Encountering God, All Are Welcomed

INTRO:

AFTERPARTY - May 11: Funnel Cakes, Games, and Movie

5-9pm @ the church

Camp July 15th-20th

New Series - Encountering Gods

Jesus meets us where we are

Nothing separates us from Christ except our unbelief

Why study this?

See the character of God

Hebrews 1:3 ESV

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,

We can be without excuse of not coming to Him

Look at two groups of people Christ first encountered

The Least of These

Who can come to Christ?

Anyone - no stipulations except to believe

Class doesn’t matter

Luke

Financial status doesn’t matter

Popularity doesn’t matter

Abilities don’t matter

Luke 2:8–11 ESV

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

What was so special about shepherds?

Had a bad reputation

Considered unclean by their line of work

Very gruff - reason for their great fear

Testimony was not admissable in court - Unreliable

One of the first people to hear about the coming of the Messiah

The message of the Gospel came to the least of these, the last people expected to receive the gift of salvation

What does this mean

The Greatest Among Us

The Message of the Gospel came to another group of people - the 3 wise men

Matthew 2:1–2 ESV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”

Who were the three wise men?

Magi - astrologers

studied the stars

ancient scientist - PHD level guys

Highly respected men, vastly intelligent - knew Jewish history and prophecy

Had wealth

The birth of the Messiah brought desire to worship in their hearts

Left their homes to follow a star to bring their gifts to worship a baby

Jesus moves the hearts of the wise and powerful

Christ Breaks All Walls

What does this mean for us?

Anyone is able to receive the Gospel

The poorest and outcasted

The richest and best

Romans 3:22 ESV

the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Romans 10:

Romans 10:11–13 ESV

For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Doesn’t matter the background there is room at the foot of the cross!

STOP

What hope do we get from knowing that anyone can come to Christ? How does this help us in sharing the Gospel with those around us?

Why would God not just offer salvation to the best people (the ones who seem to have it all together) or to the worst (the ones who seem to be in desperate need) only? At the cross we are all equal, God sees the heart.

If nothing we have or the gifts we have been given matter in our salvation, what should we do with our resources and our abilities? (Ex. If you’re smart how could you use that for the glory of God? Musically Talented? Athletic? Artsy? Wealthy? etc. )