The other "Don't ask - Don't tell"

[HankD]

Matthew 7

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.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.​

If we are born of the Spirit and are walking in the Spirit producing the fruit of the Spirit, we can't help but to witness to the world even without saying a word.​

Galatians 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.​

These qualities are from God above, earthy flesh cannot mimic them, even when carnal humanity tries, it fails.​

People can argue about the existence of God but these qualities cannot be denied that they are from a source other than the earth.​

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.​

HankD​

 

[HAMel]

Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Right on...!!!:thumbsup:

 

[JesusFan]

I disagree, I think that non-christians should see how we christians respond WHEN we sin, in repentance and turning to Christ and the church to grow and change. I don't know that giving non-christians the impression that Christians don't sin would help them a whole lot.

maybe its because we are living Epistles to be read by others, and they don't like what they are reaeding from us?

peter makes it that we will be giving others the fruit/evodence of a life lived for Christ, and that God will use that witness to enable than a spoken witness!

Our faithful lives will grant an opportunity to be heard by them, but might be tht our actions/deeds out shout what we are speaking to them!

 

[billwald]

>We have gotten so far away that we do not believe Jesus in us can heal.

In Jesus' time doctors could do little more than set broken bones and prescribe pain killers. It's like the story about the guy sitting on his roof during a flood . . . you all must have read it someplace.

 

[billwald]

Matthew 7

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.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.


AMEN! And when Moslems and Hindus do good works?

 

[JesusFan]

I think that is what many follow don't ask don't tell, and I think there is a reason and that is that our lives are not up to what they are called to be and our shame keeps us from witnessing. It is very difficult to tell someone they need to repent and believe if our life has daily sin in it for all to see. The world knows a hypocrite when they meet one and many today would rather hide their faith because of their sin then they would confess and turn from their sin to proclaim their Lord.

Just a question for you fal...

What stage of your walk did you pass from sinning to sinless perfection with the lord?

 

[JesusFan]

I'm not sure where we got "witness" except a verse or two. It says preach the gospel and heal the sick. We have gotten so far away that we do not believe Jesus in us can heal. When He heals, then you have the attention of the listener. Instead we guilt people into saying a prayer that is not even in scripture. The church has been deceived with this "Say a Prayer, Ticket to Heaven" theology.

Sorry, the multitudes came to jesus to be physically healed by him, but when He tried to spiritually heal them......

We preach the Gospel, no need for jesus to heal...

he can, as its always His choice, not a requirement nor the norm!

 

[Tom Butler]

I still contend that a lot of people don't do personal witnessing out of fear that they'll say something wrong.

My suggestion to them: Simply tell what happened when the Lord saved you.

Further, if you're willing to do that, God will send people your way to hear it.

 

[Salty]

Hmm- it is no secret at my secular job that I am a Christian.(past 4 years)
Just a few weeks ago -one of my bosses told me she attends a weekly
Bible study. Wonder why it took so long for her to tell me?

 

[kyredneck]

Matthew 7

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.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.


AMEN! And when Moslems and Hindus do good works?

Ah, billwald, another one I've missed. Never quite understood why he was banned but see now he's listed as a 'new member'.

 

[HankD]

Matthew 7

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.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.


AMEN! And when Moslems and Hindus do good works?

John 6
28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Galatians 5
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

HankD