Oct 04 2015 37 mins 1
Every Christian has a responsibility to rub shoulders with lost people living in a lost world. We must have contact in a real world with real people to share the real love of Jesus. But how much contact is too much? When does "contact" become compromise? Where is the line between influencing a lost world and being influenced by it? Christians must be distinct and different in our world so that we can offer something that the world needs. If we look like them, act like them, talk like them, and live like them, why would a lost world think we have anything to offer them? In 2 Chronicles 17, Jehoshaphat crossed that line and sets an example for us of what not to do. Join Pastor Gary for today's study entitled, "Dangerous Alliances." 1) Is my life noticeably different from the culture around me (my values, speech, social behavior) such that others might be prompted to ask me about my life? (1 Peter 3:15) 2) Do I sometimes feel out of place or uncomfortable in this world? (Heb. 11:13, John 15:19) 3) Am I intentional about how I can integrate my faith in conversations and social settings? (Col. 4:6) 4) Am I consciously aware of my witness at all times and do I do my best to keep from compromising or causing others to compromise? (1 Tim. 1:16, 1 Cor. 10:23-24) 5) Do I believe overall that I am more of an influence in the lives of people who need Christ than they are with me? (1 Cor. 15:33) 6) Am I more concerned about pleasing God than what my unsaved friends think of me? (Gal. 1:10) 7) Do I limit dating relationships, business partnerships, and other binding alliances or unions to those who are Believers and who share my biblical world view? (2 Cor. 6:14-15, Amos 3:3)
