LRC, Houston - the weekends-free church in Houston, Texas

Life is full of special interest groups. There are all manner of civic and social clubs you can join- some with secret vows. Many groups have stiff membership qualifications, while others are more inclusive. Of all such groups, I find it odd that the one entity that should be the most inclusive, is not. Denominations and churches in America particularly are always drawing LINES, and setting up standards for who is IN and who is OUT! Here’s my take.

The man that I am trying to model my life after didn’t draw any line, he didn’t leave anyone out. In fact, it was to those that were looked upon as “outcasts” that He was always socializing.

If there were any that Jesus had a problem with, it was the church; however, with them, he still kept within His circle. Jesus did not exclude, He did not excommunicate, and nether did He withhold His love from anyone. In fact, I think it impossible for Him to do so.

Which is another reason an eternal hell doesn’t seem to work.

God is LOVE and He is a God of restoration (Acts 3:211) and in the redemption process- always. Splitting hairs, being heavily preoccupied with definitions, and separating US from THEM (and there are a lot in that category) is not an example of agape love. Neither is it some sort of pollyanna, relativist philosophy.

Decisions of life have consequences!

And though a person makes a wrong decision, takes a wrong turn, walks in a lifestyle I disagree with, none of that will keep them from being loved by me. I don;’t have to like them, I don’t have to spend a lot of time fellowshipping with them, but I certainly won’t disparage them or speak evil of them.

We are ALL ONE with the Spirit of God, not as we should be which is why the hope of Jesus in John 17 was that we were, would be. And one day- we will!

Why not get in some practice now?