Zoom In

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

Recently, I attended an event with some ministry friends of mine where I used my cell phone to capture some pictures of the evening to share with my wife, Dee, when I returned home. My colleague, who had a similar vantage point as me at our table, also took some pictures using his cell phone. Afterwards we compared notes, and I was surprised to see how clear his images were compared to mine. Not only were the colors more vibrant but as he zoomed in, his phone picked up even more details that my phone blurred out. Most people would prefer to not give others that same ability to zoom in on their lives. Their fear is that the closer someone gets to them, they’ll see them for who they really are- flaws and all. Sadly, they’ll remain at a comfortable distance from others and never truly have authentic and meaningful relationships. They’ll even stay away from God for fear that he won’t welcome or accept them in the state they’re in.

Throughout Jesus’ ministry on earth, He welcomed and ate with sinners of various kinds including adulterers, the unclean, and even prostitutes. While some of them were actively living a sinful lifestyle, Jesus loved them and called them to faith in himself, even while they were still in their sin. While he never endorsed their sin, He offered them the same love and grace through faith in Him alone.

“I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:32

According to Jesus, it’s sinners who need to repent and believe. Those who have no sense of their sin don’t realize they’re in jeopardy and in need of forgiveness. Friend, are you allowing your private sin and pain to keep you away from God? Normally what we need healing from the most, can either drive us to God or away from Him.

In today’s message, we meet a woman who was an outcast socially and spiritually “unclean” according to the law in her day. When she heard about Jesus and what He was doing for the sick, she made a courageous decision that would change her life. If you feel that your past, struggles, or issues are too much for God, click the link below- a decision that could change your life.

Listen to the sermon series: Our Private Pain

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of speaking at the Day of Prayer event in Seattle, Washington hosted by World Vision. It was very moving to learn that this Gospel centered ministry of 44,000 staff around the world, currently works and serves among the poorest children of the world. In this season of giving and joy, let’s pause to consider the less fortunate who desperately need to be shown compassion and given a sense of hope through the love of Jesus.