Pam Padgett ... member of the body of Christ
Early this morning, I thought of various scriptures which warned me concerning those persons who come saying they are Christians.
We must evaluate each case.
We can't judge either way until we have evidence which comes from the individual, usually by what he says, but sometimes by that which he does.
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Matthew 24:4-5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. For many shall come in MY name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
(They come saying, "Jesus is Lord".)
Rather than being happy when someone identifies himself as a Christian, Jesus said to "Take heed".
Just watch and wait until the evidence shows the truth.
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FEW find the way of life, MANY go in the way of destruction:
Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and MANY there be which go in thereat:
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and FEW there be that find it.
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You will know them by their fruits:
Matthew 7
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
(They come saying they are Christians and having even the appearance of being a Christian, but are they?)
16 YOU SHALL KNOW THEM BY THEIR FRUITS. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
(Does that person trouble you continually by what he says or by what he does?)
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
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Romans 16
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned (from God); and avoid them.
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
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(Comments by Joan Boney)
I find similar difficulty being happy over weddings, for so many today live together, having sex, before the wedding.
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