Trailblazers: Welcome New Hikers
The King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’
Matthew 25:34-36 (NKJV)
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Matthew 13:2 (ESV)
When I was a girl, Christianity (my church) seemed like a snobby social club. Because of my parental connections, I was invited to join and “have fun.” But here’s what I saw:
The Spirit was a spark that didn’t catch.
The Son was a group of stained-glass windows.
The Father was a memorized prayer,
And a truth-seeking girl would soon drop out!
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
Consider 3 questions that beg answers:
Do American Christians (as a group) look like self-righteous, self-serving judges? Dressed like each other, pointing mean fingers in “holier than thou” condemnation?
Do our rules, walls, and denominations reflect the selfless unity of Christ? Where most sects not only hate on the world– but, in addition, hate on each other?
What's the best way to show outsiders the benefits of following Jesus? When’s the best time to discuss salvation to those who’ve had a bad first impression?
Consider 3 trailblazing solutions:
As trailblazers shining in media, look stylish and clean–not stiff and churchy! Serve Jesus first. Serve your fans and don’t judge. Show them Jesus by your loving actions. Then you tell them Who the Real Star is.
Abandon divisive religious rules, because Jesus prayed for our unity.* 'That they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me' (John 17:22-23).
Welcome new hikers with wide-open love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and gentleness. Show them a church without a roof or walls; a church that practices what it preaches, a church not full of itself, but of Him.
When you welcome them, you welcome Jesus!
Trailblazers: Welcome New Hikers (Part 16)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
* Jesus' final Prayer for His disciples and all following believers in John 17:6-26: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+17%3A6-26&version=NKJV