Articles From Our Bulletins
“If we’re not careful, this church is going to fill up with… SINNERS!"
Yes, someone actually said it a few years ago. What's sadder, there are probably others who think it more than they say it.
News flash: The local church is not one's own private country club where members pay dues, get waited on, and dine on white table cloths with fine china. In fact, Jesus' church is more like a hospital filled with redeemed people helping others to get there.
That was Paul's message to the church in the Greek-sounding city with a long name: Thessalonica. He challenged them to "love still more," "encourage one another," and "help the weak." And they did.
So must we.
I've had too many conversations with struggling brothers and sisters who are facing their giants. I've had too many private messages (dozens) thanking me for "having the guts" to say something about sin, shame, and grace. I'm not sure I understand that because "sin, shame, and grace" is the heart of the gospel. Have we missed something?
This is not about making sin scandalous or giving someone a sin-pass. This is about accountability, authenticity, and becoming a fellowship of God's amazing grace. This is about becoming a place where people can take off their pretend mask and get real -with themselves and with each other. Here it is...
Rest of the weary, joy of the sad.
Hope of the dreary, light of the glad;
Home of the stranger, strength to the end;
Refuge from danger, Savior and Friend.
That's what the church is all about...
