supportMIKE News VI (Part 2)

Above: MYC 2007

Finally, I thought I'd give you a feel for the type of ministry that I've been involved in over the last few months. Below is an email that one of the fellas sent through to me and the answer I gave..

Hey Mike
Say I've got a non-Christian mate I'm getting to know a bit, and he invites me to a party. From his view he's just being friendly, but from my view … I don't want to dive into that lifestyle - but I still want to be able to reach out to him. It seems to be a balancing act, but I'm not sure how exactly you balance it.

Let me know.

=================
Hey mate
Check 1 Peter 2
Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Let me give a few reflections:
Firstly, note that the passage assumes that you are living a life among the pagans. It's ok to live with pagans, hang out with pagans, and associate with pagans even though they live as enemies of Jesus.

Secondly, also note that it's your deeds not your words that are seeing them glorify God. Often you can make the mistake of speaking out of turn. This isn't an excuse not to speak, but rather a reason to think twice, making sure your behaviour and actions stack up.

Thirdly, note that the Christian is to live as a stranger in this world, abstaining from a life of sin. The reason I mention this last, is that it's easiest thing to say and often jumps out at us first. Often we can retire to our holy huddles and godly ghettos. This is silly and forgets that Jesus spent time with tax collectors and sinners.

Let me know what you think.

Cheers Mike


As always I need your support to get all this work done. Please keep us both in your thoughts and prayers. If you'd like to know any more about what I'm up to feel free to drop me a line.

In Christ
Mike and Christine Jolly

 

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