Do you think our associates and friends matter to God? Being

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   snapcracklepopposted 7 years ago

   Do you think our associates and friends matter to God? Being
   
   Being in association with those that manifest the works of the flesh as outlined at Galatians 5:19-21 cause us to lose favor with God: "Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are: SEXUAL IMMORALITY, UNCLEANNESS, IMMORALITY, BRAZEN CONDUCT, IDOLATRY, SPIRITISM, HOSTILITY, STRIFE, FITS OF ANGER, DISSENSIONS, DIVISIONS, SECTS, ENVY, DRUNKENNESS, WILD PARTIES, AND THINGS LIKE THESE. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will NOT INHERIT GOD'S KINGDOM" Serious business. Doing those things can cost you your life

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   Norine Williamsposted 7 years ago

   I keep telling ALL; it is not what you do but why you do what you do when you are "IN CHRIST!"  I go to "AA" to speak on occasion and have acquired "friends" from that organization!  If a "self righteous" religious person saw me taking my friend home or riding with me and knew that person had a drinking problem, he would automatically "assume" I'm now "hanging out with drunks" when in fact, I'm only trying to draw them closer to GOD!  II Corinthians 3:17 says "Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, THERE IS FREEDOM!" 
   
   Therefore, it's all about WHY you do what you do; not what you do!  Remember this ALWAYS:  We don't have to give in account of our actions to ANYONE "BUT" GOD who "LOOKS AT THE HEART" and KNOWS the motive you have for doing what you do!
   
   WORD SAYS in Mark 2:15-17 "And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and the followed him.  And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?  When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."
   
   You see?  Jesus associated with "publicans and sinners" and is what we should do in order to bring them to Christ; or Repent, which DOES NOT mean as the world has defined "confession" of ALL your sins, rather saying "I BELIEVE!"  This is a "Spiritual" journey in which GOD "looks at the heart,"  and one can't LIE TO THE HOLY SPIRIT!
   
   Paul also said in I Corinthians 9:16-23 "For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; YEA, WOE IS UNTO ME, IF I PREACH NOT THE GOSPEL! For if I do this willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (v19) For though I be FREE from ALL "men," yet have I made myself SERVANT unto ALL, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law. (v22) To the weak (sinful) became I as weak (talk sinful too), I am ALL THINGS to ALL MEN, that I might by ALL MEANS save some."  Do you see the FREEDOM we have in Christ? Not to "glory" self, but to relate to ANYONE to "gain the more

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      snapcracklepopposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      As Christians we do like Jesus Norine. You are correct we deal non believers, not to associate with them but to share God's will and purpose for them. So if someone sees me talking to a known drunk or OW, I am simply sharing the good news with them.

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      Norine Williamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Amen!  As if someone saw me talking (what they perceive as) profane, vulgar, or foul; they'd better be in a position to "look @ my heart" BEFORE "judging" or NOTHING!  We do ALL for Christ when we are IN CHRIST JESUS & u can't LIE to the HOLY SPI

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   snapcracklepopposted 7 years ago

   The works of the flesh that are  mentioned at Galatians 5:19-21, can also apply to those who profess to be Christian. As a matter of fact the apostle Paul was speaking to the Christian congregation of Galatia and warning them not to be consumed with those type of fleshly traits mentioned in those verses. So it stands to reason Norine, that God expects us not to associate with individuals who practice such things.
   
   Just as you've said Norine, when we're in the presence of others we share Bible truths with them not only by speaking to them, but also by our speech and conduct. Even our attire and demeanor can give a powerful witness about God to others who are not YET believers and followers of the Christ. Jesus sole purpose was to reach the hearts of his listeners of which were mostly sinners and who were alienated from his heavenly Father's will and purpose for them. I was thinking too Norine, that we are surrounded or live in a world that's vastly Godless. Many do not want to acknowledge that there is a God (Psalms 14:1). Some call God's Word a book of fairytales. How very sad, disrespectful and degrading for them to say that about the Bible.....Thank you for your sincere response. I discern you are very passionate about the Bible, God, and His son, Jesus Christ.

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