Why people came to Jesus:
Simply because of His love and compassion. We live in a dark world in many ways, and for people going thru hardship or troubles, judgment and condemnation are what most people expect. But Jesus was different. It is true that He was the power of God in the flesh. It is also true that He did many miracles, BUT His key attribute was the love and mercy He showed.
The woman at the well, the tax collector, the Roman centurion, and so many others experienced love and acceptance. All these were people who had earned condemnation from the religious leaders of the time. BUT Jesus showed love and acceptance to people who were indeed the least of these. And that is the heart and soul of the Church. That we love those around us and share the incredible grace of God. We are called to be ministers of grace. Grace is not just a doctrine in the bible but the heart of the Gospel message. We were lost in our sin and despair, BUT God sent His only son as a sacrifice that we could be reconciled to God and live a life of joy and contentment. And as we have experienced this grace, we need to share it.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).
That was the command of Jesus to the disciples. Tertullian, an early church father (circa 225AD), wrote, “look how these Christians love one another.” And that is the Church we are building. A place you will be accepted for who you are, warts and all.
Well known pastor and Christian author Rick Warren Warren, writing about the purpose of the Church, suggests that these purposes are worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry, and missions and that they are derived from the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37–40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19–20). Warren writes that every Church is driven by something. We are driven by the Love of Christ and a desire to share His message of grace and restoration in our local community and worldwide. And that starts within the church walls.
When you come to visit us, you will see a group of people moving together in the love of God. You will find acceptance, worship, teaching, and opportunities for accountability and discipleship. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. That is why the author of Hebrews warned, “To not forsake the assembling together, one with another. It is true that your relationship with Christ is a very personal matter. Living a Christian Life is a team sport. We would love for you to join our Team.