1. Inclusivity is built person to person
Loving the one who is different
Luke 7.33-39
Jesus too ‘ordinary’ – a friend to ordinary people
Anointing him as king
A political as well as a theological act
Asking for justice and mercy
‘Religionists’ not in tune with the Spirit
Church: Who am I learning from? Benefitting from spiritually?
Churches should become more and more diverse in every sense the ‘older’ they are.
One sign of personal spiritual maturity is the ability to connect with more and more different kinds of people
Same for a church – that this can be home to more and more different kinds of people
Question to ponder: Have you noticed God bringing new people into your life?
Conclusion
Jesus died that all would know his Father:
“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.” (1 Timothy 2:1–7 NIV11)
Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.
Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.
If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.
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“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)
God bless, Malcolm
PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John
