Three Seasons Community Church– 8-19-07

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. [14] When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." [16] And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Luke 18:15-17 (NIV) People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [17] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it."

EMBRACE– Welcoming All

Our mandate by God is to "GO" and share the love and good news of Jesus Christ with those who don’t know Him.

[Psalm 73:28; Matthew 5:13-16, 9:12-13, 16:18, 28:16-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 14:23, 15, 19:10; John 3:16-17, 10:9, 14:6; Acts 1:8, 2:21; Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 10:9-14, 3:29-30; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; 2 Corinthians 2:14-15; Ephesians 3:10; Colossians 2:19; 1 Timothy 2:3-6; 2 Peter 3:9]

Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Jesus approached children on "their" level

When we approach people it’s our responsibility to humble ourselves and come to their level– not expect them to come to our level.

Mark 12:30-31 [NIV] Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' [31] The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

Philippians 2:4 (NLT) Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.

1 Corinthians 9:22-23 (NLT) When I am with those who are oppressed, I share their oppression so that I might bring them to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone so that I might bring them to Christ. [23] I do all this to spread the Good News, and in doing so I enjoy its blessings.

Jesus smiled and warmly welcomed children

Luke 18:15-17 (NIV) People were also bringing babies to Jesus to have him touch them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. [16] But Jesus called the children to him and said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Jesus touched and blessed the children

Mark 10:13-16 (NIV) People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. [14] When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. [15] I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." [16] And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.

Jesus accepted, appreciated and loved people where they were

John 8:7 (NLT) They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, "All right, stone her. But let those who have never sinned throw the first stones!"

Are we quicker to accept others with God’s grace or judge and condemn?

Jesus modeled making the first move

Luke 19:10 (NIV) For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost."

The LEAST we can do when people enter our doors is to greet them and welcome them!

Do you believe that Nice Matters? Are you nice to others?

Do you take the initiative to welcome others?

In developing relationships do you seek to find the interests of others?

Do you smile and warmly welcome our guests to church?

Are you comfortable with giving a smile, hand-shake or hug?

Are you quicker to accept others with God’s grace or judge?