JesusWalk Bible Study Forum: Q2. Shining as Stars in a Dark Sky - JesusWalk Bible Study Forum

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky? What does this shining as stars signify? Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place? If so, what can you do to change this?

One of the clichés of the secular worldview of the Christian church is that they are filled with hypocrites—and so it is. But we are hypocrites who realize we need God.

However, when our church is filled with bickering and dissent, we do not reflect God's love and grace—our lamps fail to shine among the world. How can we complain and grumble when God holds out such an overwhelming offer of eternal life in his glory. Paul exhorts us to shine as starts against a dark sky and illumine the path for others.

I've not observed overt disharmony within our church. If grievance exists, it is dealt with discreetly. Should it occur, our reaction should not be to abandon the church—but to work through the issue that threatens to separate us. Too often we run off to another church in frustration to a situation that threatens us. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Heb 10:24-25a)

Complaining/arguing indicates that we are not trusting Christ and that we are not being humble. To obey His word is to love one another. There is no love shining forth when we walk around in a complaining attitude. What is at the root of complaining? Selfishness- Love is selflessness. I'm not aware that we complain. I don't see any divisions. We are a very small group of 15 people, half of which attend weekly bible study on a regular basis. We're not perfect but I think we operate in unity.

How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky?

We are part of God’s family, we are His children, and we were given the great commandment to love one another. In obeying this command there is no room for brawls, strifes or contentions. Philippians 2:3-5 states: Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (KJV)

We are to be humble, placing others above ourselves as Christ did for us. In so doing we show all who we are.

What does this shining as stars signify?

I believe it makes us a light for others to follow in this world. In the act of being humble, we are different from all others in this world of self seeking individuals. When we humble ourselves and put all others above us we show all a level of love that at times is only observed by a child from a parent. Again, this shows a love that is unique and it draws others to us.

Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place? If so, what can you do to change this?

Were I am now in my walk with God prevents me from focusing on what other church members do. All members of the family of God have the same commands regarding their actions and what we do for others. I concentrate on my obedience to those factors and I do not focus on the church’s witness. God will ensure that it is good, He will convict and make corrections in individual hearts and He will direct each of us.

If we have individuals that fail to obey Him, they will be pointed out by their actions. In this He has also given us a path to follow to rescue the offending brother or sister. If they fail to listen to reason then there is direction for that as well within the word.

My point here is this, all that God controls He commands. What I must do is be familiar with His Word. In so doing I ensure I am in obedience to His will for me. In so doing, I assist the family by being a positive rather than negative factor in our witness individually and as a church together. That is all each of us can do. When we do this the churches witness is never in question. Read Acts 2:42-47. Within those verses is a clear example of how we are to be, how we are to act, how God will reward us when we do.

Lesson 4 Q 2
(a) Ceasing complaining and arguing enables a church to shine as stars in a dark sky by it shows it is different from the world. It shows that the church is Christ-like. The unifying power of Jesus Christ is seen. The world will see Christ.
(b) This shining of stars signify, is a transformed life. A clean, radiant light shining for God. It is a life of moral purity, patience and peacefulness in a crooked and perverse world.
© The church I attended before I moved to this town, there was complaining and arguing. Yes, it did compromise the church's witness as a God-place because it caused a lot of gossip in the Community and people did not attend church because they would say, "I'm just as good as those that go to church". Rightfully so!
(d) What can be done to change this is take Paul's advice, Cut it out! Stop complaining and aguing! "Become blameless, pure and without fault". This is not easy but repentance and change is of vital importance for the church to become Christ-like, so it can be a witness to the Community. God calls us to a higher standard. Amen!

We have to look always at Jesus in answering any of life's questions.
As a part of the Body of Christ, the more we Christ-like we become in our actions and thoughts the more others can come to know who He is and be drawn to Him. This is the light that draws them - Jesus is the Light. Such attitudes as Paul addresses in today's study puts a covering over the light that causes it to dim and give out less warmth and hope and guidance. Jesus didn't complain, however, He did address issues of wrong very clearly and firmly - He did this out of love, hoping it would help those in danger to turn from their sin. I believe it is so feared that we would complain and be in sin that we too often do not address in love - firmly and clearly - the sin before us. That leaves others in great danger and us joining them. To make a difference here, we need to concentrate more effort on obtaining a closer relationship with the Holy Spirit, so we might know the difference and act when called. To no do so would be as much a leaning to sin as complaining.
LOVE IS NOT IGNORING SIN

How does ceasing murmuring and complaining help us to shine as stars in a dark sky?What does this shining as stars signify?Have complaining and arguing compromises your church's witness as a God-place?

