2007-01-22 21:20:12 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It helps if you know what you are talking about before you do. Unfortunately a lot of people think they can but it is just ignorance.
2007-01-22 21:25:00 · answer #1 · answered by great gig in the sky 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Tough question - I have to disagree with Tashi's first statement though. A Christian is defined by their belief and the choices they make based on that belief.
8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
I am facing that issue with my parents presently. They claim to be Christians, but do not exude Christ. (Yet they go to church every week.) It's a very tough fence to play because only God knows where they are. However, when's a person's character is questioned as to whether they are a Christian, I would first have to ask them why they think they are a Christian and then attempt to approach them with the gospel message if they are off-base.
The biggest problem that faces the majority of people who express faith in something is that they can't even defend why they believe what they do.
The short answer to your question would be yes - but done with all sincerity, tact, and love. If the person is a Christian when you approach them, they should be able to take the criticism and correction in check. If they attack you or defend their actions, then that gives you pause to think more about the situation.
2007-01-23 05:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by westdyk1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but in love.
There are 2 types of Christians - those who have been brought up Christian or those who merely go to church on a Sunday but have not had a personal encounter with Jesus Christ and do not KNOW God. These give Christianity a bad name because they call themselves Christians but do not serve the Lord. Then there are those of us who are born again Christians and who the Lord slowly changes and delivers and begins to turn us into what He wants us to be - an image of Himself.
There are many, many people who have been brought up very very badly in God's name and they do not know God. If they did, they would not do the terrible things they do.
Born again Christians are NOT religious. Christians who do not know the Lord ARE religious. God detests religion because He wants us to have a personal relationship with Him.
2007-01-23 05:29:20 · answer #3 · answered by ccc4jesus 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Being a Christian involves believing Jesus Christ was God's son and He died on the cross for our sins. Once someone believes that and they tell God they believe it, they are urged to live the life of a true Christian, and to follow the commandments and standards for living. It may be that your friend doesn't necessarily ACT like a Christian should, but no one can read the heart of someone else except GOD. You can tell him he doesn't ACT like you think a Christian should, and maybe this will help your friend to analyze his actions and change his behavior. We are to hold each other accountable for our actions, so please be gentle and kind! Hope it goes well -
2007-01-23 05:29:39 · answer #4 · answered by maude3746 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Why don't you try to explain it in a gentle way. And what is your motivation for tell them?(To help them) Maybe explain why it is you call yourself a christian. We don't always see things clearly, so before you do anything I would recommend you pray about it first.
2007-01-23 05:34:43 · answer #5 · answered by Jason 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Galatians 6:1 Brethren,If a man be overtaken in a fault,ye which are spiritual,restore such an one in the spirit of meekness,considering thyself,lest thou be tempted.
2007-01-23 05:40:08 · answer #6 · answered by jackiedj8952 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clearly No. I don't know of any human qualified to make such judge. The Scripture clearly state that is Christ and only Christ that truely knows who his sheep are. That is why He is the only judge on the Day of Judgement, again as referred to in scriptures.
2007-01-23 05:40:11 · answer #7 · answered by thePriest 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 Corinthians 13 tells us we should examine OURSELVES to see if we are in the faith.
You might find a bible study helpful. We all would.
2007-01-23 05:41:38 · answer #8 · answered by i_m_f_2009 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not really. They may see themself as one, but they may be new at it, or a poor example of one.
You can tell them you're surprised to hear that they claim to be one!
2007-01-23 05:24:52 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes. One becomes christian by his deeds and not by his/ her belief.
2007-01-23 05:23:27 · answer #10 · answered by Tashi 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