Before you read the following, I just want you to know that these are things I am guilty of, too. Like I tell my church all the time: "I'm preaching to myself!" When it comes to following Christ, we are all a work in progress.



For those who know me, you are familiar with my personality, so you will be able to decipher my tone and picture me smiling as you read this. For those of you who don't know me, try to picture me smiling as you read on. So, go ahead and laugh, love, and perhaps even whisper, "Ouch."



And just so there's no confusion, the word Christian is defined as someone who professes Christ and embraces His teachings. Not only are the four gospels about Him, the entire Bible is Him because He is the Living Word.





Here is a list of the 22 things I believe Christ followers should cease and desist in their lives:

1. Quit expecting the world to like you.
Jesus said it would hate you (John 15:18-27, Matthew 10:22).


2. Quit throwing your own teammates under the bus.
We're called to build each other up, not tear each other down. In fact, Jesus said that our love for each other proves to the world that we are really His true disciples (John 13:35, 1 Thessalonians 5:11).


3. Quit gossiping.
This includes sharing "juicy prayer requests" with no intention of actually praying (Psalms 34:13, Psalms 101:5, Ephesians 4:29).


4. Quit replacing prayer with "good vibes" and "positive thoughts."
No. Just no. Prayer moves the hand of God and the hand of God moves the world. Prayer is much more effective than making someone feel warm and fuzzy inside. By the way, I'm not saying positive thoughts and good vibes are wrong (and they do make you feel good), I'm just saying prayer trumps them both (2 Corinthians 1:11, Philippians 1:19, Ephesians 6:18, James 5:16).


5. Quit saying repentance isn't necessary.
It is. Jesus said so. And just so you know, there are 53 references to repentance in the New Testament. Now go repent (Matthew 5:17, Acts 3:19, Romans 2:5, 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:9).


6. Quit saying that the "portions of the Bible that make you feel uncomfortable" are irrelevant and nothing more than dated writings.
All 66 books, 1,189 chapters, and 31,102 verse are the inspired Word of God. So the next time you think about throwing out the Old Testament, just remember that Jesus quoted it numerous times in all four gospels (John 1:1-4, John 1:14, 2 Timothy 3:16).


7. Quit expecting unbelievers/non-Christians to understand the Bible and/or to live like Christ.
It's hard enough for Christians to live like Christ and it's impossible to do so without Him (until the blinders are removed) (2 Corinthians 4:4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:24-25).


8. Quit acting like the Great Commission
(Go into all the world to preach the gospel) is the Great Suggestion. It's a command. Go already (Matthew 28:19, Mark 16:15).


9. Quit thinking that it's OK to be silent about your faith.
Yes, it's just as important to represent Jesus by how we live, but someone can't respond to the Good News without hearing it ... and they can't hear it if no one opens their mouth (Matthew 10:27, Romans 10:14-15).


10. Quit being more passionate about your political affiliation than your relationship with Jesus.
If 99 percent of what you post on social media consists of bashing government officials and presidential candidates—you're doing more damage than good (Romans 13:1-7, 2 Chronicles 7:14).


11. Quit using the Bible to beat the "hell" out of people.
That doesn't work. Ever. I don't care if you're right—if you're a jerk, nobody is listening. Love wins! (No, I don't mean the book by Rob Bell.) (1 Corinthians 13).


12. Quit your legalistic rants, knee-jerk reactions, and judgmentalism.
You're turning people off. You're making good news bad news. Jesus befriended sinners. Try it and great things will happen (Mark 2:17, Luke 5:27-32, 1 Timothy 1:15-16).


13. Quit calling yourself a Christian if you believe there are multiple paths that lead to salvation. Jesus said that He's the only way to heaven. If you don't believe Him, you're not a Christ follower (John 14:6, 1 John 2:4).


14. Quit living like everybody's going to heaven and nobody's going to hell. Jesus died so the whole world could be saved, but He said the path to heaven is narrow and few find it. And for the record, He preached more about hell than heaven ... but He did it without using a bullhorn and manipulative scare tactics. #LeadLikeJesus (Matthew 7:13-14).


15. Quit acting like you're better than those who don't know Jesus. You're not (Luke 18:19, Acts 10:34, Romans 2:11-13).


16. Quit criticizing loving believers who take a biblical stand for godly morals and Christian values (that are crystal clear in Scripture) just because you're too much of a wimp to take a stand yourself. Jesus didn't call us to be politically correct. Develop some backbone. And yes, I said wimp. And yes, I will repent for calling you a wimp (Acts 4-6).


17. Quit pointing out the speck in your neighbor's eye while ignoring the plank in your own eye. By the way, I can hardly see my computer as I type this because of the log in my own eye (Matthew 7:3-5).


18. Quit being a jerk, period. Whatever your position is (on anything), if you can't communicate it in love, you're a clanging cymbal and your message is worthless. So yeah, I probably shouldn't have called you a wimp in No. 16 (1 Corinthians 13).


