Christian Disciple
Jesus said, "He that believes in me, as the scriptures had said, out of his belly will flow rivers of living water" John 7:38Building Strong Families, Churches, and Communities.
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And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
Hebrews 10:24Being Religious
Many Christians place a lot of attention on mainly two celebrated yearly religious events... Christmas and Easter. The truth is that Christ is no longer a baby in a manger. He grew up and became a man. We use lots of lights around our houses to demonstrate that the Light has come into the world; but where are the lights in our hearts and lives to demonstrate to the world everyday that He is the light in our lives. Many of us celebrate His death on the cross but he is no longer on the cross. He was taken off, placed in a tomb, then rose from the dead. He is now seated at the right hand of God. His spirit lives within us. Let us not present a baby and/or a dead Jesus on the cross, to the world. People have problems that need to be solved, and questions that need to answered. A baby cannot help them... a dead Christ cannot deliver them; a cross on a necklace will not solve their problems; an emblem of a fish will not meet their needs; or a sticker that reads "Jesus saves" will not bring them salvation. When we live righteously and speak His words, we bring life, light, and liberty to a dying and confused world. Therefore, let us present a living Lord to the world who is able to save them.
John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shined in darkness; and the darkness did not overcome it .6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.
Colossians 2:16-17
16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or Sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.
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Needles & Threads
Tip: Consider what you wear.
Most clothing lines, especially for females, are not designed by Christians.
The designers are not thinking of you as being a lucrative market. If you
observe the fashion shows, each designer explains the purpose and goal of
his/her design. So, it would be difficult to be a witness to someone who
thinks of you sexually because of what you are wearing. Some fashions that
are worn comfortably today were only worn by prostitutes years ago.
Some of those clothing designs are forbidden in many Eastern cultures and religions.
Proverbs 7:9-11
9 In the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night: 10 And, behold, there met him a woman with the clothes of a harlot, and subtle of heart. 11 She is loud and stubborn; her feet abide not in her house.
A single Christian female once came to me for advice. She was frustrated because she could not get any male or Christian male member of her church to help her, without them making sexual overtures. She said that at times she had minor problems with her car and in her home. After seeing what she was wearing, I seized the opportunity to ask her about who first wore the type of attire she was wearing. She hesitated for a moment, and then answered quietly, “prostitutes I guess”. “Exactly”, I responded. “You are sending a signal”. The way you dress will determine the type of response you receive from people. Consequently, the way a female dresses will determine the kind of man she attracts. Truthfully speaking, most of the designers cater to the ‘sex appeal’ market. The clothes are not made for Christians. We are not considered in the target market analysis. Therefore, as Christian disciples, let us consider our appearance and see that it does not hinder our testimony or witness.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.
What are your thoughts???