Do you ever think that there are places that a Christian should not place ones self into? Do you ever wonder if you could be used in a place that is "not of God"? I am sad to say that I used to believe that Christians had no place in casinos, bars, and "R-rated" movies. However, I do not believe that Jesus held my original views (and for your sake you should all thank God).
I was called in today to fix something that was not broken...so I took time out of my busy day to take care of it. However, when I got there and found that everything was in top working order. I got taken out to lunch. If you know me, you know that I love having lunch with people...so I could not refuse! So while sitting at the bar of the Newport Brewing Company I was asked about what the Bible says about sex, marriage, and restoration (this is not what I am going to be talking about... so do not get excited).
What did get asked was what did I think about my friends walk with the Lord... a question that I have been waiting to be asked forever. What I told him was that I think he was like the Church of Ephesus who has lost his first love or more accurately his first priority. I asked him whether or not he enjoyed going to church...no. I asked if he read his Bible anymore... no. I asked him if he prayed anymore... sometimes.
So after him going to the restroom to dry his eyes... twice. I was able to tell him what was needed to be done. Obedience not sacrifice. Mercy not sacrifice. Jesus desires a relationship not service by obligation. I told him first to ask the Lord to show him what was needed to do to get excited about him again, and to find a church that he would look forward to going to every week.
I said all this to simply say... be open to minister and be used in places where people might say "Jesus can not work there"! However, my disclaimer is do not put yourself in a place where you can stumble and sin. If your struggle with porn... do not go to nude beach to save souls, If you are an recovering alcoholic... do not go council in a bar, and if you are legalistic... do not deal with people, please!
What did get asked was what did I think about my friends walk with the Lord... a question that I have been waiting to be asked forever. What I told him was that I think he was like the Church of Ephesus who has lost his first love or more accurately his first priority. I asked him whether or not he enjoyed going to church...no. I asked if he read his Bible anymore... no. I asked him if he prayed anymore... sometimes.
So after him going to the restroom to dry his eyes... twice. I was able to tell him what was needed to be done. Obedience not sacrifice. Mercy not sacrifice. Jesus desires a relationship not service by obligation. I told him first to ask the Lord to show him what was needed to do to get excited about him again, and to find a church that he would look forward to going to every week.
I said all this to simply say... be open to minister and be used in places where people might say "Jesus can not work there"! However, my disclaimer is do not put yourself in a place where you can stumble and sin. If your struggle with porn... do not go to nude beach to save souls, If you are an recovering alcoholic... do not go council in a bar, and if you are legalistic... do not deal with people, please!
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