Your best advice is to tell them they are drunk and to call you back when they're sober. If they don't accept that, you're probably going to have problems with them anyway. At least that's JMHO.
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Jesus Christ--The reason for the season!
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you can read this in English, thank a veteran.
If you're certain you know everything, there's little opportunity to learn anything.
First of all this is not small talk..it's a serious concern..I try to make this brief as I can..
First some history..
Roger is about 60 yrs. old..As a teenager he dated my sister.Beer makes him very violent. When we would call the cops..it honestly would take 3 to put him in the car..I admit...I was afraid of him.He's not real big..but real crazy.He had quit drinking for the last 8-10 years and has a home in North Carolina.When he's sober he's ok...He's now full of athritis and is unable to be physically threatening...at least to me.
ok..4 phone calls ago..He called. and talked for about an hour..to talk about politics or whatever..seemed to just wnat to argue..I interupted after listening for 50 minutes and preached the gospel..the love of God and seriousness of Hell.Roger is a backsliden Christian and was raised by holiness Christians
2nd call..I'm hearing glass bottles hit the trash can..and him peeing in the toilet often..and rambling for 1 hour..he's mad when I tell him I got to go..So I listen for about an hour ,,it's a one sided conversation and don't dare disagree.
2 days ago he calls..I saw his name on caller ID and would not answer the phone, Why? I was wanting to play my new guitar.and knew I'd be on the phone for at least an hour..He's retired and I'm not.
3rd call ..last night..After 15minutes I let Roger know that I know he's been drinkng again..He answered.."I hate Christians,,they are no better than me" I said that's not true Roger..your not even around Christians..your just bitter because your body is no longer healthy..He said, "You are right."After that I simply answered every question with ok..ok ..
I feel a little confused and feel like maybe I should continue to be a friend...Hell is very serious and I'd hate to see Roger go there.I really do pray for him a lot..I like Calhunter's advice about telling him to call back when he is sober..how bout the rest of you guys..I really am coming to you guys for councel because in myself..I feel like not answering my phone..I may still have a little bitterness from him dragging my sister around the their home a few times ripping her hair out by the roots from years ago,,and for chasing me down with his car..He used to be really mean and that is the Roger I know..He's turned into a very paranoid individual with cameras all around his home thinking the government is out to get him..He has no guns..praise God.
..as a Christian..I no longer fear him physically..but I do fear he could start calling me at all times of the night robbing me of sleep.
First of all let me say that I sympathize with you on this subject. I too, have a 2nd or 3rd cousin that actually shows up at my house about twice a year, completely drunk. This is actually the only time I ever see him. He has a history of violent behavior that has landed him in jail several times. He no longer has a drivers license because of his drinking, so when he shows up at my house, it's always on his bicycle. What I usually do is load his bicycle up in my truck and take him home. It is a concern for me however, because I worry that he might show up when I'm not there and my wife would have to deal with him. So far that hasn't happened. As for your plight, God bless you for trying to be a witness to this person but I think it's pretty useless to try to witness to someone who is drunk. If I may offer advice it would be this; maybe try towitness to him when he is sober and in a nonaggressive setting. I know that if you do this, you will probably be inviting more phone calls or visits when he is drunk but at least you will have shared the gospel with him when he is in his right mind. I think that the fact that he calls you when he is drunk says he recognizes you as a Christian and possibly a source of answers. It's just that when he's drunk, his reasoning becomes perverted. Continue to pray for him, and witness to him when he is sober, and perhaps God will get ahold of his heart. In the mean time, I pray that God will give you wisdom and patience in dealing with this difficult situation. I also pray that God will deal with the heart of your family member and make him realize what he his really searching for is peace, which, as you know, can only be found through Jesus. God give you His peace, my brother.
Blessings.....Pastorjim
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Mere religion is just hanging around the cross.......True Christianity is getting on the cross.
I really appreciate your wisdom pastor jim..While fishing this morning I was meditating/ cmmunicating with God what it really means to "Love your neighbor as yourself." until I sincerely learn this ..I'll shut up..cause I come up short..
Rebel hog..you brought up a good point which I forgot about..He loves cars..and drives like a maniac when drunk..high speeds and road rage..When he's drunk he don't care ..
I appreciate the prayers Pastor Jim. I want to do the right thing..I lack in compasion brother,,not only for him but fo rmany,,The Lord convicted me this morning that I need more compassion for the lost..
Sincerely,
C7
Ditto for me on the lack of compassion at times. Thank you for reminding me. We must all remember that Jesus specialized in loving the unloveable. I would also have to agree with rebel hog about the driving. A loaded gun would be no less dangerous than this person driving. The way you describe this person, he needs an intervention.
Blessings.....Pastorjim
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Mere religion is just hanging around the cross.......True Christianity is getting on the cross.
I'm too much on the side of caution in regards to my family to give this guy continued freedom to call on me. Myself, I would bring this situation quickly to the point of meeting my duty as a christian . . .and if he is not reachable cut him off.
__________________ And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Chuck, I think I've posted about my son-in-law being a drunk and has caused me much grief not to mention how many times I had to take care of my daughter and grand children while he was in jail. I have come close to having a heart attack by getting so worked up about them. I've turned them over to God. Not only praying for them, but giving God my worry and stress over them. I've backed away from my grandchildren and daughter in order that I don't know what is going on with them. I'm real close to my grand children, but if it means backing way in order that I may have some peace, so beit.