I am hearing a lot of criticisms against the church these days, more than ever. Some of the criticism is fair. The church is not where is suppose to be, because we are not where we are supposed to be ourselves.

         I am the first one to tell you that I do not hold back when it comes down to coming against the introductions of false doctrines, man-made religion, etc. However, I also want to point out that there is a great portion of folks among us, who wants to be friends with the world. Some of these people are either not born again or not disciple correctly.

         It is impossible for true believers to be friends of the world. If you are, something is wrong with your Christianity. The Bible tells us, very clearly, in James 4:4,

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” (KJV)

         This does not mean that we do not have any relationship with the unsaved. We live in this world; they are everywhere. They are our neighbors, our co-workers, our mechanic, the lady in the bank, our children’s coach, etc. Not being friends with the world does not mean that we live in a cave away from everybody. Jesus himself said in John 17:15-16,

“15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (KJV)

         Friendship is a deeper thing than just knowing somebody. Friendship involves fellowship; the Bible tells us that there is no fellowship between light and darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14). Why? Because, again, if you are a true Christian, your job is to minister to the lost.

          I am not saying that as soon as you see them you preach the whole Bible to them, but soon or later, the Holy Spirit will give you a chance to face that sinner with the reality that he/she is a sinner, that he/she needs a Savior, that he/she must repent and that even those wonderful things that he/she likes to do, that society approves, are detestable before the Lord.

         When a sinner is confronted with his/her condition, two things could happen, 1) That sinner will repent and accept Jesus as his/her Savior and Lord or 2) They will be highly offended. In First Peter 2:8 Jesus is describe as “A rock of offense.” (KJV)

          Jesus message is offensive to the world. That is the reason why they say things such as, “Do not judge me”, “There is nobody perfect” and my favorite one, “God loves me the way I am”.

         Beloved, understand that we can come to God in whatever condition we find ourselves in. From the man who stole a pencil at work to the rapist, God loves them all and, they can all run after God and be accepted and forgiving. But here is the catch; God accept you the way you are, but He demands His Lordship over your life to change you. You and I cannot remain the same. Romans 7:21 tells us,

“21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (KJV)

         So go into the world and tell them about the love of God; put your arms around them and show them your love for them. Feed them, cloth them, be there for them in times of trouble, etc. But when the Holy Spirit gives you a chance to present the Gospel and their need for repentance, don’t be a coward!