God's Plan: Transforming You ...into someone of tremendous value and personal pride to God Himself
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A Neighborly look at Christians
What is a Christian?
No. Please don't jump in with theology just yet. Maybe later; maybe not yet, OK?
I have my own answer but I'd like you to decide for yourself. Really think about the question before you answer.
Let's say someone gathered up the neighbors while we were gone. Would our neighbors identify us as Christians?
What "evidence" is there for them to actually prove it?
From the neighbor's point of view...are we different from them..or are we so similar that we just blend in? And the differences..is it our Christianity... or something else?
And then..another comparison. From the neighbors again...is Jesus different from them or does He just blend in?
Is Jesus religious? ..Like you or I are religious? Or is it different?
What would the neighbors decide?
What's your opinion?
Learning to Paraphrase
The Bible is such an amazing book. As believers, we have a very wonderful teacher, the Holy Spirit who will help us to hear and understand God's loving purpose for us.
Take a moment before you begin. Ask God to forgive any sinful thoughts or actions you've done. Ask Him to cleanse your heart... and open your mind to His Word.
Part of my prayer was: I want to hear Your Word with a clean heart.
When you're ready, let's look at Romans 8:28 together.
I want to introduce you to a wonderful way to listen and hear God's word. Ask God to help you hear what He has for you to understand. Now read the verse.
Next... think about how to rewrite it... using your own words. That's what a paraphrase is. You write down what the verse says to you. Try to keep it short.
If you've never done a paraphrase before..that's OK. You can see an example of one right here.
My paraphrase of the verse goes like this...
We know that God uses both troubles and blessings to bless you; (you) who love God; (you) who heard His call (and) according to His plan (and) for His special purpose.
What God Treasures
What is God's special plan and purpose for your life?..That's a question each believer must ask of God. (Don't look at me expecting an answer, lol. That's your personal business.)
But I can tell you this... He has a plan to transform you into someone of tremendous value and personal pride to God Himself.
And He says so in this verse. (1 Peter 3:4) Open your bible with me. Let's look at it together.
The apostle Peter is talking about "the New Way to Live". He's telling us about the Way that he lives... and the Way that each of us can live too.
Peter starts out like this: (a paraphrase)
1 Peter 1-3: Like the examples you've just read about Jesus; wives: be submissive to your husband. Even if he is not a believer; you may make him one without saying a word..just your loving, godly ways alone, may win him to Christ. Especially when he sees your chaste behavior along with your reverence toward him. Don't let your outward appearance, your braided hair or golden jewelry or fancy clothing define you.
(Verse Four) Instead, let the hidden, inner you, come out; the one whose heart loves God; which outwardly others see as a gentle and quiet spirit, solid and serene..in the sight of God this is truly a great treasure.
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Hi Micky Dee:
I agree, Micky, ...we must "adhere to the Golden Rule".
In fact, whenever I have a problem "sticking" to this rule of being loving, as God is loving...I find I must renew my "glue" by asking His forgiveness.
I seem to come "unstuck" at the most embarrassing times. Often, under pressure, "I lose it".
I need a gracious God; the One who sent Jesus Christ to hear my repentant cry...Lord Jesus...I have sinned. Please have mercy upon me; change my heart and mind. Come into my heart again...and clean up this mess I've been living in.
--I do not pray to be born again each day, Micky. But I ask forgiveness and cleansing for the many ways I fall short of God's definition of love...Jesus.
I can never attain, on this earth, a life as pure and undirtied by sin..as Jesus. So I am happy that our God has made a faithful provision for my daily sins. (1 John 1:9)
You are a Christian is you adhere to the Golden Rule. Whatever religion, political affiliation, or "club" it is that you "belong to" - if it does not adhere to the Golden Rule - it is a cult! Thank you Sir!
Hi ladyjane:
I agree with you. We all seem to have a pidgeon-hole for Jesus to fit into. It stands out so clearly to me each time I read the Gospels.
This one demands He reveal He's a revolutionary. The next declares Him a great teacher. Another says He's a prophet.
The thing about mankind (me included) is we don't listen very well. Instead, we love to jump to conclusions. "If you can't get it on a bumper sticker then you must not know what you're talking about".
I cannot understand God...when I'm doing all the talking.
"Martha" complained she was overworked and unappreciated. She was doing all she could to please her dinner guest,Jesus. But no one was helping her.
So she demanded (whoa Nelly!) that Jesus command Mary to help her serve Jesus.
Jesus (unlike me) didn't get angry or offended. (I think He must hear this kind of thing all the time; don't you?)
Instead, Jesus pointed out that she was busy...but worried. (Two things that apparently don't belong together.)
He continued...but Mary has CHOSEN the better part. (To sit and listen at Jesus feet.)
This little slice of life is very revealing. It's about choices...How we decide the serve the Lord.
We can decide to be busy...so busy, we will justify bossing others (including God) around.
Or, we can rest...listening to God; allowing His words to touch our heart, melt away our selfish thoughts; to hear from on-high what we need for this day...to receive that bright cup of blessing before we go out to serve.
