Introduction
As Christians,
we all become "lost" at one time or another in our walk with the
Lord. This book has scriptural references to accommodate our
"wandering" or "lost" existence, plus a guide from the Bible to FIND
the truth in God's Word & put it into practice in our every
day lives.
Many people spend their entire existence
"wandering" or "lost". This can entail many different
descriptions. One example is how there are so many different
denominations in Christianity...How do you know what is right?
The correct answer is through prayer, Bible Study, and searching
God's Will.
2 Peter 3:18
Many people follow the
traditions or "man's laws" rather than keeping their heart and mind
sharp to God's Laws.
Colossians 2:8
This "safe haven" gives the the false sense of security that they
are truly leading a "Christian" life. In this way...they are
"LOST CHRISTIANS".
There are steps to take to prevent becoming "lost". Sure, it's
really easy to go through life claiming to be a "Christian", but the
hard part is living "Christian". You can do it-and not become
a fanatic about it. Like I said-it's hard work...but the reward
will be greater than anything imaginable!
Luke 6:35
Some denominations will tell you to give your heart to Jesus and
everything will be wonderful.
Colossians 2:6
Yes, while it is true about being wonderful to accept Jesus into
your heart–it doesn't instantly take away all your problems!
In fact, you may experience the opposite! You see, when you
are "in the world" ---the enemy (sometimes known as Satan, the
Devil, etc.) already has you, so he doesn't really bother you too
much.
II Corinthians 2:11
But....once you give yourself to the Lord---that enemy is going to do
whatever he can to try to get you back.
James 4:4 -
I Timothy 4:1 -
II Timothy 3:13
He will use your
friends, your family, your job, the internet... anything that is close
to you to try to be sneaky and lie about God and God's will in your
life.
John 15:18-19
Different denominations have specific doctrines that govern the church.
Hebrews 13:9Some even use threats against
people... (sometimes subtle, sometimes not so subtle); yes, threats
like demanding tithe payments or membership or certain financial
obligations to assure "heavenly benefits".
Matthew 6:19-21
These tactics often drive people away from Christianity.
This, in effect, produces two different types of "lost Christians".
The hypocrites that enforce these "doctrines" and the people that
they drive further away from God.
Matthew 6:23-24
In some ways, all of us-at one time or another-are guilty of
becoming a "lost Christians". We become "comfortable" or
"complacent" with ourselves....thinking about how "Christian" we are.
But, are we really? Are we living our "Christianity" in our
day-to-day lives or are we just living it on Sunday and just at
Church?
Hebrews 13:15 -
Luke 6:24-38
We need to continually ask ourselves "Is this behavior really
showing my true "Christianity"? As God's people, we each have
opportunities to lead others to Christ by our example.
Galatians 6:10
What does that example show if we go through life with no outward
appearance of the Joy or Peace of the Lord?
John 15:11
If we go through life as Christians accepting
all the doctrines or rules without doing a little investigation into
the reason or history of these doctrines, we are truly letting
ourselves be led blindly.
Matthew 7:12-15
There are distinct differences in "having Godly Faith" in the truth
of God's Word and allowing ourselves to fall under "man's ideas" or
"interpretations / doctrines".
These examples have proven themselves throughout history with
different "cult leaders" and followers in the name of "Religion".
I Timothy 5:24
Many murders have been committed and blamed on "The Lord told me to
do it". In these instances---not only were the followers or
"victims" LOST CHRISTIANS; but so were the leaders as well.
We have to remember to follow the Lord---not man!
Many churches
have fallen...simply because the congregation was following a man,
instead of following God.
I
Timothy 2:5
If the pastor leaves for one
reason or another (e.g. death, moves, etc.) some of the church
members leave also---in this way---they become "lost". Where
was their faith? In God or man?
Matthew 6:24
Sometimes, our struggle to keep from becoming a "lost Christians"
is constant. Daily–or even hourly!
In our lives, as Christians, we think too much about what others
think of us. We become "wrapped up" in petty things, and some
little things suddenly seem like huge things! We even seem
ashamed that we are "Christian"! It's not "cool".
It's "boring" or "no fun".
II Timothy 1:8 -
Galatians 6:3-10
If you find yourself thinking like that---you need to start praying
and examining yourself quickly....because you are becoming "lost".
Another example of a "LOST CHRISTIANS" attitude is when individuals
start to have a (pardon the expression) "Holier Than Thou" attitude.
These individuals simply think that whatever they say or do is from
God...But, they are blinded by anyone else's ministries or service to
the Lord.
Matthew 6:1 -
II Timothy 3:2-7
They are truly not producing the fruit that they think they are.