By ceasing murmuring and complaining, we can shine as stars in a dark sky
because we are able to give a witness, especiallly in times of trial, that we
have placed our life and trust in the God who we serve.

Shining as stars signify that we will not compromise our faith in God, and we
will take a strong stand for what we believe, even when everything seems
to be going against us. The world may critizize what we believe and stand for, but our separation from the wickedness of the world should at least make them wonder what is different about us.

How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky?
1st if you're grumbling or complaining how can you hear anyone but yourself.you're missing out on what someone else is saying and it may be important, or enrich you being. 2nd do you really want to listen to someone else if they're complaining. well neither does anyone else. try to find a peaceful solution to the problem. then you'll have listeners and possibly a solution. then you'll shine like a star and so will the rest of the church


What does this shining as stars signify?
giving off light like Jesus did. being bright. and Jesus did it without any arguing or complaints.



Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place?
YES

If so, what can you do to change this?
help find peaceful solutions to the problems.

Complaining and arguing is like a cloud covering up our love. When we do this it is not letting love show. When we stop the complaining and the arguing and see other peoples opinions as valid points we are able to grow and develop a deeper relationship. We let the light of God’s love shine. We are to be lights to the world and without love the light won’t be seen.
We are to hold fast to the Word, we are to live it. It is not enough to just believe, even Satan believes the Word of God. He quotes scripture, but we are to put that Word to use in our daily lives. The purpose of the Church is to seek and save those that are lost. How can we get others to live the Word if we are not living IT ourselves?

We must not be complaining and arguing in our church body, if we do that we look just as the world does. People are looking for something to make sense out of their lives. They are looking for the void they feel in their heart, that can't be filled by the world. People read us sometimes as their only Bible. They have to see something in us that they want before they will want it. They have to see something different than what the world has to offer. Therefore there must be a difference in the church from other places. We need to show Christ love and to do that we must be a loving example to them. Only unity and harmony one with the other will achieve this.
We need to shine as Christ did. We need to be trying to show Christ as we know He is: merciful, forgiving, filled with unconditional love.

At this time we are not experiencing a lot of cmplaining and murmuring in my church we are working together out of love and humility to bring others to Christ. But if we don't stay attached to Christ this could very well happen.

Once the church body quits infighting, there is the opportunity for unity. If each individual is just one candle , how much brighter the light from a whole unified church! This light signifies the glory of God’s being, and serves as a beacon for those lost in the darkness.
The church is too hot. Or it is too cold. Or the sound isn’t right. Or we had to sing the wrong hymn. These things are not about God. These things are about us and our needs in His house, and as such cause us to be distracted and lose focus on our attempts to worship Him. Bring a jacket, sit closer to the front, just move your lips, but worship His majesty. He knows our hearts, even if we don’t know the tune! We can help change situations like these from being a distraction to being insignificant by avoiding any commentary on these types of things, and stay personally tuned in to God’s presence, and welcoming Him into our presence.

When we complain and argue, most times it is because we see things only from our perspective, we believe we are right and it should be done in our own way. When we cease from complaing and arguing, peace and love will abound because we will see others as better than ourselves and we want to listen to them.

Shining as stars signify humility which makes us stand out in the crowd.

Well, in my church there has been some arguing and complaining here and there. The way forward is for every party involved to sit down, talk through the problems, listen to one another and reach a decision. It should all be done in humility and love.

Complaining and arguing reveal pride, selfishness, and lack of discernment and trust in God - things Paul has been addressing since the beginning of this letter to the Philippians. The whole world is already in that darkened state. A person who shines with loving humility, joyful self-lessness, and peaceful unwavering faith in the Lord is going to make an impression. To see an entire group of people treat each other that way, especially in conflict, would definitely be noticed like the light of a star breaking through the darkness of night.

Jesus is called the Light of the world. As believers, the very light of His own Spirit is within us. A light is meant to shine bright and dispel darkness. That means WE are meant to shine. Do we glow with the light of holiness? Do we twinkle with joyful hope in the face of conflict? Do we illuminate the better Way to live by love? Do we dispel the darkness of sin by humbly but firmly standing for the Truth? Do we burn brightly with energized, focused, brilliant Life?

A church infested with complaining, arguing, murmuring, and bickering is going to look like most any other group in the world. It is going to be impotent in its influence for God. And anything that keeps gnawing on itself will eventually consume itself. I saw that in my former church. We must be different. It all comes down to the maturing process of sanctification in every single individual believer. I must be different. I must realize it’s not about ME. I must apply the Word to every part of my thoughts, speech, and behavior. I must guard against any anger or bitterness or complaining myself, and humbly display respectful love. I must allow the Spirit to clean away all the outer crud of my flesh that dulls the Light inside.

