All are Welcome

Jan. 26, 2015 Monday Message:

“Our ancestors worshiped on this (Samarian) mountain, but the Jews claim we must worship in Jerusalem.” John 4:20

Jerusalem was the capitol of southern Israel, while Samaria was the headquarters for northern Israel. At one point, they had all been Jews, brothers and sisters. But Samaria was invaded from the north, and some Samaritans had inter-married with the conquerors. Even so, they’re probably all still cousins!

So in God’s eyes, just how different are the Samaritans from the Jews, and does that difference matter? Jesus set the record straight that day. Jesus said that the day is coming when all believers will worship in Spirit and in Truth, for God is spirit. And worshiping God is always better than failing to worship God, regardless of where you are. Surprisingly, the woman at the well, in spite of her past, was still seeking the Lord, and Jesus offered her Living Water, so she would never thirst again.

That’s how Jesus did it. While the path to salvation was first shown through the Hebrew people, they are called to be a light to the world, sharing God’s Good News with all. Jesus didn’t exclude the woman at the well because she looked, spoke, acted or dressed differently. He forgave her past sins. In fact, Jesus stepped far away from tradition to make sure the woman and the people of Samaria were included.

ALL are welcome at church – that’s the way Jesus did it.

See you on Sunday!

Norton Lawellin

Special note: This Sunday, Feb. 1, we’ll be combining our worship service with Victory Christian Church, 3500 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, 55406. So our service will be in their building that week. It willl be a great day – we always go “all out” when worshiping with our Christian brothers and sisters. Mark your calendars and call your friends!