My Observation of some Christians.....

[BoldlyProclaimingChrist]

That's right. We are called to be fruit inspectors. That is something we must be discerning about. Where we see a lack, we need to be teaching by word and example, to bring the weaker brother or sister higher in their walk. It is our job to disciple, and bring forth new fruit constantly.

Amen!!!

[firehill]

That's right. We are called to be fruit inspectors. That is something we must be discerning about. Where we see a lack, we need to be teaching by word and example, to bring the weaker brother or sister higher in their walk. It is our job to disciple, and bring forth new fruit constantly.

Amen!!!

[Emily~Anne]

That's right. We are called to be fruit inspectors. That is something we must be discerning about. Where we see a lack, we need to be teaching by word and example, to bring the weaker brother or sister higher in their walk. It is our job to disciple, and bring forth new fruit constantly.

Amen!!!

Double AMEN!!!!

[backontrack]

What I'm about to say is not directed at anyone specifically, but a group of "Christians" in general. This is something I've observed (for as long as I've been saved anyway) and something my parents have observed since they've been saved (since the 70's) and it seems to be consistent. I've found that the people who scream Hallelulah the loudest, people who do the most 'service' for God (and tell you about it), people who are super spiritual, super loving (not Biblical love but a friendly superficial love that never rebukes or warns or helps bros/sisters out of sin etc.), who follows every preacher and thinks all of them are doing God's work and just loves them in spite of their message because they are just so loving and kind and they do their best to make sure you know it, (notice it's all about them and how you perceive them - an image if you will), the people who sing the loudest, who have their hands permanently pointed skyward as the tears trickle down their faces (even out of church for all to see), (not saying anything is wrong with that in church - just putting this together with everything else), in my, and my parent's experience, these are the people who are white-washed tombs, who are the most wretched spiritually, who don't have an ounce of discernment, who are 'groupies' to these false teachers, who have no spiritual fruit (not works, but fruit), who have itchy ears and will follow any manner of doctrine (which is a huge indication that they hate the truth). These are the people who look Godly on the surface, have a good reputation, and are generally looked up to but unfortunately lead people in the same direction they're going.

But I've found that the people who are Biblicaly grounded, who actually have bad days or times when they can admit that life just stinks sometimes, (like real people - not concerned about being showy) or if these people slip up and maybe get out of control with their tongue, or even if they do something wrong but later they repent, forgive, whatever, these people are the ones who actually possess spiritual fruit are not just putting on a show. We all sin and are going to do or say something bad, look at the prominent characters in Scripture. You cannot discern fruit from their actions or works because works can be good or bad. You can deny Jesus like Peter did or kill a soldier like David did but the fruit we look for is seen afterwards - after they realized they have sinned. They repented, they saw their sin, were grieved and repented.

Then there's the works of the good variety - say you go around helping sick orphans or visit hospitals (which is fine) but when presented with a test or trial, you absolutely refuse to forgive, refuse to admit guilt, refuse to show Biblical love and perhaps even slander your brother/sister. If they continue in this, then there is no fruit. Good works but no fruit and THAT is how we know if they are truly in the faith.

The people that can humbly admit when they're wrong, or take gentle correction said out of love (myself included).....THESE are my brothers and sisters!!!!!! The people that love the Lord and His truths who will publicly proclaim them in all opposition, THESE are my brothers and sisters! The people who are sensitive to their sins and perhaps others' sins and who have fruit both in public and behind closed doors where no one is watching....THESE are my brothers and sisters! Fruit is the key, the indication as to who your bros/sisters are. Again, not works, but fruit. How do they act in the midst of trials? After an arguement? If they've been wronged?

Mat 7:16 16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits..."

When's the last time we as Christians really loved our brother or sister in christ and put them first. If you can let this come first and help meat their needs then, these are my sons and daughters says God. If you have a burning desire to tell people about me then this is my bride says Jesus. I come not to judge the world but to save that which is lost! Thank you God for this dear brother for shareing his heart with us, he is right on track!

[Leonard]

I guess I'm blessed: I just don't know anybody like that...........

[Bolts]

Blessings to you BPC

Sorry if I rocked the boat a little. Be Blessed in Jesus Precious Name

[Iryssa]

Great post, BPC!! VERY true.

