tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719645624063028017.post1669456920380161288..comments2023-04-21T08:23:43.351-07:00Comments on Living in Community: Friend of SinnersPhil Niekerkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00443932210283736137noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719645624063028017.post-56023005159695748002011-01-18T17:25:36.278-08:002011-01-18T17:25:36.278-08:00Great response! You have given me much to think a...Great response! You have given me much to think about!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00507101803972890617noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719645624063028017.post-77977483486850156492011-01-18T14:35:34.075-08:002011-01-18T14:35:34.075-08:00What a series of great questions, Julie. I believ...What a series of great questions, Julie. I believe many people wrestle in the tension between reaching out to people who need Jesus and trying to live a godly life. If I hang out with people who engage in sinful behavior, will I become sinful with them? Will they influence me negatively as I try to influence them toward God, positively? My mom used to say, "It's easier to get pulled down then it is to pull someone up. Be careful who you have for friends." She was right.<br /><br />However, Jesus was known for his relationships with sinners; the tax collectors, the woman at the well who had five broken relationships with men, etc. I do believe he was setting an example for us to love on those who are "sick" in the sin. Here are a few bullet points to consider in this tension:<br /><br />1. Jesus hung out with sinners but didn't engage in sinful behaviour with them. He ate with them but didn't sin with them. <br /><br />2. Jesus commissioned us to "go" and make disciples. There appears to be a highly relational aspect to discipleship and may require that we spend time with those struggling in their sin. <br /><br />3. Jesus' disciples fulfilled Jesus' commission as told in the book of Acts. There lives were filled with risk. And... faith. They trusted God for their protection and the outcome. At times, they needed to withdrawal from a situation for their safety. That was just wise. Other times, they did experience harm for the sake of the mission. <br /><br />Some questions to ponder:<br />1. What three people is God laying on your heart to pray for? Who are the people in your life who need God and perhaps are trapped in sin. <br /> <br />2. Which of those three can you begin to make a personal investment into? Who can you offer "hamburgers, scons and milkshakes to?"<br /><br />3. How can you guard yourself so you aren't pulled into environments that may compromise your standards or lead you into a temptation you cannot resist? Can the environment be controlled? Does someone need to be drunk to reach a drunk man? The answer is NO. <br /><br />Regarding your question about Glenda, the lady in the story at the end of the sermon. Remember, Glenda was their teacher and was building a relationship with the boys at school. There must have been something she saw with them for her to feel safe to open her home to them. Or... she was willing to take the risk for sake of these boys. This week, Jeff will finish the story. Don't tell anyone, but we learn this week that Glenda had been praying for these boys for a long, long time. She believes God was honoring her prayers. <br /><br />Hope this helps. Welcome to the struggle. Live well and love well. Yes, you can do them both. Be prayful and be wise. God desires it.Phil Niekerkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00443932210283736137noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6719645624063028017.post-60561508552207617892011-01-17T18:13:00.155-08:002011-01-17T18:13:00.155-08:00Pastor Phil,
I have a few questions about this wee...Pastor Phil,<br />I have a few questions about this weekend's sermon. Maybe you can help me out. <br /><br />Jesus did hang with sinners but He is God. Am I to follow Christ's example and also hang with unsaved people? What about verses like "abstain from all appearance of evil"? What about not being a "stumbling block to my brothers and sisters"? What about potentially placing myself in temptation?<br /><br />I also have a question about personal safety. I was thinking about this when we saw the video of John talking about the lady who taught his Scripture class when he was 15. Some of the kids in his class were a little scary but the teacher let them in her house. How did she know they wouldn't rip her off or cause her physical harm? Obviously she trusted God. Faith and trust are frequently the opposite of common sense. How do I know when I am trusting God vs doing something stupid or dangerous?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15239980132429167672noreply@blogger.com