Every Sunday evening for the past year or so, a group of about 5-10 high school aged guys and I have gathered weekly at a Taco Bell in town where we come together to study the Scriptures. Right now we are working through the Gospel of John.
This week we were looking at John 7. I admitted to my guys up front that John 7 is perhaps one of the least significant chapters of this Gospel, and that tonight's lesson wouldn't be a very big deal. Yet as God would orchestrate this evening, tonight's lesson became the most significant lesson we've had to date.
We were focused on John 7:14-18, and how Jesus taught that if we are properly related to God, that God would help us to understand Biblical truth as it relates to our desire to obey Him. In the midst of this, I started talking about the corruptions of our hearts that often lead us into error instead of truth. And to illustrate that, I talked about several major cultural issues we see in America and the church. One of those being homosexuality.
Well, a patron of Taco Bell sitting a few tables over heard something of what I was teaching. But as we got into it more, he became very angry, got up, and started becoming angry and belligerent to us in the middle of Taco Bell. I tried to patiently reason and talk with the man some. I spoke some truth into his life, but he just would not have it. He started yelling at us and telling me that as a gay Christian he was offended over what I was saying and that he couldn't believe what I was telling these kids. He told me I was a liar and warned the children to stay away from me.
He finally left in a very angry mood. And what I thought was going to be a very minor evening turned out to provide one of the most teachable moments our group has ever had. From there we went on to talk about a number of things. Including the fact that in America we are living in very historic times, where there is a major cultural shift happening. I told my kids tonight to be prepared. What they saw tonight is a small glimpse into the future, and the violent days that lay ahead. I warned them of the coming persecution.
Just thought I'd share this tidbit...
God bless
Jimmy
