11/4/09 Mark, about 45
Ministry with a heroin addict, who told me he wanted to go to rehab, led me to wait to meet him at one of Chicago's many active drug dealing intersections, so while there I decided to start some conversations. One man I talked to, Mark, was selling DVD's as a cover for his drug dealing. With sad resignation in his voice, he told me about his many stints in prison and that he "done a lot of bad" in his life and would go to hell for it. He is hooked on drugs himself, and firmly believes he must repent of his sins if he is to be saved which he is both unwilling and unable to do. I tried to explain that the good works of repentance don't save us, but are instead a result of our gratitude for what Jesus has already done for us on the cross. At the same time, it would seem pretty lame to tell Mark he doesn't have to give up his drugs to follow Jesus, or to simply say he just needs to hate it and want to quit. I didn't really know what to tell him. Like all conversations, I am simply planting seeds and hoping God will make them grow, but Mark really reminded me what a miraculous work of God repentance really is.
Gospel conversations from the streets and marketplace....
1 comment:
Jeff, what your doing is groundbreaking and exactly what we should do as believers in spreading Christ through love and acceptance. It seems God is slowly wooing this man to Him. Here's the thing, that verse clearly states that repentance leads to salvation. Obviously this man realizes the wrong in His life. In order for him to break free from this bondage, he has to come to a realization that Christ died for that very reason; so that He may have life and more abundantly. Christ knew how to get to the heart of people. When He told the rich man he had to sell all of his belongings to follow Him, He totally cut straight to the heart of the matter. And needless to say, the rich man did not want to give in. It's the same with us humans, we don't want to give up the sin in our lives. But Salvation awaits on the other side and beckons us to repent and turn from our wicked ways. Repentance is all about turning a 180 and loathing the sin that so easily entangled us.
So I guess my answer to your question would be to tell this man the truth. For as you know, the truth will set him free. The word of God is sharper than a double edged sword and cuts to the core of man. It is alive and active. It is the literally God breathed. Once he realizes the truth, He will begin to walk in the freedom that Christ has made for him. The drugs will still be there, but our God is the God who breaks strongholds and thwarts the plans of the enemy! You've planted a seed alright. And I pray for this man with you! I also pray that God continues to send people in your path to minister to them with boldness and clarity! Thanks!!
-Collin
Post a Comment