Open Arms
Theme of the Week: Who's In? Who's Out?
Joseph Stowell
Thursday, July 7, 2005
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers (Hebrews 2:11). Bonus Reading: 1 Cor. 12:12-27
One of my favorite churches is The Gospel House south of Cleveland, Ohio. It was started by Bob Sepkovich, who at the time had an effective ministry in local and state jail systems. When men who came to the Lord in prison were released, he encouraged them to go to a local church where they could be accountable and involved. Unfortunately, the welcome mat was rarely rolled out for these ex–cons. So he started his own church for these men.
Today The Gospel House is a growing, energetic church with people from all walks of life. Executives, former prostitutes, policemen, convicted felons all worship and work for Jesus. It's wonderfully like the early church. It's the way the church should be if we're to make a statement about the welcoming arms of Jesus and the breadth of His love and grace.
The last time I attended the Gospel House, a gnarled, thin woman with disfigured limbs stood in the front row of the choir next to a totally blind woman. What impressed me was the energy with which these two sang and the joy on their faces. It made me wonder why more disabled people aren't active in most churches.
—Joseph Stowell in The Trouble With Jesus
My Response: What group in my community might feel the welcome mat isn't out for them?
Thought to Apply: According to the prayer of Jesus [John 17:22-23], the mission of the church and its fruitfulness in the world depend not so much on what we say to the world as on our sticking together.—PAUL VAN BUREN
Adapted from The Trouble With Jesus (Moody, 2003) by permission.
Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity. 1 of 1
 share this page
Lord Jesus, I tend to cold-shoulder those You reach out to with compassion. Please change my heart.
Men of Integrity
Connect with God | Transform my Mind | Live by His Power
Relate Better | Make an Impact
Home | Archives | Contact Us
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try an Issue of Men of Integrity
Free!
|
 |
|
No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders.
If you decide you want to keep Men of Integrity coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive five more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless.
Give Men of Integrity as a gift
Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| 
RSS Feed
