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Posted

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad." (Matthew 13:47-48, ESV)

Would it surprise you to hear that not everyone who says they're a Christian is a Christian? Probably not.

The word "hypocrite" seems to be thrown at Christians quite often. And, unfortunately, it's true. There have been many publicized cases of proclaimed Christians not acting like Christians.

But first, we need to realize there's a difference between Christians who make mistakes (i.e. all of us), and Christians who only claim to follow Christ.

The difference is that the real Christian will recognize his or her mistake and come to God for forgiveness. The hypocrite or "fake" Christian isn't concerned about sin in his or her life. Who knows why he or she goes to church or hangs out with other believers? It isn't to draw closer to God.

Sometimes it's really hard to tell the difference between these two types of people, but you know what? That's not your job.

In this parable Jesus affirms that, yes, there will be true believers and false believers. But Jesus also tells us that when this world is over and He comes back, He will sort out the good and the bad.

Assuming you're one His genuine followers, Jesus told us what our job is: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35, ESV).


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Posted
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad." (Matthew 13:47-48, ESV)

Would it surprise you to hear that not everyone who says they're a Christian is a Christian? Probably not.

The word "hypocrite" seems to be thrown at Christians quite often. And, unfortunately, it's true. There have been many publicized cases of proclaimed Christians not acting like Christians.

But first, we need to realize there's a difference between Christians who make mistakes (i.e. all of us), and Christians who only claim to follow Christ.

The difference is that the real Christian will recognize his or her mistake and come to God for forgiveness. The hypocrite or "fake" Christian isn't concerned about sin in his or her life. Who knows why he or she goes to church or hangs out with other believers? It isn't to draw closer to God.

Sometimes it's really hard to tell the difference between these two types of people, but you know what? That's not your job.

In this parable Jesus affirms that, yes, there will be true believers and false believers. But Jesus also tells us that when this world is over and He comes back, He will sort out the good and the bad.

Assuming you're one His genuine followers, Jesus told us what our job is: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:34-35, ESV).

You have made an enlightening statement when you spoke of people who are like fish of the sea. As far as the term "hypocrite" is concerned; the term itself is a teaching tool or a weapon, depending on how it is used. If a disciple of Jesus uses this in the bible as a teaching tool, than it should be permitted as a teaching tool. But if it is used as a weapon against a fellow believer; than it is being used incorrectly. Even knowing this, there is no one perfect witness except that of Christ. For this reason I examine the things I give witness to. I have an expression that helps me. "As you speak, don't you also learn?" This same process is noted of the first disciples as they followed Jesus. Jesus did not condemn them in their error. Jesus permitted these things so that they could learn that the things which seem right to a man often times stand in his way. But one thing Jesus did not do is throw them back in the sea because they were bad. When a person hears the word of God and believes, repents and by faith follows Jesus, that person will not be removed from His hand. The teaching of the fish that is thrown back is about a man (or woman) who by nature does not and will not give witness of the things Jesus has done in his or her life. In other words, they did not die away from a way of life to live in Christ. These are those who hear the word of God and do not believe.


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Posted

A hypocrite is a pretender. This word can be used properly when judging someone righteously. We will know them by their fruits.

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