One problem with man’s denominational teaching is that HOLINESS in
many churches and groups means stay away from them sinners! The
only way sinners can see Jesus Christ is through the Church (The Body
of Christ). The local church is a part of the larger body of blood washed
believers. Sinners can only see the light of Jesus Christ through US. Now
I am not saying Christians should go to bars and nightclubs…BUT we do
have to interact with sinners! Jesus went to places where people
congregate. I remember many of my fellow preachers telling saints they
shouldn’t go to bowling alleys, teens shouldn’t play sports, and saints
don’t go swimming! These are in some people’s minds what “holiness” is
all about!
True holiness means we are set apart for God’s use and purposes. God’s
highest purpose is that we influence people to accept Christ! I don’t
think you can do that locked up in your church 7 days a week with black
suits, long wool skirts, and doilies on your head! I used to witness on the
streets of Song Tan City in Korea, there were nothing but bars,
nightclubs, and whorehouses in this sin filled town. Many professed
“Spirit-filled” Christians would warn me about going downtown. They
would tell me it was dangerous and that there was too much temptation, they
forget that the Holy Spirit is our companion and comforter in battle.
Sinners are supposed to be
drawn by the Christ IN US! Greater is He (The Godhead – see I John 5:7)
that is in us, than He (The Enemy) that is in the world! We are walking
Temples of God! Remember the Old Testament Temple? God’s presence
would fill the Temple as the people of God offered sacrifice unto God.
Well today Jesus is our once and for all sacrifice. Holiness churches are
locking themselves in just like the Amish and the Mennonites. We are
supposed to be an influence on the world. You cannot influence
someone you are avoiding. Jesus was out in the workplace, in the
marketplace, in the wilderness, in the mountains, in the Temple, and yes
in the company of prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus did NOT sin while
hanging out with sinners…and you don’t have to either. The power of
the Holy Ghost is MORE than enough to help you stay saved (Jude 24
and Romans 8:32)
We can believe God for new cars, healing, new jobs, and house but we
don’t believe He can keep us saved in an evil world! Daniel and the 3
Hebrew boys WERE NOT Spirit-filled, yet they resisted the world and
influenced those around them! We have a MUCH BETTER covenant than
they did! Jesus EXPECTS us to mingle with sinners from day to day, and
influence THEM! Stop being a coward and GO into the highways and
hedges! No one in your community will get saved because you go to “Mt.
Zion AME Baptist Fire Baptized Primitive Holy Nazarene COGIC”
every Sunday. They will get saved if you talk to them about Jesus and
become a part of their lives! True holiness makes us interact and
become a part of the lost lives.
The Holy Spirit we brag about having
was given to us to help us be lights in a dark world. We are not
supposed to run from sinners, rather run to them with the love of Jesus
Christ. Stop worrying about sinners rubbing off on you, We are the Salt
of the Earth! When I was in the Air Force stationed in Korea, I was
invited to a Super Bowl party by a co-worker, he wasn't saved and none
of the guys at the party were either, my Christian friends scolded me
and said I shouldn't go because they were going to be drinking and
cursing.
I learned early in my Christian walk that the Holy Ghost is NOT
traditional nor does He think like us. I went to the party, and most of
them knew I was a saved deacon. I didn't act snobbish are pious, I
simply drank my coke and enjoyed the game. By halftime most of them
were asking me questions about the Bible and the Lord. I kept the
answers simple and invited them to Bible study. That Tuesday 8 of the
15 brothers showed up for Bible study. My Christian friends had nothing
to say to me anymore.
True holiness is fearless and confrontational, we are supposed to
stand in the midst of evil and be a beacon. How can evil men and women
be converted and saved unless WE lead them to Christ Jesus? One of the
first things I noticed after I got filled with the Holy Ghost was an
indument of courage. I always thought I was a pretty brave guy, but the
power of the Holy Spirit is like steroids for the soul. I have preached on
street corners, prisons, mental institutions, overseas in Muslim
countries, and anywhere the Holy Ghost leads me.
