Before reading this article, please read Acts chapter 8. I will quote a
couple of verses but you really should read the entire chapter of Acts.
First, let me introduce myself. My name is Scott Brewer. I was a chef for
seven years. The Lord has called me into full time Christian service as the
minister of missions at Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Raleigh.
After reading Ira's article on the Sabbath in last month's newsletter, the
Spirit moved on me to write this article.
I ask you this my brothers, do you GO to church or ARE you the church?
In the Spanish language, the word "tempeo" means the BUILDING that we worship
in, the word "iglesia" means the BODY OF BELIEVERS that makes up the church. Our
English language has done a poor job in distinguishing between the two.
_____--- "On that day a great persecution broke
out against the church at Jerusalem, and all EXCEPT the apostles were scattered
throughout Judea and Samaria." Acts 8:1 ---
Notice how the church began. When the church was persecuted, the Apostles, or
the preachers, stayed in Jerusalem. The members were scattered throughout Judea
and Samaria.
_____--- "Those who had been scattered preached
the word WHEREVER they went." Acts 8:4 ---
Now the American Church today is not facing that type of persecution.
However, there are churches in India, China and other countries that ARE! But
let's face it: the main reason most of you have to work on Sunday is because our
country does not respect Christ and what He stands for. In my parents'
generation, most restaurants (hotels excluded) were not allowed to open on
Sunday. And those hotels that WERE open, worked real hard to schedule rotating
Sundays so their employees could worship. As an ex-Marriott chef I can testify
that ain't gonna happen today.
God wastes nothing!! When the first century church was persecuted, He USED
that persecution to bring glory to Himself. He will not waste the fact that you
are not allowed to support your family and go to Church on a regular basis. YOU
ARE THE CHURCH. Start a Bible study within your local Chef association or start
a Bible study within your place of employment. Meet in the mornings---meet in
the evenings---meet on weekdays. Partner with another Christian and rotate
teaching. Plant your own church where you're at right now. That is what the
first century church did.
Also stand up for Christ at work. Lifestyle evangelism is only a start. Do
not be afraid to use your mouth and witness. Make sure everyone you work with
knows that you stand for Jesus. Yes, I know that people will laugh at you,
people will talk about you behind your back, and people will act differently
around you. HEY, your life is not your own! We are only here for a short while
and we will never fit in with the world. Just remember: Persecution = crowns to
lay at Jesus' feet.
Finally brothers, [In Saying "Finally", that does not mean much in
Christian letters, and it is biblical. In Philippians 3:1 Paul says, "Finally my
brothers..." and then ends the letter in 4:23. :>) ] "remember to stay
sweet." In the profession God has placed you in, complaining, second-guessing,
egos, and pride are the standard. You need to remember that God is in control
and be a sweet witness for Christ in your situation. Witness without pushing it
down their throats.
Let your co-workers see you pray before you eat, or offer to lead them in
prayer before you open or the rush hits. Hum a hymn during stressful times.
Offer to pray for them and then DO pray for them. God has put you where you are
-- SO MINISTER WHERE HE HAS PLANTED YOU! You are a Christian remnant in a pagan
profession. Allow God to use you and give Him the glory for what He shall do.
"Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." Philippians 4:4
By Rev. Scott Brewer
If God is speaking to your heart about these things, and you need
somebody to talk with, please don't hesitate to e-mail us about your need and
somebody from the Fellowship will contact you as soon as possible. If you
have a prayer request or would like to start a theological discussion on this or
any other topic please feel free to post it in our Message Boards.
Click HERE to return to the general Christianity in the Kitchen page.
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. -1 Cor 10:31 ESV