but it's impossible to be among unbelievers...
God his Father and he did what his Father said period by the Holy Ghost. The same Holy Ghost sent to us by belief in the cross's finished work where we are 100% forgiven and life new life is given to us and our best friends are Jesus and Father.
Now we go as Father leads us through the Holy Ghost and are ready in season and out no matter where we go ready to give an account for our Joy that is found in Christ at the cross where all the treasures and life everlasting is hidden in Christ, revealed by Father if one will believe
And he hung around the worst sort of sinners. HMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the world today steers us away, and the sick by this are not seeing the Doctor, Christ.
So I must go as Father leads me, do as Father says, and trust Father in all situations, whether good or bad, make use of the situation as Paul did when he was in Jail.
But no, we as flesh are just toooooo busy on being good, getting praises and rewards. thinking we are being led by God and possibly are not, being deceived by our own flesh efforts. Been there done that and today I have learned "PUT NO CONFIDENCE IN FLESH, THIS INCLUDES MY OWN THAT I WAS ORGINALLY BORN WITH"
Philippians 3:1 [ No Confidence in the Flesh ] Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Now we go as Father leads us through the Holy Ghost and are ready in season and out no matter where we go ready to give an account for our Joy that is found in Christ at the cross where all the treasures and life everlasting is hidden in Christ, revealed by Father if one will believe
And he hung around the worst sort of sinners. HMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the world today steers us away, and the sick by this are not seeing the Doctor, Christ.
So I must go as Father leads me, do as Father says, and trust Father in all situations, whether good or bad, make use of the situation as Paul did when he was in Jail.
But no, we as flesh are just toooooo busy on being good, getting praises and rewards. thinking we are being led by God and possibly are not, being deceived by our own flesh efforts. Been there done that and today I have learned "PUT NO CONFIDENCE IN FLESH, THIS INCLUDES MY OWN THAT I WAS ORGINALLY BORN WITH"
Philippians 3:1 [ No Confidence in the Flesh ] Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you.
Philippians 3:3 For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—
Okay, do not hand with the unrighteous, have no friends here on earth, for only God is righteous. How are the sick going t see this if we go ewww!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! no I can't hang around you.
What has happened to Grace, Love, Mercy. Did not Jesus hand around the worst sort of sinners? Why? Are we just to avoid them as if we are better than them?
Is this not what has happened.
There is a book called "What is so amazing about grace" by Phillip Yancey. You might want to read it if you can get it and read it.
I am going to give just a taste
As talking in this book this Pastor is talking to a Prostitute, about Jesus, and in the conversation, she tells him that in order to make the most money, she sells her child and can make more money in one hour that she can make overnight, she shows guilt and in need of help.
Appalled over this, he says why don't you go to Church and get the help you need?
I will and have not ever forgotten her reply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She says "CHURCH" you want me to go to "CHURCH", and then came out of her Mouth, I already feel guilty about what I am doing, and you want me to go to "CHURCH" and feel worse?
What has happened to Mercy that we have been given?
A good read the book. Another one is the man n the mirror.
Anyway it is the sick that need the Doctor and the Doctor is Christ in and through the cross is where new life is at. No more self works
And I know you know these things already. Just remember the world creates fear, to keep us out of here or there, or in here or there as long as this world can keep us a part of this world.
But we all will hopefully remember to:
[h=3]Luke 6:39-45[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]39 [/SUP]And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? [SUP]40 [/SUP]The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. [SUP]41 [/SUP]And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [SUP]42 [/SUP]Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [SUP]44 [/SUP]For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
[SUP]45 [/SUP]A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
What today is the good treasure of the Heart? I am talking about the Heart transplant and what that means from God received from God through the cross, born of the Spirit of God and dead to flesh self sinful nature.
Unless One see this how can one teach truth?
Tell in the Spirit of god is there any sin?
So where is sin?
So in the flesh we know by all sin being condemned to flesh
Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
So then since we are in unredeemed bodies of flesh, then does It not make sense that we are to believe by Christ's death in the flesh we are also dead to flesh? And since Christ is risen in the Spirit, we are to be as well unless we do not believe this to be true.
Romans 6:1-11 just as taste
[h=3]Romans 6:1-11[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [SUP]3 [/SUP]Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [SUP]4 [/SUP]Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [SUP]5 [/SUP]For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [SUP]6 [/SUP]knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [SUP]7 [/SUP]For he that is dead is freed from sin. [SUP]8 [/SUP]Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: [SUP]9 [/SUP]knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. [SUP]10 [/SUP]For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [SUP]11 [/SUP]Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
What has happened to Grace, Love, Mercy. Did not Jesus hand around the worst sort of sinners? Why? Are we just to avoid them as if we are better than them?
Is this not what has happened.
There is a book called "What is so amazing about grace" by Phillip Yancey. You might want to read it if you can get it and read it.
I am going to give just a taste
As talking in this book this Pastor is talking to a Prostitute, about Jesus, and in the conversation, she tells him that in order to make the most money, she sells her child and can make more money in one hour that she can make overnight, she shows guilt and in need of help.
Appalled over this, he says why don't you go to Church and get the help you need?
I will and have not ever forgotten her reply!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
She says "CHURCH" you want me to go to "CHURCH", and then came out of her Mouth, I already feel guilty about what I am doing, and you want me to go to "CHURCH" and feel worse?