Quote

[color=blue]2a.) Jesus prayed: "[/color][color=purple]My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me[/color][color=blue]." (John 17:20-21)[/color]
2b.) (2:14-15) What does this shining as stars signify?
[color=blue]2b.) A great analogy of light and darkness was shared with our Bible study on Romans. Have you ever noticed what happens when you open a door to a dark room and the room you are in is bright with light? Does the darkness spill in the lighted room? No. The light spills into the darkness and what could not be seen can be seen. That is how we are to shine as stars.[/color]
2c.) (2:14-15) Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place?
[color=blue]2c.) Yes at times.[/color]
2d.) (2:14-15) If so, what can you do to change this?
[color=blue]2d.) Clothe myself in Christ.[/color]

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky?
When the complaining and fighting stops that lets the love of Jesus in our lives shine through and then people who want in their lives to let Jesus be seen will shine like the stars in a dark sky.

What does this shining as stars signify?
The Love that one has for another and the church will show forth as love and understanding a place where others will want to come to be together and join in for worship.

Have complaining and arguing compromised your churches witness as a God-place? Yes there has been times when satan will raise up his head and those that will allow him to use them to cause problems that goes on in all churches. It is not because we are human that this happens it is because we are not prayed up, fasted up and reading the word of God so we are in the place God would have us to be.

If so, what can you do to change this?
Well I really answered that already read, pray and fast and stand behind your leaders. Let them know if you are out of line they can come to you in love and show you the right way. That you are in a Godly state of mind and willing to change or be part of a change that is needed to move forward in the work of the Lord.

When not complaining, the church has a chance to grow through unity. Shining to me means that Christ can be seen through us. The presence of God will be seen and felt when outsiders come near. Our church is a great witness for God. It is a very loving and caring church and only the true words of God are preached here. A Bible Based Church. The Love of God and His People permeate the premises. I am truly blessed to have this place to Worship my Lord and Savior. We are out to "win souls for Christ." So Let Your Light Shine....

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a church to shine as stars in a dark sky?
The focus is removed from “them” and once again is placed on Him. The unity of God’s Church is more important than our petty squabbles.

What does this shining as stars signify?
Unbelievers need to see Jesus in all of us. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 -

Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place?
There have been some minor problems but so far nothing that compromised the Church. Praise the Lord!

Have complaining and arguing compromised your church's witness as a God-place?
If this were a problem, the best solution that I can think of would be for the members of the congregation to ask for God’s guidance and then meet with those causing the problems and try to work it out peacefully.

Q2. (2:14-15) How does ceasing complaining and arguing enable a
church to shine as stars in a dark sky? What does this shining as
stars signify? Have complaining and arguing compromised your
church's witness as a God-place? If so, what can you do to change
this?

We we are complaining or arguing there is no love shown. When we stop. Then our love will shine like the stars at night.

The shining singifies our love for one another. Everything we do or say should show our love for one another.

Its hard be comfortable in a church that all members don't show Christ love for one another. I have seen divisions in my church becuase of it at times.

I try to show love where ever i am at. I don't like division cause it hurts people. I do what ever i can to show love to all.

When I looked argue up in the dictionary one of the definitions is persuade or compel by reasoning so I think its the way we argue and what we argue about that makes the difference. If we are complaining we are not showing gratitude to our heavenly Father for His goodness to us and not shining like the stars we should. As I said once before there is a difference between groaning and grumbling and there is a difference betweeen quarelling and persuading for the gospel in love.

God Bless!
Jen
Numbers 6: 24-26

[color=purple]When you stop the complaining and bickering and let God's love shine through the Church others will see it and glorify God. Shine the "Light" so that all may come and see what the Lord can do for them.

It shows the love of God, star are light and the "Light" is Jesus.

In the church that I attended in Tulsa, arguing and complaining kept people from coming back after one visit. They could feel and see that the church was not unified. The church also lost many members. Finally it split. People could tell there was no love even when they couldn't hear the grumblings going on.

In the church that I am pastoring now we are very open. Board members often ask the congregation members what they think and feel. What kind of ideas do they have have that might make our church more appealing to others, not in physical appearance but in the ways that we, as a church can shine so that others will see the love and the light of God and come to know Him. We encourage our members to keep us in check and they expect the same. We are a very small church but we are growing a little bit at a time. Our members enjoy being a part of our church growth and see the results when someone comes back a second time. As a board we try to work together and let the congregation see how we work so they have an example to live by.[/color]
[color=blue]JESUS LOVES YOU, HE REALLY LOVES YOU. [/color]