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!

Choose Whom You Will Serve
Nowadays when we go in for surgery, a surgeon is able to both examine a patient for problems and fix any problems he may find; as long as the patient agrees and signs the consent form. If the patient does not agree, the surgeon does not fix the problem. The Lord reveals sin in our life. If we do not consent to His removing of these sins, they will remain. A Christian must choose to serve the Lord and put away all forms of idolatry.


