Is it a sin to go into a bar?

[oldzimm]

On another thread that was made by a new member of our family, she had concerns about some old friends and how they now feel about her. Another member gave her some advice that lead me to ask the question (the thread title).

The advice given to our new sister in Christ was-

"To put it simply, when you stop laughing at their dirty jokes, stop going to bars, what have you, then they will drop off from socializing with you, it's almost unavoidable, perhaps God wants you to have a new set of friend - holy friends."

This is sound advice to a new Christian that may of had a drinking problem, but for those of us that aren't in our first rodeo I feel we wouldn't be helping others that might come home to Christ if we didn't pursue them where they hang out. Scripture tells us we must strive to be more like Jesus. Jesus wasn't afraid to go into the dens of sinners to spread God's word, he was trying to bring lost sheep back to the flock.

My son made a statement the other day that I must agree with, "Jesus is the friend of sinners". Think about it, Jesus died on the cross for all our sins past, present and future, if that isn't a true friend then I don't know what is.

I have lots of friends in Christ and I love them all, I wouldn't say they are holy friends, holy is what Jesus is and none of us are like Jesus. I will never forget my old friends either and I pray that the light I shine may lead them home to Christ. God's word also tells us to never forget where we have come from.

Wouldn't it be great to say our old friends are now our new friends in Christ, it can happen if we just do our part as Christians and let our light shine.

[hayahtowb]

No!

Now what you do in that bar, might be a sin?.. This is the short answer, and a good question for a thread.

[ladypeartree]

It is not a sin to go anywhere to spread Gods love and His word but it IS a sin to deliberatly place yourself in a situation where you KNOW you are going to fall and sin. Some people can have a drink and leave it at that ,,,others cant help drinking more than they should ( not talking about people with the illness that makes them alchoholics here just normal drunks ) so if you are not sure you can control your intake or you know that you cant then it IS a sin to put yourself in that bar

[Rick-Parker]

Jesus preached when he went in with sinners, He did not join in their sin. Big difference.

[Believer1997]

I think it depends on why you are going into a bar.... to witness or blend?

[Guest LadyC]

I think it depends on why you are going into a bar.... to witness or blend?

oh, man, a BIG AMEN to that one!

[oldzimm]

No!

Now what you do in that bar, might be a sin?.. This is the short answer, and a good question for a thread.

Are you trying to say a person can only sin when they are at a bar? Can't a person sin when they are at home or any other place on God's earth? I wonder how many souls would not have been saved if Jesus would not of went into such places.

When Jesus met Matthew (a tax collector), he told him to get up and follow me. Later Jesus had a meal in Matthew's house along with other tax collectors and other outcast. The Pharisees asked the disciples "Why does your teacher eat with such people?"

Jesus heard this and answered "People who are well do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick." Jesus also went on to say "I have not come to call respectable people, but outcast."

There are some Christians that are afraid of the world around them, they feel safe and confortable inside the walls of their Church. In order to do works for God, you must be able to stare sin in the face and say "Satan leave, you are not welcome here anymore".

[oldzimm]

I think it depends on why you are going into a bar.... to witness or blend?

I like your answer Believer1997. Now the question is what does it mean to blend?

[oldzimm]

It is not a sin to go anywhere to spread Gods love and His word but it IS a sin to deliberatly place yourself in a situation where you KNOW you are going to fall and sin. Some people can have a drink and leave it at that ,,,others cant help drinking more than they should ( not talking about people with the illness that makes them alchoholics here just normal drunks ) so if you are not sure you can control your intake or you know that you cant then it IS a sin to put yourself in that bar

I agree with you ladypeartree 100%.

[Fez]

"Go nowhere you cannot go after prayer" - Spurgeon

I have been going into a bar every Friday night for the last four years (give or take a few), to play an ongoing game of pool. We arrive after work at 5.30 pm and are out by 7 pm. The game has been fun, and I have met many people from all walks of life.

I drink coke, and the occasional cider if I feel like one. (so sue me )

I have walked in on more than one occasion when someone has said. "No swearing "fez" is here".

So is it sin to go into a bar, or anywhere else if you are a follower of Jesus, and have the strength of faith to know that the only persons changed will be those you leave behind?

No it is not. Leave behind a pleasing fragrance for those who remain, in any circumstance where you meet people, anywhere, and you are on the right path.

Blessings.