Author	Thread: Let Your Light Shine.................!
Admin	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 3 Apr, 2011 10:51 PM Let your light shine! (John MacDuff, "The Christian's Pathway" 1858) "Let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 There are many things connected with the Christian's pathway�which worldlings cannot comprehend. They know nothing of the high and hidden walks of spiritual experience. What is said of the workings of the divine life in the soul�is regarded by them as foolishness and fanaticism. Its internal principles, its constraining motives and impulses, its heavenly aspirations, its rapturous bliss, and its agonizing struggles�are things which these strangers cannot comprehend! But still, there is much which they are able to understand�such as . . . whatever is consistent in character; whatever is honest and straightforward between men; whatever is kind and compassionate in behavior; whatever is forbearing and forgiving under insults and injuries. Such features, when unostentatiously exhibited�excite their attention, and, generally, call forth their praise. The manner in which the ordinary duties of life are discharged, is something so tangible�that it lies within the province of their own observation. These things they can understand; and it is of the highest importance that all who profess to be Christians, should be distinguished by an exhibition of these practical fruits of righteousness. What if a small band of Christians were placed in some locality, by whom the principles of the gospel were fully lived out. What a powerful effect, we may suppose, would their simple presence produce! Let them be connected with those around them�by the ordinary engagements of life; but without employing any direct means to promulgate their Christian views. There they are�"blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation." Their hearts are filled, not merely with love to God�but with sincere and ardent affection for all by whom they are surrounded. Selfishness, pride, resentment, censoriousness�have no place among them. Their entire spirit and deportment are influenced and controlled by those noble, and generous, and god-like sentiments and feelings, which Christianity inculcates and inspires. The holy religion they profess, would appear in its true character and beneficent tendency; and men would be constrained by the good works which they beheld�to glorify God. May the Lord strengthen you with all might, according to His glorious power�"that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way�bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God!" Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 3 Apr, 2011 11:40 PM James, according to your own doctrine these people would not be inspired or even recognize the spiritual reason for such behavior unless they were already born again ; regenerate. Therefore such behavior would not benefit unbelievers, only believers. Why would you post a article you disagree with? Btw, great article! Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 07:56 AM James replies: The entire Bible was written to believers. The gospel is to the world. If you read the portion of Scripture at the top of the article, it is Jesus talking to those who already believe in Him. Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:01 AM What is that LIGHT that is to shine from within all who say they are believers in Chirst, so that men may see their GOOD WORKS, and NOT their evil deeds? And what are those GOOD WORKS? Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:01 AM Nice piece James... Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:07 AM BTW, 2sparrow, a person who has been born again from above and has been washed through the regeneration of the Holy Spirit, can have a light that shines into darkness for others to see... A person who has been regenerated is called a born again from above Christian believers filled with the Holy Spirit. Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:43 AM Ella, I believe Two knew exactly what he was saying, and he made a excellent point. Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:43 AM James replies: The entire Bible was written to believers. The gospel is to the world. If you read the portion of Scripture at the top of the article, it is Jesus talking to those : In Mt 5:16 they may have been believers, but they where not Christians. The Gospel is to the world and to the church, there are segments of it that are directed at the lost specifically. There is one good point James that there are believers of the word of God thru out the bible that where un regenarate. Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 08:49 AM PJ - In Mt 5:16 they may have been believers, but they where not Christians. Ryan - Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him John 3:36 Is it your stance that the unregenerate can have eternal life? Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 09:01 AM No Ryan a believer, believes the word of God. It is important to me to walk in the light of God's word, for the default is obvious when man does not walk in the light, he walks into darkness. The bible gives example after example of those that believe and are regenarate, and they demonstrate bible faith, again and again. Post Reply
View Profile History	Let Your Light Shine.................! Posted : 4 Apr, 2011 09:07 AM Good morning...:waving:...So very True PJ...xo Post Reply

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