and may you have peace! My apologies for just now responding (I was "away" for the weekend) -
It seems to me that if God has touched the heart of someone and they have come to believe in and follow Jesus Christ the actions of another shouldn't have any bearing on their decision to be named a "Christian".
Yes, but even dear Peter denied our Lord when his flesh came into conflict, yes? So, while I personally agree with you, I DO understand that this could happen for some, although it should not. It is one of the main reasons why there are so many [christian] “denominations,” however. Because of the acts, conduct, beliefs, etc., of one sect, others will break/branch off and give themselves a sub-identification, even sub-denomination (synod, etc.), to distinguish themselves from other “Christians.” Unfortunately, these are the ones that put themselves in line to be guilty of [spiritual] "adutery," because in doing so they very often (more often than not) thereafter follow "hired men"... instead of the Fine Shepherd.
TRUE Christians, however, understand that the Christ is NOT to be “divided” (which doesn't mean that we absolutely agree on absolutely everything), but that we have NO other leader except Christ. So that to call themselves anything other than a “christian” (by means of an anointing with holy spirit), to associate themselves formally with anything other than the Congregation of the Firstborn, and to be "members" of… or called "members" of… anything other than the Body of Christ… is false. They know that to have any other "mediator," to follow any other "leader," to BE a "leader," to claim the sheep as their own, to call anyone on earth "Father," is false.
As an example, look at those who have come out of the WBTS and have found themselves in a personal relationship with Jesus.
If they have TRULY found themselves in such a relationship, then it is only by means of an anointing and choosing by holy spirit, right? For truly, there is no other way (true, many are CALLED… but few… are chosen). And IF such ones are TRULY chosen… then they should follow the leading of that Spirit which says, “Do NOT hide your lamp under a basket.” As a member of the Body of Christ… and, therefore, existing in UNION with Christ… He being the [true] Light that came into the world… for any one of us to “hide” that light… or worse, to deny it… is probably the worse thing WE can do... because it denies others access to that Light. And so, here I am… as are you and others… “shining.” I know, I know… there are some who wish I’d turn it off… or at least tone it down. Unfortunately, I can’t as, for some reason, the light given me is a very bright one, so, really, it’s actually kinda out of my hands.
I'm sorry, but I think that it is a cop-out to blame another’s actions for our own inaction in responding to the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. Bottom line...it would be un-just
I absolutely, totally, and vehemently agree. We were told that we received free… and, therefore, we are to GIVE free. What we “receive” is the gifts of God’s holy spirit, through Christ, and such “gifts” are NOT ours to hold to ourselves selfishly, but to SHARE. To send out into the world. We were also warned that not everyone would “receive” us… but, hey, we were also told that that would not be our problem, for it would not be us that was being rejected.
Where would we be if we chose to decline the invitation based on what Christians did in the middle-ages?
Indeed! I am SO glad to hear these words, for my spirit bears full witness to the TRUTH of them. BUT… it is one of the reasons that some run from the designation “Christian.” And this is exactly what our Adversary designed them (religion) FOR! "Religion" is nothing more than false lights... used to lure and mislead the "children of light," us. Our Adversary uses them all... and particularly "christianity" and "christendom" to commit some of the most heinous acts in the history of mankind. Why? "To mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones!" These were and are "false prophets" and "false christs" and as a result of their leadings, conduct, etc., the designation "christian" is no longer clean and without blemish! As a result of that, many, MANY... run from it. And I can hardly blame them, given "christianity's" track record!
I would hope, however, that one day all who profess to be joined to the Christ… LIVE that profession… in spirit and in truth… and in the manner that our Lord taught us to: “All things you want men to do to you, you must likewise do to them,” “You MUST love one another, just as I have loved you,” “LOVE your enemy and PRAY for him… for you must PROVE yourselves sons of your Heavenly Father”… and more!
But the TRUTH is that many who profess to be "christian,"... and therefore, "chosen"... and so "have a FORM of Godly devotion," actually prove FALSE to the power of that devotion. Why? Because these prefer following the plethora of "blind guides" who also make such profession but prove false to it, rather than follow the Fine Shepherd and him alone. Both groups THINK they "see"... but truly, they are naked, and miserable, and pitiable, and... blind. Revelation 3:17
Bottom line: one does not "choose" to be a [true] christian. One is chosen. If and when one IS chosen, one has to make a choice: to PROFESS that choosing, openly, and before ALL creation... or to HIDE it, due to fear, shame, or whatever. Unfortunately, the latter may result in such one being hid FROM... on the day of our full revealing.
I am glad to have made your acquaintance, Michelle. May the undeserved kindness and mercy of our God and Father, the Most Holy One of Israel, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, whose name is JAH… of Armies… and the love and peace of His Son and Christ, the Holy One of Israel, my Lord and yours, JAHESHUA MISCHAJAH… be upon you and your entire household… to time indefinite.
Your servant and fellow slave of Christ,
Shel
