Jesus always made it a point to be with people who believed and behaved differently than Him. Those far from God always seemed to be the ones who were most comfortable around Him. In churches today, we often find the opposite to be true. But this should not be the case. If we want to reach people, we have to be welcoming to them. We have to not just talk about them but talk to them. Who are you most often around? Who are you making feel welcomed and loved? Who is your One that you are praying for and influencing toward faith? These are things that we as Jesus followers must keep in the forefront of our minds if we truly want to be the Church.
Jesus planned for the local church to be the hope of the world. Is that exciting or scary for you? Why?
Jesus was always with people who believed and behaved differently from Him. Do you find this to be true of the local church? Do you find it to be true of you? How so?
We are rarely comfortable in a place where we aren't welcome. Has this ever happened to you? How can we as individuals make The Creek a place where everyone feels welcome and comfortable?
Do you think it's a good thing that we as a church have decided to make the people who aren't here yet the most comfortable, even if it's at the cost of the comfort of our regular attendees?
Has anyone ever shared an opinion or statement that cost them influence with you?
“What you think about consistently you will do eventually.” This week, Rocky challenged us to keep our One on our mind and think of ways to influence them toward faith. Who is your One and how are you influencing them toward faith?
Matthew 9:12-13 (NIV) On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
If you don’t have a “One,” get one. Then invite them to your table and build a relationship with them.
