By Thom Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources. He posted this reading on May 9, 2016 at: http://www.ThomRainer.com
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I am not in church.
Sure, I have visited churches several times, but I gave up.
For the most part, the people were unfriendly in the churches. No one greeted me unless it was some contrived greeting time. No one noticed me while they gathered in their holy huddles. One church member sat down by me and told me I was sitting in her pew. I decided to leave right then.
I am not in church.
But I really would like to know more about Christianity. Unfortunately, most of the sermons I hear seem watered down. Too many of the preachers tend to shy away from dealing with the biblical text straight on. I want to learn, but they just seem to want to please.
I am not in church.
I could make you a list of over a hundred things churches are against. The topics range from the serious to the ridiculous. I sure would like to find a church that also tells me what they are for.
I am not in church.
But I need help. I know I need help. There are times I hurt badly and seek answers. I was hoping to find some of those answers at church. I was hoping to meet people who cared. I was hoping to be in place where I am treated with dignity and care.
I am not in church.
My co-worker goes to church. I even know where he’s a member. But he’s never invited me. My neighbor goes to church. My children play with her children. I see their family go to church every Sunday. But she’s never invited me. I would go if she did. I would definitely go.
I am not in church.
But church members don’t seem to care. They seem too busy to care. No one speaks to me. No one invites me. No one shows concern for me.
I am not in church.
I am not anti-church. I am not anti-Christian. I am really seeking answers. I am really looking for people who care.
I am not in church.
But I think I would like to be.
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Matthew 11:28-30 — (Jesus said), “Come to me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Numbers 10:29 — Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law: “We are going to the place of which Jehovah said, ‘I will give it to you.’ Come with us, and we will do you good.”
Hebrews 13:1-2 — Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.
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Posted at St. Stephen’s Walbrook church, London; written by Bishop Thomas Ken (1637-1711):
O God, make the door of this house wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride, and strife. Make its threshold smooth enough to be no stumbling-block to children, nor to straying feet, but rugged and strong enough to turn back the tempter’s power. God make the door of this house the gateway to thine eternal kingdom.