It's a choice.
Enjoyed your hub and I guess being a christian can mean so many different things to different people. Some may think that being Christ like is going to church and organized religion but to me Christ like is being a spiritual person such as he was. I think he would have preferred Beale street to the stained glass crowd, so I wanna be like my Jesus!
Hello Captain Jimmy:
Hubs are such small containers. And my brain is so feeble at times...I find I need to introduce a single important idea and somehow develop it...make it appetizing and wholesome for the Reader.
Romans is the great polemic of Paul; touching upon all the great and noble ideas of our faith. In the face of so gigantic an undertaking as Paul aspired to; I chose to find the niche where Christ has entered in; and from there to look out in the hope that from this lofty place we might find and keep the wonder and scope of this vantage point...that we might also submit our hearts and hands to serve the glory of God and His Kingdom.
But this is just my own desire for us who write in this hope. Who knows the designs of the Father?
Interesting, All to often people take one verse and try to interpret. God chooses us, our flesh is at emnity with God, If he did not draw us we would never look for Him. If you read the whole matter around Romans 8;28 you will find words like foreknow, predestinate, called. What are you gonna do with that. That does not mean that a christian is better than anyone else for God is not a respecter of persons, We are only justified by Christ by repentance of Sins and faith to believe unto salvation by his grace are we called! There are ingredients to salvation, If you bake a chocolate cake and leave out the chocolate what do you have. Todays modern thinking has bypassed repentance telling people to pray a magic prayer and it'll all be ok! Hog wash, Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. It's sad to say that alot of people call thereselves Christians but you are right that many times you can not pick them out of a crown because they blend in all to well.
Luke 21:7 And they asked him, saying, Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Luke 21:8 And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived: for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Luke 21:10 Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:
Luke 21:11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Luke 21:12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
Luke 21:13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
Romans 8:24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
Romans 8:25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
Romans 8:33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.
Romans 8:34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
John 5:33 Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.
John 5:34 But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.
John 5:35 He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.
John 5:36 But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
John 5:37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
John 5:38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
John 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
John 5:40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 5:41 I receive not honour from men.
John 5:42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
John 5:43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
John 5:44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
John 5:45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
John 5:46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
John 5:47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
Hello FCEtier:
Ah..potato salad and church. Gotta love it!
I love to be around those ladies of the potato salad. Their love makes none ashamed, lol. And they socialize pretty well, eh?
There's just something about being around all those Moms at a church social..it makes me feel loved and appreciated...if only for my appetite, lol.
I enjoyed your quote: "Being around others of a like mind is a good place to be." It's true for me too.
Hi coffeesnob:
Through Christ we CAN overcome all things. We can overcome our silly human foibles. We can get dressed each morning, having put on Christ and wearing His humility..we can give the world a good report..that God's loving message is for all.
Good thoughts today! I love to hear about the goodness of God from His people.
Someone mentioned above that "God is love."
Reverse it: "Love is God".
Although I'm not a fan of organized religion, per se, attending church (a relatively safe environment) fulfills a need for socialization. Being around others of a like mind is a good place to be. The potato salad is usually pretty good, too!
Ahh but I am an overcomer. Damaged vessel -no doubt, but in Christ made new. I Heard today a quote (think it was a CS Lewis' quote) that said most of us see ourselves as having a soul. But if we can see ourselves as a soul, having a body it can change how we live!
Blessings,
CS
always exploring:
Yes. God's love can work from us, from the inside, and come out as His love. I hope we find grace when we need it, so we have grace to share when we see that need in others.
The church has a place too. We gather together to worship, to be nurtured, to find that grace and love in times of need..no matter if it is our need or someone else's.
We join together to pray, to share the needs that burden our own hearts..so God will join our concerns with His own..so this great love that began with Him..will have the empowering of His love to move and breathe and live in this world..as His will.
God's love is a Living thing. Like His Word, it will not return to Him void; but will have it's way, moving mountains and restoring souls to His praise.
I'm glad to hear God's love today. I thank you for listening and sharing your own heart. It is good to gather together and say, it is good to love the Lord.
Hi jodynotj:
You are right Jody.
Christians do not convert their hearers. God does.
You sow the seed, another waters, someone else tends to the weeding..but God makes the seed grow.
If I share and the message (or the messenger) is rejected...it's not about me and it's not the fault of the message.
The Word does it's work..whether I see the resuts or not...the Word works. It hardens or it opens the heart. It's up to the heart's owner to choose. I'm not part of that decision at all. In the scheme of things, I'm just a delivery boy. I'm delivering a message from the owner of the company I work for.
If someone tells me to butt out..they're right to say so. It's between them and God really.
As a deliveryman for the company, I have an opinion. But in the end...it's really a conversation between those two. And I need to stick to the message, His message..the Gospel.
Thank you, Debradoo.
The Word says the wisdom of God is foolishness to man. We only understand as He gives the opening of our hearts a way.
