According to the Bible, there is no Such Thing as a "Private Faith" for the Christian
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
"Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-3
This passage of Scripture has been a part of my life for a long time. Unfortunately, how and when I respond to it is another matter. It is easy to be caught up in my own little world and content, as things are being content in our Christianity, however, is not an option and something each of us need to purpose in our heart to renew each day.
We need to be mindful of the last time we shared the Gospel with another person whether in word or deed. Are we ready to share the word of God with all who ask and are we willing to stand firm in the truth and not waiver under pressure?
This passage of Scripture tells us there will be those who turn away from the truth because they want to hear something that makes them feel good. They do not want to hear the part about sin and repentance. Sadly, this passage is not referring to non-believers; Paul is talking about those who claim to know God. We see this in today's so-called Christianity. "Live and let live" [as in not concerned for their eternal destination], "I have a private faith", and "God created many religions because He knows that people are different and people find their own kind of truth" these are things one would expect a non-believer to say, but a professing Christian this should never be.
God has given his instruction for everyday life, peace, and most importantly, eternal life these spoken by Jesus himself:
"Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it." Matt. 7:13-14
"Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'." John 14:6
" These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God: I know your works that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth." Revelation 3:14-16
Such strong words from Jesus and yet it is out of love that He desires us to know the truth and understand the depth of his sacrifice so that we may live.
Do we really understand the pain and suffering of Jesus leaving Heaven to come to earth and live amongst sin? If we did, there would be no way we could have such a flippant attitude toward his commands which are actually for our own good.
Christian to Christian, we should hold each other accountable to the word of God and help each other to stand firm in the faith and not go astray with every wind of doctrine that comes our way.
There is no such thing as a "Private Faith" for the Christian.
So where does this put us in terms of sharing the Gospel message with non-believers?
Jesus tells us to go out into the world and preach the Gospel. He tells us we are to live in a way that reveals the love and forgiving character of Jesus. This is not a command to force others to believe in Jesus. Nor is the lifestyle God desires for his children to be forced on others and in this sense; we "live and yet live".
Peter says it well:
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed" 1 Peter 3:15-16
In other words, we had better be walking the talk. This does not mean we act like we have it all together, nor does it mean casting harsh judgment and looking down our nose at nonbelievers. It does mean, be genuine; admit our mistakes and sin. We need to share the ways God helps us everyday. Above all, explain the word of God, don't quote Scripture just to sound spiritual, live the Scriptures.
According to the Bible, there is no such thing as a "private faith" for the Christian.
"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings glad tidings of good things, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!' Isaiah 52:7
Father, help us to stand firm and strong in the your word, that we would live a life that brings glory to you so that others will desire to know this God that we serve may they say, Your God reigns", and come into a right relationship with you. Forgive my complacency and renew in me the reality of hell, that I would not have a flippant attitude that hides behind the worlds live and let live mentality.
In the name of your most precious Son, Jesus Amen!
(C) Teresa Ortiz - World Wide Bible Studies 2009
Article submitted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 & read 220 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Brian Farrell(295)(1 year 100 days ago.)
A crucial and timeless exhortation, Teresa. "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God (1 Jn 3)!" I pray that I may be closer to our Father than ever. A joy and peace and satisfaction can be found in His presence that has no rival in this world. The more time I spend in prayer and worship (in a private devotion with my Lord), the less private my faith becomes! :)Lord bless.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Brian - I love, "the more time I spend in prayer and worship (in a private devotion with my Lord), the less private my faith becomes" . Now why didn't I think of that :-)
Blessings! Teresa
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» left by Ronyae (1 year 99 days ago.)
AMEN! Teresa,This is a fabulous article. Thanks for sharing it with us.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Ronyae, thanks for the Amen!
To God be the glory :-)
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» left by Bart(28) (1 year 98 days ago.)
Hello Teresa,Thank you so much. It is great to hear truth explained and exclaimed. Something we all need to hear. Awesome!. Thank you for sharing.Every blessing,BartRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Bart, how are you doing? Thank you for the encouraging words. I believe, as you do , I am sure, that this is going to be something that will be increasingly challenging for Believers to stand by throughout the world. Some of us have been spoiled with how easy it is to practice Christianity while many of our brothers and sisters in Christ in oppressive nations have been standing firm much longer than the rest of us.
We see more and more compromising places of fellowship everyday. It must break God's heart. We definitely need to pray without ceasing!
Every blessing to you as well! Teresa
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» left by Lorrie Davids(1) (1 year 94 days ago.)
Good article, Teresa. As always, you made your point well. I agree with you. Your article reminds me of verses in James. It is something to be lived out. Thanks for sharing your heart.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Lorrie, thanks for bringing the book of James to our attention. Another great book! We had an awesome message at church yesterday from James about tempation and the blame game. I went home and I reread the whole book of James. It really gives a boost to the areas of complacency we somtimes let creep in.
Blessings to you! Teresa
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» left by Anonymous (1 year 94 days ago.)
I know, Teresa! James is the first book of the Bible I really "got". I was in junior high and had to write it in my own words for a project I was doing. WOW! I got so much out of it, then took a Kay Arthur study on James. WOW again!
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» left by Lorrie from not logged in.. (1 year 94 days ago.)
That was me...
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» left by Teresa (1 year 94 days ago.)
Ouch! Rewriting scripture is the best way to get the message in my opinion. The only problem is that is makes us accountable :-)
What a great project! Blessings to you!
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