True.
We saw this guy with the sign above, and another half dozen of his counterparts walking the streets of an art fair recently. As we were enjoying our tacos on the patio of a Mexican restaurant, one of his friends began delivering a sidewalk sermon directly across the street from us. He made many mentions of lakes of fire, condemnation, fear, everyone else’s sin. The restaurant manager was beside himself, the waitress was apologetic, people were mocking the speaker, and approaching him offering different perspectives. Maybe it was this approach that delivered the speaker from his sin. To stand up in front of many dissenters in the name of Christ alone is honorable. I’m sure God knows his heart. Maybe he’s forgotten that it was the love of Christ that delivered him.
I think it’s important for some people to hear that their ways are wrong. Maybe they are not aware of their wrongdoings, maybe they are. There was little mention from the sidewalk pastor about grace, forgiveness, humility and servitude. A lot of mentions of Jesus, without Jesus. Our Pastor gave a message once, and said that most people know Christ Followers for what they are against, not what they are for. This experience encouraged us to be more like Jesus, who was the ONLY person to walk the earth without sin, and I hope people can see the good things we are for. I hope we live those things out in front of them.
BEFORE YOU READ TODAY’S PASSAGE…
STOP: Lord, where is my heart today?
LOOK: Lord, help me discover new truth from your Word today.
LISTEN: Lord, what is your thought for me today from your Word?
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.
RESPOND:
Lord, what do I need to talk with You about?
Lord, what are you asking me to do?
* STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, RESPOND from Navigator Church Ministry booklet, The Invitation. Read More.
