A series on the Book of James
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” James 2:1
Let’s be honest, we all have our favorites- ball teams, politicians, people, and maybe even preachers … maybe.
Does God play favorites?
History (past and current) reveals that the human heart is a dark place. When we leave God out of the picture and self-will replaces God’s will, we become savages. We victimize and terrorize the vulnerable. We break hearts, homes, covenants, and promises. In short, chaos rules over kindness and grace, all because someone thinks they are better or more deserving than someone else.
James makes it clear that God shows no partiality. We who are created in God’s image are equally loved and valued and to prove it, God sends Jesus to rescue us from ourselves.
James offers a scenario for how we might welcome others in church. Most churches believe they are welcoming communities. However, the mantra, “everyone is welcome” sometimes is manifested in two different ways:
- Everyone is welcome to conform to our image of what we think Christians should look like.
- Everyone is welcome to fully embody the image of God that they were created to be.
See the difference? I firmly believe (and pray) Three Oaks Fellowship falls under the second. All I can ask is that you,
Come, see, and judge for yourselves.
Pastor Rob
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