It Was Awesome

Back in DV8 for our Sunday morning messages. Pat spoke from 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 today, and he laid out some great practical stuff from the passage as we try to make God famous in our every day life. He gave four filters as we make daily choices of how to live and glorify Him in all things (1 Cor. 10:31). So the four filters: 1. Is it "black and white" in God’s Word? 2. Does it Build Up my faith (or damage it)? 3. Does it encourage or make my fellow believer stumble? 4. Does it cause someone far from God to be drawn to Christ or cause them to be repelled by the church/Christ-followers?

Pat pointed out that often our choices as Christ-followers cause those who are far from God to be pushed away. As I listened, many other thoughts and reasons flooded my mind as to why we as Christ-followers actually become obstacles to people to Christ rather than conduits. Reasons such as hate, bigotry, simply not being welcoming and kind, selfishness, materialistic, unwilling to help someone or a group of people, hypocritical, unwilling to enter into dialogue on opposing issues, not listening, harsh, and legalistic.

I had a great example of that this weekend. After finishing Parker’s last soccer game Saturday (more on that in a later post), the kids were playing on the playground and a gentleman asked me and some other parents gathered if there was a shelter in the area. After the short conversation ended, Kelly and I noticed that the man was on the playground playing with two small children and a woman. I went back over to learn their story and understand their situation better to see how we might be able to help. As he told us their story of unfortunate circumstances after moving to the area, we were able to meet a few of their needs. The best part of the story came as we talked and I told him about our Helping Hands ministry at FBCSmyrna. Then he jumped in and said that he and his family had already connected with Ray, the leader of our Helping Hands ministry, and that they were planning on coming to our church on Sunday.

As we continued to talk, he mentioned that they had already been to a couple of churches and felt unwelcomed and judged and hoping that our church might be different. Trying to help him feel comfortable coming, I mentioned that I would be wearing jeans, flip-flops, etc. on Sunday and he said, "That makes me feel a lot better." Amazing how the simple posture of being casual in dress breaks down walls for people. As I finished my time with him yesterday, I was thankful for a guy like Ray King and the rest of our Helping Hands team who helps people who are down on the are luck and extend God’s grace to people in need. Even more, I am thankful to be part of a church where I feel comfortable inviting anyone because I do not have to worry that they might feel out of place, uncomfortable, and judged…instead they will be welcomed, included, accepted, and feel the power of God.

I prayed all night and morning that they would actually show up. After finishing the welcome in the first service and walking out in the foyer, here comes Ray and his wife along with the family we met the day before. With a quick hello, I could tell they were little overwhelmed, nervous, and not exactly sure of themselves. They then went into worship. We found them again after the first service with their two children and asked, "how did it go?" The man said, "It was awesome." (what a win!!) I looked at her and you could see a definite transformation in her demeanor. In the time frame of last than a day…even 90 minutes, you can see some hope restored and the grace of God in the lives of this mom and dad with two small children, working hard to land on their feet.  I am reminded again that the church is the hope of the world, FBCSmyrna is a great church with great people. God is Glorious!