VFW and Christian

[2win]

What are the thoughts on a Christian going to VFW club?
I am asking this question because I am in a veterans home; I am a resident; but I am also an ordained minister. I went with a group from the home where I am a resident for dinner provided by the local VFW club. This is the first (and last) time I have ever been to a VFW club; was never a member, even though I am a veteran. I was very uncomfortable just being there; then there was the smoking that was to the point that I had a hard time breathing; and then ofcouirse there was the bar with a lot of drinking, and a lot of loud noise. Now I know a lot of folks will say; "If you don't like it don't go!" Which I accept as very good advise. But what I am asking is; should a Christian be going to a place such as this? When we were in the van provided by the veterans home getting loaded to go; a fellow who claimed to be a pastor (who I believe was under the influence of something) got in the drivers seat and begin talking about taking us to a gambling casino, talking very loudly; and when we were ready to leave; he did pray for us. I personally don't believe a Christian has any place in an organization such as this. I appreciate all comets.

 

[miamited]

Hi 2win,

Well, I don't know how much of it has to do with it being a VFW group, but I wouldn't enjoy myself in that 'type' of group no matter what the gathering was for. I don't gamble, drink or smoke and I can't stand to be in any group where anyone is more loud and obnoxious than I am.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[2win]

Thank you brother Ted for the reply; seems as though you, and I have the same conviction. I just spoke with a sister here who is in a wheel chair that is more liberal; she seems to believe it is OK to go to such place. Beside the fact that I cant stand the cigarette smoke, or the boisterous noise; I feel we are blowing away our testimony as Christians; and I find a lot of scripture to support that. Is this part of the "Progressive Christian" attitude toward things? "Forget about what the Bible teaches; you can't believe all of it any way!" "See there is a Christian; and he is taking part in what we are doing; so eva thang fine!" Lor5d God; don't "let" me be a part of that!

 

[2win]

I have read on the www that "in some places" the membership in VFW clubs are dwindling. Are these clubs financially supported by the government? It looks like may be through prayers that God is at work cleaning out His house.

 

[2win]

What are we coming to when a drunk professes to be not just a Christian; but a "pastor"?!

 

[2win]

I have been licensed, and ordained for many years; and I am "almost" ashamed to tell people that any more! Oh no, I am not ashamed to belong to my Lord and Savior; but I am ashamed to be connected to "many" others who claim to be ministers for our Lord!

 

[1watchman]

What are the thoughts on a Christian going to VFW club?
I am asking this question because I am in a veterans home; I am a resident; but I am also an ordained minister. I went with a group from the home where I am a resident for dinner provided by the local VFW club. This is the first (and last) time I have ever been to a VFW club; was never a member, even though I am a veteran. I was very uncomfortable just being there; then there was the smoking that was to the point that I had a hard time breathing; and then ofcouirse there was the bar with a lot of drinking, and a lot of loud noise. Now I know a lot of folks will say; "If you don't like it don't go!" Which I accept as very good advise. But what I am asking is; should a Christian be going to a place such as this? When we were in the van provided by the veterans home getting loaded to go; a fellow who claimed to be a pastor (who I believe was under the influence of something) got in the drivers seat and begin talking about taking us to a gambling casino, talking very loudly; and when we were ready to leave; he did pray for us. I personally don't believe a Christian has any place in an organization such as this. I appreciate all comets.

Stay clear of such places and honor the Lord Jesus always, for He is worthy. Some say one can go into taverns, etc. to preach the gospel, but that should never be a regular thing; and God can direct a sincere seeker to a church gathering to hear the Word.

 

[2win]

Thank you 1 Watchman for that reply; I agree with you 100%. The way it came about for me to go; I was ask if I would like to go to the VFW for a free dinner, and I said; "Yeah, I guess I can go." I never gave any thought as to what the surroundings would be like; I had never been inside a VFW club before. You can be surer it will be the last time I will be seen in a place like that. Leaving there was the worse part of the whole thing. This (I believe drunk) fellow came out and got in the driver seat of the van that brought us there, and began talking about taking us to a gambling casino; that wasn't to bad part, the bad part was he "claimed" to be a pastor; he was loud, and very obnoxious. I think some time the Lord places us in places like that, and among people that He gave His life for to show us what greaves Him. Hosea? What's even worse; there are people here who say they are Christian that say it's OK to participate in a place like that. I can guarantee you, "had I known" what it was going to be like; this old man would never have gone!

