Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 29, 2013 9:00:51 GMT
It was a cold winter's day that Sunday. The parking lot to the church was filling up quickly. I noticed as I got out of my car fellow church members were whispering among themselves as they walked in the church.
As I got closer I saw a man leaned up against the wall outside the church. He was almost laying down as if he was asleep. He had on a long trench coat that was almost in shreds and a hat topped his head, pulled down so you could not see his face. He wore shoes that looked 40 years old, too small for his feet, with holes all over them, his toes stuck out. I assumed this man was homeless, and asleep, so I walked on by through the doors of the church.
We all fellowshipped for a few minutes, and someone brought up the man laying outside. People snickered and gossiped but no one bothered to ask him to come in, including me.
A few moments later church began. We all waited for the Preacher to take his place and to give us the Word, when the doors to the church opened.
In came the homeless man walking down the aisle with his head down. People gasped and whispered and made faces. He made his way down the aisle and up onto the pulpit where he took off his hat and coat. My heart sank. There stood our preacher... HE was the 'homeless man'.
No one said a word. The preacher took his Bible and laid it on his stand. "Folks, I don't think I have to tell you what I am preaching about today
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2014 8:30:53 GMT
This seems to be a common thing in church today. It is like we have made church so sacred and holy that none may enter without a pass. I know of a church that will not let you in the door unless you have a shirt and tie on. My argument was, "what if I'm homeless and want to meet with God?" Even in my church people are complaining that homeless, addicts and prostitutes are coming in to meet with God. It really is sad, Jesus cleansed lepers and the homeless, addict and prostitutes are the lepers of this world today! As a former addict, God has really given me a heart for these people and I want to see them set free! It really is a shame.
|
|
|
|
Post by Les Brewer on Mar 19, 2014 11:20:26 GMT
This seems to be a common thing in church today. It is like we have made church so sacred and holy that none may enter without a pass. I know of a church that will not let you in the door unless you have a shirt and tie on. My argument was, "what if I'm homeless and want to meet with God?" Even in my church people are complaining that homeless, addicts and prostitutes are coming in to meet with God. It really is sad, Jesus cleansed lepers and the homeless, addict and prostitutes are the lepers of this world today! As a former addict, God has really given me a heart for these people and I want to see them set free! It really is a shame. I fully agree. Jesus looks on the inward of a person not the outward. We are all filthy in sin and it's through the precious blood of Jesus we are cleansed. I like what Jesus said to those people who wanted to stone the prostitute; He with out sin cast the first stone and one by one they all put down their stones......... |
|
|
|
Post by clarkthompson on Mar 19, 2014 11:52:52 GMT
My church helps those we can, we would be more upset about the trick this man pulled trying to appear like a homeless man and decieving us.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2014 16:22:46 GMT
My church helps those we can, we would be more upset about the trick this man pulled trying to appear like a homeless man and decieving us.
If it helps those who would judge a man for the way he dresses or smells then I'm all for it. It is terrible that we/I can judge a person sometimes without even realising it till a later time. I'm just glad that his grace is sufficient. Otherwise I'd be in big trouble.
|
|
|
|
Post by arete on Mar 19, 2014 20:12:36 GMT
That's the great thing about village life. I know all of the hobos by name. I know their dogs' names. Of course, that makes it harder when you see them making choices that perpetuate their pain. I have to see that too as a medic.
The thing I love about our village is that everyone cares in some degree. We have a common enemy with the cold and harsh seasons, so that too becomes a blessing when we have to rally together to make through another winter.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2014 9:44:49 GMT
That's the great thing about village life. I know all of the hobos by name. I know their dogs' names. Of course, that makes it harder when you see them making choices that perpetuate their pain. I have to see that too as a medic. The thing I love about our village is that everyone cares in some degree. We have a common enemy with the cold and harsh seasons, so that too becomes a blessing when we have to rally together to make through another winter.
Having something in common with a person is a great way to build a friendship. My former addiction links me to those who have an addiction so I feel more at ease speaking to them than I do to members of my church. Its kind of weird that I can talk to someone I barely know with ease. However some of my brothers and sisters in Christ is a different story. Keep chatting with those guys arête, just be a friend to them and see what happens. God will use you to help those men and women. After all when you walk away only God knows what is going on in their hearts. He created them so he can fix them.
|
|
|
|
Post by arete on Mar 20, 2014 21:46:21 GMT
Well, the motto of my mission and the church I pastor is "Preach the Word and love the people."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2014 16:21:43 GMT
Well, the motto of my mission and the church I pastor is "Preach the Word and love the people." Amen, great missional statement!  |
|