John 15:5
The message that they are sending is not one of Christ's love or
forgiveness, but a "worldly" message of bitterness, hurt, and
revenge---no matter what innocent lives may be affected.
Matthew 6:14-15
Time has proven over and over that each of our individual lives are
watched all the time by others. We don't know and may never
know who is watching, learning or being affected by what we say or
do. But, there is One who knows all that we say, do or even
think. That is God. He knew each of us before we
were born.
Jeremiah 1:5
So, as we go through our time here on earth-we experience many
times of being "lost". Sometimes, we are "found", or we may
remain "lost" for awhile.
John 15:16
Through prayer
and seeking God's guidance we will arrive out of the "lost realm".
As we live our Christian lives here on earth, we may find "the easy
way out" seems like the best answer. But, is it really?
Are we ready to accept God's guidance for us, or are we just using
the term "Christian" to try to fool people? Being Christian is
not easy! And, just because you say you are...doesn't mean that
your life or actions or words show it.
Romans 8:5-6
How often do you allow your anger to override your "Christian" love
and forgiveness?
John 13:34
Perhaps while driving, do you lash out at other drivers? Or
going through a fast food drive thru? How about trying to get
your children up and ready for church? What kind of
"Christian" example are you showing to others at those times?
Romans 12:21
This is one time that you are really "lost". "Lost" in your
own world of despair, problems, etc. that overtake your
Christianity. Do we need to go through this life being
"lukewarm" Christians or "cold" Christians? The word
"Christian" should tell you that you need to be "Christ-Like".
That is to be "more like Christ" in all you do.
John 15:9-10
Being judgmental or condemning is not "Christ-Like".
Matthew 7:1 -
Romans 14:10-13
When you gave your heart to Jesus-you were forgiven of all your
sins. Why can't you forgive others?
Luke 6:35-37
Some of us don't believe anyone can change. If you changed,
others can, too. They have been forgiven of their sins just
like you.
Luke 6:27-28
Don't continue to judge them for their past. By "hardening"
your heart against them, that is not only hurting them, but, also
hurting you in your walk with the Lord. God sees all and knows
all. If you truly know and love Him, He will guide your steps
and show you many ways to avoid being "lost".
How many of us are waiting for the day that
we will meet Jesus face-to-face? Will you? Or will you
be "lost"?
In conversation with others, do you carry on about "so-and-so said
this" or "did you see what such-and-such did"? It may seem
innocent enough to you...but that is pure gossip!
Galatians 5:25-26
Do you actually think the Lord wants you to carry on like that?
Galatians 5:16
Is that a true example of Christ? Your are "lost".
"Lost" in your own little thoughts of how good you are and how bad
someone else is.
Galatians 5:25-26
You know, as our Heavenly Father, sometimes God allows us to say or
do things just to teach us a lesson. After all, He really
doesn't want us to spend our entire existence here on earth being
"lost". He is our Father.
Ephesians 5:1
He gave us each something very -special! And, He gave us
specific instructions of how He would like us to be.
Ephesians 1: 17-19
If someone hurts you in one way or another, the Lord will take care
of it. Let Him fight your battles. He is your protector
and guide.
Ephesians 2:8-9
He will lead you, if you will just follow! I know it's really
hard to have patience and wait on the Lord. But, we really do
need to remind ourselves that we are His and His will is best.
We can only hope and pray that He will allow us to participate in
our own destiny that is set forth by His plan.
Ephesians 1:5
As we try to fulfill our lives with God's presence, we desperately
need to try to stay on the path of righteousness without straying-or
becoming "lost".
Galatians 5:25
Jesus taught a parable
about "lost" sheep (one was lost, ninety-nine were still there) in
Matthew 19:11-14.
As our shepherd, He doesn't even want to have one of His sheep to
stay "lost".
When we pray, we sometimes are guilty of becoming "lost".
Especially, if you "rush" through your prayers or don't have
specific prayer time. God takes time for us-shouldn't we make
time for Him? Also, if your prayers are repetitious, are they
really pleasing to Him?
Matthew 6: 5-14
If we only ask in our prayers; without praising or thanking Him-we
truly are "lost".
Ephesians 1:16 -
Ephesians 5:20
He is our Lord and
Savior! He alone is worthy of our praises! Don't spend
the rest of your life being "lost"! Love the Lord, praise Him,
seek Him and He will show you His love.
Ephesians 4: 5-6
He will guide and strengthen you...according to His plan for your
life. He created us-we belong to Him!
Colossians 1:16
Let Him lead you out of the darkness-into the Light of His Grace and
Mercy! If we follow Him closely, we will not be "lost"
anymore!