What has happened to Mercy that we have been given?
A good read the book. Another one is the man n the mirror.
Anyway it is the sick that need the Doctor and the Doctor is Christ in and through the cross is where new life is at. No more self works
And I know you know these things already. Just remember the world creates fear, to keep us out of here or there, or in here or there as long as this world can keep us a part of this world.
But we all will hopefully remember to:
[h=3]Luke 6:39-45[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
[SUP]39 [/SUP]And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch? [SUP]40 [/SUP]The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. [SUP]41 [/SUP]And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye? [SUP]42 [/SUP]Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye.
[SUP]43 [/SUP]For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. [SUP]44 [/SUP]For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.
[SUP]45 [/SUP]A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
What today is the good treasure of the Heart? I am talking about the Heart transplant and what that means from God received from God through the cross, born of the Spirit of God and dead to flesh self sinful nature.
Unless One see this how can one teach truth?
Tell in the Spirit of god is there any sin?
So where is sin?
So in the flesh we know by all sin being condemned to flesh
Romans 8:3
For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
So then since we are in unredeemed bodies of flesh, then does It not make sense that we are to believe by Christ's death in the flesh we are also dead to flesh? And since Christ is risen in the Spirit, we are to be as well unless we do not believe this to be true.
Romans 6:1-11 just as taste
[h=3]Romans 6:1-11[/h]Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
6 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? [SUP]2 [/SUP]God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? [SUP]3 [/SUP]Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? [SUP]4 [/SUP]Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [SUP]5 [/SUP]For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [SUP]6 [/SUP]knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. [SUP]7 [/SUP]For he that is dead is freed from sin. [SUP]8 [/SUP]Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: [SUP]9 [/SUP]knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. [SUP]10 [/SUP]For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. [SUP]11 [/SUP]Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
T
One thing you got to remember, everyone not saved is slaves of the sinful nature and satan. They still
working for him. Ask yourself this. Can a spy from the USA be best friends with a spy from China or Russia?
And the key words are "best friends." I didn't use "friends" by itself, but "best friends."
working for him. Ask yourself this. Can a spy from the USA be best friends with a spy from China or Russia?
And the key words are "best friends." I didn't use "friends" by itself, but "best friends."
C
It's ok to have non Christian friends. However, Christians should not really associate themselves with non Christians, due to the idea that they can go places that Christians should not go to, do things they should not do, and be in company of unbelievers. The Bible says to even abstain from the "appearance" of sin. So if your non christian friends go to a night club, or anywhere Christians should not be in, it is hard to have really good non christian friends and not associate with them. Christians should make friends of God's children. I myself have a couple of really nice non christian friends, however I do not associate myself with them other than to just have a lunch with them. I don't go to places with them or do activities that are not fit for Christians. So, even though it is ok to have non Christian friends, we must be careful how much time we spend with them, and what activities we allow ourselves to do. The Bible instructs Christians to keep themselves "unspotted" from the world. So, this also means be careful and selective with whom you befriend.
G
All well said words, the Lord leads, God bless you all. My best friends at this time are non-Christian and, what nicene creed said is best said, for me, we are to show them Christ's Love and if we are not boldly doing that then we are not doing what Christ intends for them being in our life. I mention God a lot through my favorite saying which most you know on c.c. of me, if you've read many of my posts and I already said it in this post, but I will say it again. The Lord leads. 
More so, we are to follow Him in our life and if He has non-Christian friends in your life, there is a reason for it, and, we are to be an example of Christ to them and just let the Lord lead us, and, if we morally can't handle that relationship, as ven said, or, if Satan is getting into the relationship by their actions toward you, immoral ways, etc. then that is the Lord saying, painful as it sounds, after having FIRST prayed and probably given a big good-bye speech to them, to go.
And, yes, these, as Trax as delineated clearly, your BEST friends that you are having to leave, in this situation . I can't imagine breaking off the friendship with my friend, his wife, and, two kids,and, they show sparks of being able to go to church and get involved with fellowship . But, it's not happened yet, I keep praying for how God will do things, He leads
More so, we are to follow Him in our life and if He has non-Christian friends in your life, there is a reason for it, and, we are to be an example of Christ to them and just let the Lord lead us, and, if we morally can't handle that relationship, as ven said, or, if Satan is getting into the relationship by their actions toward you, immoral ways, etc. then that is the Lord saying, painful as it sounds, after having FIRST prayed and probably given a big good-bye speech to them, to go.
And, yes, these, as Trax as delineated clearly, your BEST friends that you are having to leave, in this situation . I can't imagine breaking off the friendship with my friend, his wife, and, two kids,and, they show sparks of being able to go to church and get involved with fellowship . But, it's not happened yet, I keep praying for how God will do things, He leads
C
Yes, we are to be a witness to our nonchristian friends, but let's be careful as well. I know several young men and women who tried to be a light to their unbelieving friends, and instead of them becoming a light to them, the unbelieving through the work of Satan, tempted these young men and women to go out into the world more. So, we still must be careful and never let our guard down. I remember my father many years ago telling me that he trusted me, but he didn't trust the Devil. So yes, we can be a light, but we should associate with believers and God's children who are like minded, lest Satan try to tempt and destroy the very elect, and pull Christians back into the world. I have seen it too many times, so I am just very cautious.