Thursday, March 20, 2008

Citizen's Arrest



Without even watching the video clip, I am sure there are many people out there who recognized the phrase, Citizen's Arrest and knew it was about Gomer Pyle and Barney Fife from the Andy Griffith Show (aired back in the 60's)

Here it is...
Gomer see's Barney making an unlawful U-Turn in his police car and begins yelling "Citizen's Arrest, Citizen's Arrest!"

He told Barney that he broke the law by making an illegal u-turn.
He goes on to say that "as a law-abiding citizen it is his duty to call him on it."
He also says, "You're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of us."

Barney goes on to justify why he broke the law.
Gomer then says "you see that folks, there are two sets of laws, one for the police and one for the ordinary citizens."

Andy then comes on the scene and tells Barney that he is supposed to be setting an example.

He also pulls Barney off to the side and tells him that in order to save face, he should write himself a ticket and they would take care of it in the office.

So let's break this down a bit...
Gomer see's Barney making an unlawful U-Turn in his police car and begins yelling "Citizen's Arrest, Citizen's Arrest!"
As a Christian, when we see someone who is a Christian, doing unlawful things we are to "call them on it." Lest the sin should enter the church.

He goes on to say that "as a law-abiding citizen it is his duty to call him on it."
He also says, "You're supposed to be setting an example for the rest of us."

Which is another reason we are call out Christians who are sinning, they are to set an example for others to follow. Many people will say they want others to see Jeaus living within them and yet, when they are openly sinning, you can bet Jesus is not living within them!

Barney goes on to justify why he broke the law.
Gomer then says "you see that folks, there are two sets of laws, one for the police and one for the ordinary citizens."

As a Christian, we know the Bible says there is only one Law and it is for Jews and Gentiles alike! It is God's Law!

He also pulls Barney off to the side and tells him that in order to save face, he should write himself a ticket and they would take care of it in the office.
We are to loving confront the sinner and resolve the issue. Not in front of the non-believers but on a one on one basis.
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I have said in the past that I am not a big fan of doing Bible Studies by using tv shows. This is not a Bible Study. I am merely showing a relationship between this particular tv show and a common occurance in every day life. It is not to take place of a Bible Study.

In all things, confront those who are sinning. Not to judge them but to make sure they are not providing the non-christian with ammunition for not coming to Christ. Warn the unrepentant sinner that unless he repents, he will go to hell. Then share with him the wonderful love of God as shown on the cross.

Won't you give your life to Jesus today? Repent of your sins, be obedient to His Word and put your faith and trust in Jesus alone to save you!

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