Scripture points are shared, today, on recognizing false and true Christian believers. Many of the differences among Christians result from arbitrary and individual characteristics such as their chronological age, cultural origin, education, and ethnicity. Believers share sin as the common obstacle to being in correct relationship with GOD; and through the ministry of Jesus Christ, all receive the same cleansing, rebirth, duty and opportunities for sacred service. Even so, believers continue to vary on the basis of their spiritual gifts, their fruitfulness and productivity as well as their discernment and receptiveness to the things imparted from divinity. Consider again the following from the Bible, and the points appearing below: 1st John 4: 1-6, King James Version (KJV): 1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God. 3 And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard it should come; and even now already is it in the world. 4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 5 They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. 6 We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. The fighter at “Yahoo! Answers” using the ID “Peter” (Level 1 with 56 points, a member since March 30, 2014) posted the following:
Christians here say that Christians who do bad things are not "real" Christians. In this way they "excuse" Christianity of *ALL* fault?
They say these people are not following Christianity and are therefore not "real" Christians. Therefore using "their" logic, it follows that to be a real Christian one has to be *PERFECT*. Or ....... are these Christians who judge other Christians like this, NOT following the word of God?
THE GOLDEN ARROW: Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. When anyone heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. But he that received seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. (Matthew 13: 18-23, KJV)
THE DOUBLE DAGGER: Diversity and the Church? (07/22/2015); Different Strokes, For Different Folks? (06/22/2015); Scandal and Sin Among Believers? (06/05/2015); Many Forms of Christianity? (04/30/2015); Focus of Believers? (06/17/2014); Discernment (06/18/2014); Why Jesus Used Parables (11/03/2013); Denying Baptism to Others (11/04/2013)
“Peter”, as an household of faith and a kingdom populated by those who serve divinity, Christianity is characterized by diversity. While all believers experience baptism (death of ones inborn spirit; rebirth having spirit matter from the makeup of GOD), and are spoken of as “born again”, all must also “grow up” again. Believers must meet life challenges, here, upon the earth; and are at different stages of growth and maturity. They may vary in sacred knowledge, intimacy of relationship to GOD through praise and prayer as well as comprehension and strength developed through unselfish service. Each person making commitment to Christ will continue to develop comprehension and doctrinal unity until the appearing of Christ. Here are a few of the counsels and instructions from the Bible that may help those outside the body to more easily recognize the harmony, sanctity and unity of process and purpose among Christian believers:
(1.) Matthew 7: 13-17, King James Version (KJV): 13 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: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
(2.) Romans 8: 6-9, KJV: 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
(3.) 1st Timothy 4: 1-2, KJV: 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy: having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
(4.) Galatians 2: 16, KJV: 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
(5.) Ephesians 2: 8, KJV: 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
(6.) Hebrews 12: 28, KJV: 28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
There is far more to be said, correctly applied, and spiritually apprehended. (For example, (7.) Matthew 22: 9-14, KJV: 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.) Even so, I trust this fragment will be useful. Be it unto you according to your faith.
THE BLACK PHOENIX
Washington, DC
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