Before I start lashing out at you, I have a confession to make: I'm guilty.
Now let's get to the lashing!
Have you ever been to church, the minister was preaching, and all that was running through your head was, "oh my goodness, this is so true! I wish Samuel was here. I need to write this down so I can tell him later"? Or, you're reading the scriptures and something like 1 Corinthians 15:33 comes up: "Don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good character". Then the first thing you think about is, "okaaaayyyy... No wonder Sandra started acting weirdly! She's been hanging around those rough guys for so long".
Somehow, the Word of God tells you about everyone else but yourself. You're dead wrong!
Now let's get to the lashing!
Have you ever been to church, the minister was preaching, and all that was running through your head was, "oh my goodness, this is so true! I wish Samuel was here. I need to write this down so I can tell him later"? Or, you're reading the scriptures and something like 1 Corinthians 15:33 comes up: "Don't be deceived, bad company corrupts good character". Then the first thing you think about is, "okaaaayyyy... No wonder Sandra started acting weirdly! She's been hanging around those rough guys for so long".
Somehow, the Word of God tells you about everyone else but yourself. You're dead wrong!
The basic rule of thumb is this: if you got the message, it was meant for you.
When a preacher preaches or the Bible teaches, it's because the Holy Spirit wants to give you a message PRIMARILY for yourself. Is it bad to share what you learn with your friends? Of course not. In fact, you are encouraged to do so. But if that's all that runs through your head each time the Word of God comes your way, then you'll be missing out everytime.
So when next you see, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. - John 3:18", the first thing that should come to your mind should NOT be, "mehn, ah pity those Muslims who haven't accepted Christ yet". Instead, think, "does the way I live show that I believe?"
You are your primary concern. Remember that.
When a preacher preaches or the Bible teaches, it's because the Holy Spirit wants to give you a message PRIMARILY for yourself. Is it bad to share what you learn with your friends? Of course not. In fact, you are encouraged to do so. But if that's all that runs through your head each time the Word of God comes your way, then you'll be missing out everytime.
So when next you see, "Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. - John 3:18", the first thing that should come to your mind should NOT be, "mehn, ah pity those Muslims who haven't accepted Christ yet". Instead, think, "does the way I live show that I believe?"
You are your primary concern. Remember that.