Paraphrasing is a kind of meditating upon the Word. It slows me down. I begin to hear other verses..reminding me that He writes us across the bridge to His own heart. As I write he leads me. I follow.
Sometimes I cross over my own pains and troubles. Other times I see more clearly how I have hurt and hobbled the love that was offered. Each time I come to His bridge I must go across..I must follow Jesus...I need the Life of the Father's words...or my Life as a Christian will wither. I will pass being un-fruitful so easily. I will roll up into my own hard shell of self protection. I will dry and become brittle, hard and unloving...despite the sunshine of His love...over there...outside this cave I have chosen to live in. Apart from others...apart from Him.
Hi coffeesnob:
We have His gift in such a damaged container. It is bent toward the envies of the world, the pride of the devil and the selfishness of the flesh.
My only hope as I drag this body/mind and spirit to look upon Jesus...and cry out...Lord, if You are willing...
Hi Dave:
I'm glad that Jesus found a sinner (like me)worth dying for.
He gives us all a true measure of love. He shows us what the Father is truly like. His love does all things well.
Hi Nellieanna:
Your examples are wonderful. They remind us of the goodness of Jesus Christ.
In His strength we can all do better, be more loving.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I'm so glad we can all read them and freely discuss our faith here on HubPages.
So many people today think that to be a member of a church is what God wants, WRONG, God is within, you can look on the outside and not see the heart. God is love. We are to love all people, red,yellow,black,brown, and white. There is so much hate all over the world.Religion has caused more pain and suffering, every religion thinks they are right.
God help us to love one another, where there is love, hate will not exist
The Bible says faith comes from hearing. It's good to live in a way that catches the eyes of our neighbors but if we're looking to the Christian community to act in a way that converts others to the Way, we've failed already. The beauty is in Jesus, not his redeemed, not yet. We have to be humble and admit that we are hypocrites on our best days, hateful and unloving. And that doesn't impair the message because Jesus said we plant, He grows. I plant by telling, Jesus grows in ways I cannot see. Usually people come to faith not because of some really righteous dude they admire, but because they hear the message of the only righteous one. They hear it.
I love what you said about 'hearing or reading the Word of God with a clean heart'. This would explain some of the diverse and wrong doctrines going around. We truly do need a clean heart and the help of the Holy Spirit to understand His Word and the message intended toward us.
And you said .. 'Let's read the verse. Think about how to rewrite the verse. Ask God to help you hear what He has for you to understand. Write down what the verse means. Try to keep it short. ' end quote
God has impressed upon me to read my entire Bible and rewrite the verses into my own understanding of what I might think the verse is saying.
Thanks for sharing the wisdom.
Hubcrafter
Not meaning to promote my hub, but this is pretty much what I think a Christ-follower looks like. Loving Jesus, family, self and others. I am a Christian, but choose rather to call myself a Christ follower. I think it defines me better.
Blessings
CS
HUB CRAFTER, I believe that a Christian is any person who willingly with full knowledge of their choice and action, chooses to accept and believe in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and who accepts The Holy Bible as God's and Jesus words and teachings, and is willing to accept Jesus as their redeemer and try as best they can to pattern their life, after all that is taught by Jesus in The Bible.
I am a Christian.
Brother Dave.
If one is to be Christ-like, that means doing things the way He did them while cooped up in human form. It was compassionate. It was gentle. It was forgiving. It also didn't put up with greedy "money-changers". But mostly his example was simple & straightforward. Perhaps ChristIAN isn't the same thing as Christ-like, though. So many of those qualities seem to not only be missing but often their direct opposites seem to prevail among those claiming to be Christians. I dunno. But the neighbors can surely tell the difference between compassion and mean-spiritedness, between gentleness and harshness toward those with differences, between forgiving spirit and holding life-long grudges and spitefullness, even between righteous indignation and criticism of everything and everyone who doesn't agree personally - and between simplicity, straightfordwarness and complicated rules and rituals that seem to have little to do with the spirit of Christ.
My mother seldom talked about her religion, but her example to all she knew said volumes.
Good morning ALL4JESUS:
(It's A.M. Sunday as I write this.)
Thank you for your decision. I appreciate the choice that YOU made...to write a word of encouragement, to share a smile, a thought, a few moments from your day.
That's what blessings are made of.
Thank you so much for your gift.
Hello, hello...how are you?
One thing's for sure...YOU are a faithful reader and friend. So I thank you.
I like it when you stop by, like a neighbor. It goes far beyond the feeling of (not) being alone anymore. But instead, your neighborly way carries me all the way to feeling accepted, listened to...and cared for.
Thank you.
You are absolutely correct - you may make your husband a Christian without even saying a word - it is the actions. Great reminder - our body is a temple but the "fancy" items should not be our focus. Satan temps us with gold and beauty and God has provided abundant beauty and too many choices. We must think where we place our energies and efforts.
Beautiful Hub.
Thank you for some very interesting point of view.
BL Tween 22 months ago
Let us remember,
If we could be perfect, we would not need Jesus!
Thank you Jesus for being savior of the WORLD!
Thank you for this hub, I am linking to it.