[Tzav_LaTzav]

I guess I'm blessed: I just don't know anybody like that...........

I don't anymore. I used to, but I walked away and dusted them off my feet.

The only type of people that has followed me from that place is The Correctors: people who think they must correct others, yet these are in the Plank Pattern -- they see the sliver in the eye of others while ignoring the plank in their own. Fortunately, in the year this person has been in my place of worship, he has only done this to me once, so this is easily forgivable.

It's funny, though, regarding this type: they so easily use the Scripture regarding the "weaker brother" without realizing that the "weaker brother" is them!! They, however, need to be inb the congregation, because they teach us some good things: how to be patient and how to take these things in silence, until we know for sure that we should explain things to them.

Personally, I am glad for every type in the congregation we see in somewhat negative terms. Each one has taught me (actually, wonderful) lessons:

The loud ones -- the boistrous ones -- sometimes teach me that I am too restrained and unemotional.

The correctors teach me to recognize my own critical spirit.

The narcissistic teach me to see my own narcissistic responses and actions.

The quick-to-speak teach me that I can also be like that and that I am sometimes too slow to respond.

And so it goes.

_________________________

Bolt --

Just wondering: are you The Bolt because you are among so many Nuts?

[Guest lovinghim4ever]

Fruit is healthy!

Healthy for the body. Healthy for the spirit.

Therefore, let us all have some fruit.

[Candi770]

What I'm about to say is not directed at anyone specifically, but a group of "Christians" in general. This is something I've observed (for as long as I've been saved anyway) and something my parents have observed since they've been saved (since the 70's) and it seems to be consistent. I've found that the people who scream Hallelulah the loudest, people who do the most 'service' for God (and tell you about it), people who are super spiritual, super loving (not Biblical love but a friendly superficial love that never rebukes or warns or helps bros/sisters out of sin etc.), who follows every preacher and thinks all of them are doing God's work and just loves them in spite of their message because they are just so loving and kind and they do their best to make sure you know it, (notice it's all about them and how you perceive them - an image if you will), the people who sing the loudest, who have their hands permanently pointed skyward as the tears trickle down their faces (even out of church for all to see), (not saying anything is wrong with that in church - just putting this together with everything else), in my, and my parent's experience, these are the people who are white-washed tombs, who are the most wretched spiritually, who don't have an ounce of discernment, who are 'groupies' to these false teachers, who have no spiritual fruit (not works, but fruit), who have itchy ears and will follow any manner of doctrine (which is a huge indication that they hate the truth). These are the people who look Godly on the surface, have a good reputation, and are generally looked up to but unfortunately lead people in the same direction they're going.

But I've found that the people who are Biblicaly grounded, who actually have bad days or times when they can admit that life just stinks sometimes, (like real people - not concerned about being showy) or if these people slip up and maybe get out of control with their tongue, or even if they do something wrong but later they repent, forgive, whatever, these people are the ones who actually possess spiritual fruit are not just putting on a show. We all sin and are going to do or say something bad, look at the prominent characters in Scripture. You cannot discern fruit from their actions or works because works can be good or bad. You can deny Jesus like Peter did or kill a soldier like David did but the fruit we look for is seen afterwards - after they realized they have sinned. They repented, they saw their sin, were grieved and repented.

Then there's the works of the good variety - say you go around helping sick orphans or visit hospitals (which is fine) but when presented with a test or trial, you absolutely refuse to forgive, refuse to admit guilt, refuse to show Biblical love and perhaps even slander your brother/sister. If they continue in this, then there is no fruit. Good works but no fruit and THAT is how we know if they are truly in the faith.

The people that can humbly admit when they're wrong, or take gentle correction said out of love (myself included).....THESE are my brothers and sisters!!!!!! The people that love the Lord and His truths who will publicly proclaim them in all opposition, THESE are my brothers and sisters! The people who are sensitive to their sins and perhaps others' sins and who have fruit both in public and behind closed doors where no one is watching....THESE are my brothers and sisters! Fruit is the key, the indication as to who your bros/sisters are. Again, not works, but fruit. How do they act in the midst of trials? After an arguement? If they've been wronged?

Mat 7:16 16 "Ye shall know them by their fruits..."

Yeah, Jesus walked up to that fig tree that should have been fruitful and cursed it and it died. Fruitfulness is not an option it is required.