19. Quit defending sin. Quit hating sinners. These are equally important. Oh yeah, and lose your critical lens (Psalm 97:10, Matthew 22:37-39).


20. Quit using the phrase "he who's without sin cast the first stone" out of context. The next thing Jesus said was, "Go and sin no more" (John 8:1-11).


21. Quit using grace as a license to live however you want. Jesus is grace, so don't trample Him under your feet (Romans 6:1-2, 1 John 2:4, Hebrews 10:26-31).


22. Quit using the phrase (when inviting people to church) "come as you are" if you're going to complain when they start showing up (Mark 2:17, Luke 5:27-32).








http://www.charismanews.com/opinion/57121-22-things-christ-followers-should-quit

nice write up...

meanwhile FTC dedicated to all arsenal fans for a nice fixed match

I like number 15...
Some Christians feel that being a Christian confers special benefits on them...
As far as I am concerned,the grace of God is universal and the laws of nature(made by God) are neutral...
As long as Bill Gates,Mark Zuckerberg and Aliko Dangote are not Christians ... The fanatics can as well go to hell with that sentiment.

lalasticlala,Mynd44

Nice write up

just in case

Seun, why did you not put a rule that some must believe that Juses is the Way the truth and life that know one can get to God but through Jesus Christ [before he could comment on this thread?

Just asking?

k

Hmmmmmm Sin na Sin.... not only 22 things whatever is Sin should be quilted

Getting your point OP. But, you are giving laws... The Christian doesn't live by dos or don'ts. Those instructions were not given as laws but characteristics of the Christian Spirit.



Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;



Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.




All the Christian is got to do is to walk in love But note: Love is the character of his/her Spirit. Rom 5:5, Gal 5:22

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.


Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.


1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.



You get Love right, others will fall in place.

Jesus is lord, father thank you for letting me be part of this family of love(Christian)

Ok

k

Tell them

I'm all in. Good one OP

thank God i dont see quiet beting with bet9ja because i would just fainted at once

damosky12:
Getting your point OP. But, you are giving laws... The Christian doesn't live by dos or don'ts. Those instructions were not given as laws but characteristics of the Christian Spirit.



Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;



Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.




All the Christian is got to do is to walk in love But note: Love is the character of his/her Spirit. Rom 5:5, Gal 5:22

Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.


Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.


1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.



You get Love right, others will fall in place.

I don't think this is law but instruction, law come with punishment while instruction is there to guide you with the help of holyspirt. Peace.

Yes, yes, and yes. I still have a lot to repent for. .Thanks OP.

eezeribe:
I like number 15...
Some Christians feel that being a Christian confers special benefits on them...
As far as I am concerned,the grace of God is universal and the laws of nature(made by God) are neutral...
As long as Bill Gates,Mark Zuckerberg and Aliko Dangote are not Christians ... The fanatics can as well go to hell with that sentiment.

lalasticlala,Mynd44

And that's the only thing u saw in the Op's writeup...BTW u think material possession is all that matters in life... OK I get u

I haven't met a true Christian in my life since I was born. All I see are pretenders, church goers, miracle worshipers and tithe payers.

23. Quit exam malpractice also.... .for my school those SU girls way dey claim holy holy nd go even insult you when they see you play gamble na dis set of girls be the sharpest copier for exam hall

show some love to Me... Today is ma birthday oo.. Yippe!!

[quote author=Bugatie post=56946712][/quote]

he no get sense. just leave an

[quote author=Bugatie post=56946712][/quote]

he no get sense. just leave am

Olabenjamen22:
I don't think this is law but instruction, law come with punishment while instruction is there to guide you with the help of holyspirt. Peace.

The law was also a body of instructions. We don't list things the Christian should or shouldn't do. We teach them to live from their Spirits and manifest the fruit of the Spirit which is LOVE.

Galatians 5:22-23.But the FRUIT of the Spirit is LOVE [joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, Temperance ] against such there is no law.




All you need teach a Christian is how to walk in Love. If He gets this right, other things are easy to put right.

Ogonimilitant:
Seun, why did you not put a rule that some must believe that Juses is the Way the truth and life that know one can get to God but through Jesus Christ [before he could comment on this thread?

Just asking?

Christianity is not by compulsion

no be by force, even seun of all people knows that .

if it was ..

.
em OK I'm coming

Why is it that when christians pray they always compare themselves to those that didn't wake up from sleep or woke up in the hospital..

For example..

Father, I want to thank you for waking me up to see this wonderful day, it is not by my power but by your mercy.. Some did not wake up today, others woke up in the hospital, others woke up with deformities, but by your mercy I woke up in good health

Why do they pray like this comparing themselves to the suffering of others and you can't see any pity there... It is like they are thanking God that they are not like them..

Nice write up there Op. God bless your dear

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! God bless uuuuuuuuui!