 

[revrobor]

The Bible does not prohibit smoking or drinking. Smoking is stupid and drunkenness is prohibited. But you could be a good witness in a Veterans of Foreign Wars club. Gambling is not Scripturally prohibited either. Apparently the denomination that ordained you thinks all those are sins. That is your biggest problem and what makes you uncomfortable. I too am ordained and would not hesitate to enter a VFW club or casino.

 

[1watchman]

Well, if you are comfortable there, and can honor God in such a place then you can "dwell among them", but I am afraid you will thus suffer loss at the Judgment of Christ in Heaven for choosing carnal fellowship with the world. Faithfulness is not about just following a rule as our course, but where your heart is as a "child of God". My Father would not want me there I am sure.

 

[standingtall]

....but I am afraid you will thus suffer loss at the Judgment of Christ in Heaven for choosing carnal fellowship with the world.

Well then, thank goodness it's called the "Judgement of Christ" and NOT the "Judgement of 1watchman".

 

[SoulBap6]

I am a Baptist preacher and a Veteran I am the Chaplain for the 844th Chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America. I attend one meeting a Month and their is no smoking or drink during meetings. I have found that I spend time visiting Members in the Hosptials and Rest homes. I have a Gospel Group and we play at Churches and at rest homes. I have brought prayer to the meetings and the word of God to the Membership. What the membership does after the meeting and lunch I do not know, but I show the love of Christ to those that don't know him, I have a opportunity to witness and to share the Gospel to my fellow brothers That were soldiers a long time ago.

 

[2win]

Thank God we are not using the Holy Word of God as a weapon against each other who are "called by God" as ministers of His Word. The flesh wars against the spirit as we all know; so I am battling my own self to not lash out against those who are more interested in making insults, than give any good information. I also have, and do minister to people in nursing homes, rescue missions; I worked in Prison Fellowship, I have witnessed to people who live in sin; I will say I have been there, I have done that. I was licensed, and ordained by SBC; however; that has nothing to do with my belief, and "my convictions"; The Word of God, along with the Holy Spirit has everything to do with what I believe. I suppose you could go to bed with a prostitute and tell her about Jesus Christ; but I doubt that she would turn to Him, and leave her life style. I just can't imagine anyone being converted by listening to a drunk, who claims to be a preacher. I think anyone who believes they can is listening to what man is teaching, and not God. I am not going to throw out scripture to support what I am "convicted of"; however there is plenty of it in the Bible; whatever the flesh wants; you can find scripture to support the desire of the flesh, and I believe everyone posting on here knows that. I am praying for all who post on this thread; and I sincerely hope you pray for me.

 

[2win]

by the way; I am in a place where there are mixed beliefs; and some people who don't seem to believe in any thing; and I have befriended many here. I have made friends with some here who use language I wouldn't want my dog to hear; I sure don't join in with that kind of language. Well I suppose some would say there is nothing in the Bible against the language we use.

 

[greatdivide46]

The Bible does not prohibit smoking or drinking. Smoking is stupid and drunkenness is prohibited. But you could be a good witness in a Veterans of Foreign Wars club. Gambling is not Scripturally prohibited either. Apparently the denomination that ordained you thinks all those are sins. That is your biggest problem and what makes you uncomfortable. I too am ordained and would not hesitate to enter a VFW club or casino.

I agree with you. I personally don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or gamble, but at the same time I would have no hesitation about visiting a VFW Club if I ever felt God was leading me too. The people in those clubs are in need of Christ, too, and if we all develop the attitude that we must stay away from them, who will tell them of Christ?

 

[2win]

Greatdivide46, I certainly agree with one thing you said, and that is; "If I felt God was leading me to". That is exactly what I do; when I feel that God is telling me something is wrong; I sure don't listen to what man tells me is right; I would hope everyone who "calls themselves Christian" would do the same thing. I just don't find any where in the Word of God where it says living the same life style as the world is acceptable with God. However I do find where we are to live a life different than the people of worldly life styles. Everyone has their own convictions; and if you are assured of God that is is the right way to go; stick with it.

 

[2win]

I just want to say; "witnessing to the sinner" is much different than joining in with him.