Sep 14

Written by: Chris Toole
9/14/2011 2:10 PM 

In Acts 15 there was a debate over who should be allowed in the church and who should be allowed to be a Christ-follower.  After much discussion, James, the brother of Jesus, finally stands up and makes this statement in verse 15:
"It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."  I believe that it is our job as the Church to make it simple for the unchurched to come to God. With that being said, I believe that as the church, we must beware that we don't gravitate toward insiders and away from outsiders.  We must be careful not to gravitate toward laws (polices) and away from grace.  We must not gravitate toward complexity and away from simplicity. And finally, we must not gravitate toward preserving and away from advancing.  So what should we do as a church.  First of all, we should remove all the obstacles to outsiders coming in.  Next, let err on the side of grace (that's what Jesus did for us!)  Then let's remain open-handed.  (Freely we've received- let us freely give)  And finally, let's focus on our unique calling.  Here at SPC, that calling is to connect lost, unchurched people to God & and to connect people in meaningful relationships with each other.  Remember, we're here not to make a point - but to make a difference!