Party at Levi’s House
While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and “sinners” were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. (Mark 2:15)
Your church’s effectiveness and how close it aligns with God’s heart and priorities can be measured by the number of sinners you’re attracting.
Jesus drew people by love, by radical acceptance. Not by judgement, or by calls for repentence and holy living. Not even by preaching profound biblical truth. People were amazed at his words of grace. They were amazed at his teaching with authority — not like the teachers they were accustomed to. And the only way one can preach with authority, with God’s power, is by being in touch with God’s heart. And the loving, longing heart of God attracts people. All kinds of people. The worst kinds of people.
You’re wondering where the power is? You’re praying for explosive church growth like in the New Testament?
Well, how may “sinners” are in your services? How many are you attracting?
Something to think about …
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Good Posting, Truly Is Something To Think About.
Very well said my friend
[via Facebook]
Nice. I’d just point out that Jesus also didn’t seem to “attract” sinners to his building once a week. He pretty much went to where they gathered (in this case, Levi’s house). That is a lot scarier than trying to get them to come to your turf, but it is also a lot more doable.
[via Facebook]
And He didn’t try to ‘take back His country for God’. Just sayin’…
[via Facebook]