Where the Streets Have No Shame

Every city, it seems has its deep dark secrets.  Edinburgh is no exception.  Our team spent Friday morning storming the castle... well, more like walking around taking pictures in the rain.  The castle is filled with such history.  What an amazing site.

The streets are filled with tourists eager to experience Scotland. Little shops line the Royal Mile selling all types of Scottish souvenirs as the aroma of Fish 'n' Chips fills the streets. That's Edinburgh by day.  Edinburgh on a Friday night is quite different.

Dr. Jekyll goes to the sleep after sunset and Mr. Hyde emerges. Yet once again, the light of Christ shines in even the darkest of places. We teamed up with some believers passionate about sharing the love of Christ and we hit the streets in the night club district of Edinburgh.

People lining up to enter "Sin"

We tend to think of spiritual oppression as an African or South Asian problem and yet Satan's strongholds are all too visible in Scotland's nightlife.  Witch congregations walk the streets amist the loud drunken young people.  A lady, too incoherent to find her way, is guided by a friend.  Satan enjoys a small victory as he claims a church-converted-to-nightclub called "Sin."  The stain glass is replaced with the silhouette of Satan falling from heaven.  The chaotic streets, loud with wild yelling and singing, expose a deep desire for purpose and meaning.  And still, there is hope.

We set up tables on this cold, wet night offering free hot drinks to anybody who would accept the gesture.  Many stop for tea, coffee, or hot chocolate and we are able to have meaningful Christ-centered discussions. I find myself speaking with people from Scotland, Poland, Ireland, and Spain.  A common theme I hear is that they believe in God but aren't sure if they can ever have the eternal security of heaven with Christ.  I ask them why?  They  cannot be certain because of their past offenses in God's eyes.  One after another feels unworthy of God's love.  I remember some of their names: Krystan, Leo, Holly, and there are some others.

God's grace is a hard concept to comprehend.  We feel so unworthy and yet that is the point of God's grace.  He loves us regardless of our deeds.  The past is behind us.  The question is, how will we live in light of God's grace moving forward?  I know there is a fear that people will abuse God's grace once they discover it.  I fear some may never discover it.