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Decide To Build Bridges- Not Burn Them...
Pride and self-righteousness can bring us into places of destruction.
If we are going to bring people into the Kingdom of God, if we are going to bring people to salvation through Jesus Christ, we must learn to BUILD BRIDGES with those who are lost - and STOP burning them.
When we see people and circumstances that do not line up with our own theology - we so often begin to judge, criticize, and rebuke. That person's lifestyle or sin often causes us to rise up, not in love or a desire to see them saved, but instead with rebuke and self-righteous hatred.
Homosexuality. Pride. Premarital sex. Addiction...
You name the sinful lifestyle, and the world is full of it - yes. However, we are NOT the judge, we are the bearers of light as born again believers! You are a bearer of LIGHT - not darkness. You are to bring light and love in to the realms of darkness and release the convicting power of Holy Spirit.
Condemning and judging others will not bring them into your "friendly church of love".
Ridiculing and looking down upon those "worthless sinners" will never melt their heart to the love of Jesus Christ. Never.
I dare you to look throughout the Bible and find a place where Jesus ever shouted out a "turn or burn" condemnation speech to a sinner... No, he save the rebuke for the self-righteous religious leaders. He did not "burn a bridge" with the drunkard, thief, prostitute, or murderer - he instead through true love BUILT A BRIDGE that would bring redemption and eternal life!
Do you know a lost soul? One that has yet to surrender their life to Jesus and His Kingdom? Do you know the adulterer, the rapist, the homosexual, or maybe the "good moral guy" living next door - that has yet to surrender to Christ?
Then remember that it is the goodness of God that leads men to repentance!
- see Romans 2:4
Is there a time to stand up and speak up for our beliefs? Is there a time to speak out loud against injustice, immorality, and sin? Yes. Yet, we must ALWAYS seek the will of the Father, and look to Jesus as our example. Pray before you speak - and always speak in love.
As I write this I know some that are struggling with sin and temptation will read this... you are not alone.
I know that an adulterer and several homosexuals will read this, and say "now what Wayne?" - simply understand that you are not alone, you are loved by God, and he will bring healing and restore you back as you surrender to His love and His will for your life.
Think upon this for a moment - ALL
of creation was made by the very WILL of God, including your life. And that same loving powerful God has PLANS for YOU!
You.
That is our living and personal God, and your past and even present sins and lifestyle will not cut his plans short for you as you simply surrender to his love.
As I write this today I sense an overwhelming heaviness, a compassion for you - you that are reading this today. Please, as you read this take a moment and simply cry, shout, or merely whisper - "Jesus" - call that precious name out even now and watch him love you back to your destiny.
Please click-here if you would like prayer... God Bless You All!
Wayne Sutton
www.TheSecondAdam.com
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