When you think of “sinners” who might be excluded from God’s kingdom, does anyone come to mind? If so, you may be entering dangerous territory. The Pharisees were certain of their own seat at God’s table, convinced that the tax collectors and prostitutes had no such place. But Jesus came precisely for the people the religious crowd wrote off. He welcomes the broken, the fallen, the forgotten with open arms the moment they repent and turn to Him. God’s grace reaches farther than our judgments, and we may be surprised by those who are on heaven’s guest list!

Becoming Bold Followers of Jesus
Nowhere in the Bible do we ever see Jesus asking anyone to “become a Christian.” Instead, He asked people to “follow Him,” and there is a world of difference! Jesus never made it easy for people to follow Him. In fact, He drove the crowds away by telling them they had to be willing to give up everything first. Today we’ve replaced those demands of our Lord with easy statements like, “Invite Jesus into your heart,” or “Sign a church card.” It is our desire to go from simply being Christians to being bold followers of Jesus Christ; surrendering all and following Him wherever He leads! Will you join us?


