Expert: Thurman C. Petty, Jr. - 11/16/2007

Question
Hello,

I am needing help finding some verses, that I was hoping were in the bible, that you might be familiar with. I am working on an essay paper, about "What makes a Christian different from anybody else," and I was thinking that there are some verses from Paul in the New Testament, where he says things to the effect of what makes Christians "different from others", or seem different from others who aren't christian. Different as in a positive and better way.

I am also trying to remember the verses in the New Testament, about how Christians are supposed to be "Lights," or filled with light, and like lamps or lanterns to the rest of the world. I know that the book of John describes Jesus as being the "Light of the world," however I am wondering if there are some specific verses that mention christians also needing to be seen as those types of "Light?"

Thanks for your time and help,

Mark

Answer
Dear Mark,

Christians are different, all right. Perhaps it stems from the law quoted by Jesus:

Mat 22:37  Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.'
Mat 22:38  This is the first and greatest commandment.
Mat 22:39  And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'
Mat 22:40  All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

So you might say that one of the things that makes Christians different would be love—love for God and for others. As the song says: “They’ll know we are Christians by our love.”

Another thing that makes Christians different is their different way of looking at the things that are in the world:

1 John 2:15  Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
1 John 2:16  For everything in the world--the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does--comes not from the Father but from the world.
1 John 2:17  The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.

As to lights, Jesus said, in the sermon on them mount:

Mat 5:14  "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.
Mat 5:15  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Mat 5:16  In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Perhaps that will be of help for you as you write your paper.

Check out my web site www.PettyPress.com where I’ve posted 18 of my books, 40 Bible lessons, over 100 Bible questions answered, and much more.

Thurman C. Petty, Jr.
Thurman@PettyPress.com