Problem - If You Are Not Called To Holiness Are You A Christian?

Problem - If You Are Not Called To Holiness Are You A Christian?

QUESTION RECEIVED:

What should you do with people who don`t seem to see the importance of living out a Christian life?

Recently I joined this group who is a Christian group.

The problem is that some of the members cuss, swear, talk disrespectfully about women and when some of us want to pray or do a devotion or Bible study, those others have an attitude like let`s just get this over with.`

I guess you can tell that I am not the most experienced Christian.

This sums up my concerns about people in my Christian ministry group.

1) These folks participate with the Christian group but do not live out the Christian life.

2) I am frustrated in how or if I should help them.

3) Their behavior is anti-Christian as they cuss, talk about women and have a bad  attitude   concerning group prayer and devotions.

MY ANSWER:
Just because this is a Christian ministry group does not mean all who participate are Christians.

They could be non-Christians who are looking at Christianity and do not claim Christ.

These people would be lost.

Incorrectly this ministry might be trying to disciple or help these non-Christians grow in faith and practice.

This group, like some churches have tried to do, might be trying to disciple non-Christians which is impossible.

If these members are not saved then they do not need to be discipled but evangelized and have the gospel of Jesus Christ presented to them.

In Matthew 13:24-30 and 36-43 Jesus in parable form tells of non-believers posing as Christians in the church. 

The stated problem we are told will continue until the end of time.

The permanent solution will not come until the final judgment.

The believers will go to Christ’s reward (Heaven), and non-believers will be cast into a blazing fire (Hell).

If these described people are saved then there is poor leadership in the group.

You as a “new man” (Christian) are called to holiness.

1 Peter 1:16 “because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.”

The old Wesleyan Methodist use to call this “Scriptural Holiness”.

My advice is-

1)       Find out if these men themselves declare if they are Christians or not.

If not tell them sin will condemn them to judgment.

Let them know God loves to save sinners.

When the sinner  repents (turns) from their sins they receive salvation, pardon from sin, an eternity in Heaven  with Christ.

The fact that they disdain devotions and prayer is a telling sign.

As the old hymn “I Love to tell The Story” says-

“I love to tell the story,

For those who know it best

Seem hungering and thirsting
To hear it like the rest.”

2)      If they claim salvation call them to accountability and holiness.

3)    You say you are a new Christian.

The study of the book of Ephesians is short and powerful.

This would be beneficial for your growth, to evangelize and disciple.

Even the early church in Corinth had wild Christians who needed to be called to accountability. 

In particular Ephesians 4:25-32 tells of abhorrent behavior Christians need to avoid.

“25 Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another. 26 “Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, 27 nor give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.

How do you pursue holiness and an active Christian lifestyle?

Ephesians 6:10-18 tells you how to live and fight and prosper in a life of holiness.

The Whole Armor of God

“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—

I am praying for you.

You will never feel guilty later for standing for Christ.