Be ready to accept the Lord's gift to you. He gives each of us
a specific gift according to His purpose.
Ephesians 4:7-13
We need to not be "lost" when the Lord reveals our specific gift to
us. Even if you (in your own mind) doubt if you are worthy of
this gift....the Lord will let it all work out. He is in
control!
Philippians 2:13
The song "Amazing Grace" has very inspiring lyrics that help us
through life. If you think about it, the first verse says
"Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound, That Saved A Wretch Like Me....I
Once Was Lost, But Now Am Found, Was Blind, But Now I
See". If, in your darkest hour, you can remember even a few of
those words....it will really help you!
We, as a nation, have also become "lost". We have "lost" the
moral and Christian obligation to the Word of God.
Romans 1:18-32
We have also "lost" respect. Respect for God, respect for our
elders, respect for each other, and especially respect for
ourselves. A startling statistic recently surfaced. 64%
of our youth become "lost" when they begin college. College is
extremely difficult to maintain "Christian" beliefs and ethics.
It is extremely important that we help each other to stay strong in
these values. We allow things to pass (laws, rules, etc.) that
as Christians; we should stand up for the Word. But, we don't.
We have allowed ourselves to be bullied around because the majority
says these things are "legal". If we try to oppose them-we are
being biased, unfair, prejudicial, etc. If you truly seek the
Word of God and God's laws–you would know these things are immoral,
unjust and very much against His will! We must not be "lost
anymore!
II Timothy 4:2-5
There are lots of people and gadgets out there to make you feel as
though you are doing your very best at being a "good Christian"
person. But, are you actually willing to leave your "comfort
zone" and jump in with both feet to God's will in your life?
If you answered yes, then-how committed are you to following through
with it? If you are truly honest with yourself and with
God...you know that there has to be some evidence of some sort of
sacrifice on your part. One of the hardest things to sacrifice
is our time.
Romans 12:1
With everything that the Lord sacrificed for us, if you do
not sacrifice anything for Him---You Are "Lost"!!
Maybe, there are hospital visits, elderly people that just want
company...or someone to run errands for them. Maybe, a young
couple with children, that need a date night, but they don't have
money to do that and pay a babysitter. How about cleaning the
church or mowing or planting? There are so many things that
anyone who is willing to sacrifice a little selfish time could do as
service to the Lord!
Philippians 2:17 -
Hebrews 9:26
And, you never know, this may be your ministry gift that He is
opening up for you. He has a plan! He wants us to be
intelligent about our choices and decisions throughout our lives
here on earth. He doesn't want us to be "lost".
I Corinthians 5:7
Like I said before, it is not
easy! We must make a conscious effort to walk the Path of the
Lord. Yes, occasionally, we will try to take shortcuts-but
that actually just takes longer to reach our goal in Him.
Isaiah 2:3 -
Micah 4:2 -
Luke 3:4
There are people that spend their entire lives here on earth with
what's commonly referred to as "Foxhole Religion". That is, if
there is danger, or despair, no-way-out; then, they start
praying....asking for God to help them out of the situation. If
He does, they may repeat this scenario over and over without really
changing their lives. If He doesn't, they denounce Him and
don't change their lives---always being "lost", never wanting to
become found in God's everlasting love. But, because we have
an all-forgiving, merciful God....He repeatedly gives us chance after
chance to come to Him! We can read from the very beginning of
Genesis throughout the entire Bible of many examples of God's love
and forgiveness. Some examples are Adam & Eve, Noah, Abraham,
Moses, David....just to name a few. Sure, they had troubles...but
the Lord continued to bless them. Some of them turned their
backs on Him, but still He blessed them. Just like us---we
sometimes say or do the wrong thing (either knowingly or
innocently), but He gently guides us and corrects us. He
forgives us and our sins.
Psalms 103:12 -
Jeremiah 31:34
He continually blesses each of us, even when we don't realize or
acknowledge it.
How can anyone disclaim any of God's creations? They are truly
"lost". All you need is the faith of a grain of a mustard
seed.
Luke 17:6
Just open your eyes...the work of the Lord is everywhere and in
everything! From the outer reaches of the universe to the
smallest cell or organism. He created it all! He is the
Alpha and the Omega (the Beginning and the End).
Revelation 21:6
Sure, He gave man the intellect and creativity for a lot of things.
But, that's what they are-things. Man cannot exist without
God. He keeps everything in balance and according to His will
and plan. He will open the eyes of everyone in His own time.
Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess---when that time
comes....we shall not be "lost Christians" any longer. Romans
14:11
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