Before you were saved, what were your first thoughts when you heard someone was a Christian? For most people, those thoughts aren't positive. Jesus is the rock of offense. It is the only name that separates good and evil, light and darkness. When society talks about peace amongst all religions, there are no questions asked about hinduism, buddhism, etc. But bring up Jesus, and there's suddenly an issue. This is because He is truth.
1 Peter 2:7-8 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. (ESV)
That all being said, we need to be careful with our words. It is great to tell people about your faith! We are to live unashamed of Jesus and His work in our lives. But the best thing we can do to broadcast the truth and the message of Jesus Christ is to walk it out. That way, people can see our works for what they are and know that it is real. Then, when the Holy Spirit leads (usually when we get to know a person a little better), we share that our lives are a product of the grace and love of Jesus Christ. If we walk around talking about how wonderful a Christian we are and continue living in our flesh, we are essentially saying that this Jesus thing doesn't work. Be careful with your words.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV)
Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (ESV)
I am not saying we need to stress about living a perfect life. We are all flawed. That's why there is grace. What I am saying is that we should be more focused on Jesus and living to glorify Him, then we should be trying to prove our faith with our words. Let others see Him in you before they hear about Him in you. Let your light shine so brightly that they have to find out where it is coming from!
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
James 2:14, 18 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (ESV)
1 Peter 2:7-8 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. (ESV)
That all being said, we need to be careful with our words. It is great to tell people about your faith! We are to live unashamed of Jesus and His work in our lives. But the best thing we can do to broadcast the truth and the message of Jesus Christ is to walk it out. That way, people can see our works for what they are and know that it is real. Then, when the Holy Spirit leads (usually when we get to know a person a little better), we share that our lives are a product of the grace and love of Jesus Christ. If we walk around talking about how wonderful a Christian we are and continue living in our flesh, we are essentially saying that this Jesus thing doesn't work. Be careful with your words.
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (ESV)
Proverbs 17:27 Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding. (ESV)
I am not saying we need to stress about living a perfect life. We are all flawed. That's why there is grace. What I am saying is that we should be more focused on Jesus and living to glorify Him, then we should be trying to prove our faith with our words. Let others see Him in you before they hear about Him in you. Let your light shine so brightly that they have to find out where it is coming from!
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. (ESV)
James 2:14, 18 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. (ESV)
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