I moved around a little in high school. In fact, I went to three different high schools, my last three years, in three different states! (At the time, I was not a happy camper but looking back I am thankful for the way God used those moves to shape me and the calling on my life…but that’s another blog for another day!) In each new school, I distinctly remember being the “new guy,” which carried various implications and outcomes. One of those outcomes, was that I was an “outsider”. Groups, cliques, and “clubs” were pretty much formed in the school, church, and sports team…and I was clearly not a part of them. Even though I wanted in, I did not have an invitation to be “in”. On occasion, someone from within a “club” would became a friend which might eventually gain me entrance into the group. However, there were always a few groups that never let me in and after a while, I quit wanting to be in those groups.
Yes, that was in high school…but it happens today… even among adults. Ever been looked past, not included, or never invited to be a part of that small, informal “club” of people! You may be around them a lot, but you are clearly not a part of them! It happens at the gym, at the office, and even at the church!
Pastor George reminded us Sunday that the Gospel levels the field and that ALL are invited into a relationship with Jesus. Jesus invites all “outsiders” to become “insiders”! Likewise, the followers of Jesus, are to tear their down walls (attitudes, judgments) to help those far from God find their way to God through Jesus.
This week, would you be more like Jesus by becoming an inviter? Will you intentionally invite someone into a relationship with you so that you can help them find their way to Jesus? Will you invite someone who may not necessarily look like you, believe like you, or act like you, to join you in learning more about Jesus? You could simply start by inviting them to join you for church, or Sunday school, or even the May the 4th Community event! If Jesus traversed the cosmos to invite us into a relationship with God, could you walk across the hall, the street, or even the aisle and invite someone into your life! Just ask…
May you live sent today
Summer kick-off for families - Grab your lightsabers and avoid any imperial blockades on your way to a Star Wars themed night of free food, inflatables, games, face painting, and even a Jedi Academy for the kids. Located at the Field and Pavilion, this event will introduce our community to a summer filled with activities for families of preschoolers, children, and students. Lots of volunteers are needed!
In this training, we will discover the ways in which we can serve “in Jesus’ name” during this unprecedented experience. Two additional training events will be held (June 15, July 5) but you only need to attend one. Click the link to sign up: