Articles
Can Anyone Come To This Church?
I was putting a new message on the sign in front of the church building. When a young woman said, “Excuse me sir, can anyone come to this church?” I thought for a second, “that is a strange question”, but I answered her quickly, “Yes, everyone is welcome here.” She then asked me about when we meet and if children could come too. I told her about our times of service and how we had Bible classes for all ages. I then told her how we would love to have her and her children come and be with us. She thanked me and continued walking on her way.
Well, I have continued to think about that question, “Can anyone come to this church?” In my mind that was a strange question. I have never thought about not being allowed or not made to feel welcome when we assemble together. However, for her to ask such a question makes me think that she has either gone somewhere or heard of somewhere that everyone is not welcome. And if that is the case, how sad!
Did Jesus say, “Come to me, those of middle class families, those who have white skin only, those of higher learning, or those who have a Bible understanding already”? No! He 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.” (Matt 11:28-30 NASU) Jesus said He wants all to come.
When Jesus gave the great commission did he limit to whom the gospel would be taken? Did he say only to a certain race, or a certain social class? Did Jesus say only to those you think will make good Christians, or to those who already have an understanding of God’s word? No! He said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:15-16 NASU). Jesus said go find anyone and everyone and share with them the gospel.
I think sometimes man has forgotten whose church it is supposed to be. It is God’s church and Christ is the head. “And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Eph 1:22-23 NASU). God has set the requirements for acceptance, not man. It is not man’s choice of who should be taught or who should be accepted. Paul said in Galatians 3:26-29, “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise.”
So if you ask me, “Can anyone come to this church?” I’ll tell you yes, because God said so!
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