Back in the Bar
This Week's Theme: Repenting
Stephen L. Shanklin
Friday, March 23, 2001
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Bonus Reading:2 Cor 5:14-6:2
Several years ago, John Wimber, founder of the Vineyard Fellowships, talked with a new Christian about changes in his life. Harry had made a decision for Christ and much of his life was different. For years, Harry had dropped by the same bar every day after workmore for the friendship than for the beer.
The next Monday, Harry walked into the bar as usual and his friends asked, "How is it going?" Harry ordered a beer and proceeded to describe for them how he gave his life to Jesus Christ. Suddenly his friends lapsed into a stony silence, and Harry began to feel uncomfortable and out of place. Over the next day or two, Harry noticed that the cigarette smoke bothered him for the first time, the beer didn't taste as good as it used to, and the coarse language was suddenly foreign to him. By midweek, Harry realized he no longer belonged in the bar. As he talked with Wimber, Harry wanted to understand how everything could change so rapidly and drastically.
"That's easy," John said. "You're a new man, with a new heart and desires. You'll never enjoy the old life again."
Stephen L. Shanklin in The Book of Prayers Respond:
How have you seen your life change because of God's work in you? Thank Him for making you new.
Thought to Apply:
It takes a radical break to turn a man from earth's trash to heaven's treasure.
Vance Havner (preacher and evangelist)Adapted from: with W. Terry Whalin, The Book of Prayers (Broadman & Holman, 1998). 1 of 1
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Father, You sent Your Son to overcome the power of sin. Please make me clean—and help me to be free from my sin.
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