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!

Glory of God
The glory of God is expressed in the person, character and nature of Jesus Christ. The cross is the ultimate expression of the glory of God on earth with reference to God the Father (His love, grace, mercy) and to Jesus Christ (His humble submission in obedience to the will and predetermined plan of God the Father). The outworking of the glory of God in the cross is salvation and eternal life to lost humanity. When born again believers live out the character of Jesus Christ, believers are glorifying God and reflecting His light. This is only able to be achieved through the ministry of the indwelling Holy Spirit.


