Open Doors

Often churches have difficulty getting people to come into a church. That took on a new dimension in Philadelphia recently. According to AP news service, vandals put glue in the locks of several churches making it difficult for parishioners to get inside for Sunday services. At least eight churches of various denominations were targeted. In some cases, the vandals broke off keys inside locks. Worshipers at one church used a drill to get their doors open. At another church, a member brought a blow torch from home.
What's more difficult is when churches are closed from the inside keeping 'outsiders' away from a safe haven & refuge where they can find encouragement. Sadly, many times we stiff arm & hold people away who are different from us. Several years ago I was on a mission trip & we were visiting around a shady, quiet neighborhood. I passed by a church. A letter had fallen from the church office sign. It read "Church Of ice". I commented that it was unfortunate & a sad commentary on many churches. As we rounded the corner of the building, to our shock we found the church had been closed down & literally padlocked shut.
I pray people of all races, social standing, age & income feel welcome at the church I serve & attend. I want to do my part to welcome & embrace people & let them feel a place that's warm & inviting. We live in a hard, cold world & it's important to have a place to turn & find encouragement.
In the last book of the bible, Revelation, Jesus made a statement that's been quoted many times. The statement is often quoted in regard to inviting Christ in our lives. It was actually written to the "Church"! People had gotten wrapped up in their religion & ritual & left out the relationship with God. He said, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Rev. 3:20 NLT
Again, I hope our churches are always open to people. If you are not involved in a local church, or more to the point, if you don't have a relationship with Christ & feel He's outside your heart, this verse may apply to you also. I've heard it said, "Jesus is a Gentleman. He will never force His way into your life." In the famous painting of "Christ at the Door" by Warner Sallman, there is no handle on the outside of the door. After he unveiled his painting the artist was told he made a mistake & forgot the handle. He replied, "No, the handle to the door is on the inside & you must open it."

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Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org cell 870-217-9376