When we observe professing Christians; there are many clues as to whether they are "fruit producers" or not. This could be more adequately explained by comparing all "professors" of the faith to those "possessors" of the Holy Spirit. Here are some helpful verses to examine ourselves as well as get some clues as to where others are spiritually.
"He chastises everyone He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). Those of us who have been truly walking the straight and narrow know better than to glibly pray for something like patience. To freely embrace a verse like James 1:2 where we are told to "consider it all joy" when various trials/temptations come pass need to trust the Lord that He knows how to work all circumstances for the good OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD (and called according to His purpose: Romans 8:28). This is the best way we can distinguish who is in the faith; those who truly understand not only that their sins have been forgiven; but they have a new Lord; Savior AND master. His sheep hear His voice; they may go astray for a time but the Chief Shephard brings in the lost 1 from the 99. ( Luke 15:4).
"if you love me you will obey my commandments." ( John 14:15). This verse may seem to contradict the ones where people were doing all sorts of "good works" in His name but were not His sheep ( Matt. 7:21-23). This is a caution to anyone who would have a ministry based on their own name; or type of gifting and certainly for the prosperity gospel leadership. We saw the same self-righteous religion with the Pharisees. Judas Iscariot is a pathetic example who was somehow convinced to betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver; apparently 4 days wages at that time although it would show silver vastly more valuable then compared to today's valuation. It was the seduction of power; then which Satan used to draw him in; thus the verse The admonitions of Luke 6:26 and Luke 16:15 serve aw warnings for those loving praise of men over praise of God.
When we observe professing Christians; there are many clues as to whether they are "fruit producers" or not. This could be more adequately explained by comparing all "professors" of the faith to those "possessors" of the Holy Spirit. Here are some helpful verses to examine ourselves as well as get some clues as to where others are spiritually.
"He chastises everyone He loves." ( Heb. 12:6). Those of us who have been truly walking the straight and narrow know better than to glibly pray for something like patience. To freely embrace a verse like James 1:2 where we are told to "consider it all joy" when various trials/temptations come pass need to trust the Lord that He knows how to work all circumstances for the good OF THOSE WHO LOVE GOD (and called according to His purpose: Romans 8:28). This is the best way we can distinguish who is in the faith; those who truly understand not only that their sins have been forgiven; but they have a new Lord; Savior AND master. His sheep hear His voice; they may go astray for a time but the Chief Shephard brings in the lost 1 from the 99. ( Luke 15:4).
"if you love me you will obey my commandments." ( John 14:15). This verse may seem to contradict the ones where people were doing all sorts of "good works" in His name but were not His sheep ( Matt. 7:21-23). This is a caution to anyone who would have a ministry based on their own name; or type of gifting and certainly for the prosperity gospel leadership. We saw the same self-righteous religion with the Pharisees. Judas Iscariot is a pathetic example who was somehow convinced to betray Christ for 30 pieces of silver; apparently 4 days wages at that time although it would show silver vastly more valuable then compared to today's valuation. It was the seduction of power; then which Satan used to draw him in; thus the verse The admonitions of Luke 6:26 and Luke 16:15 serve aw warnings for those loving praise of men over praise of God.
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