Hello, Church

The worship leader opened with, “Hello, Saints!”

The church chuckled.

Then she shouted, “Hello, Sinners!”

The church squirmed.

I felt right at home.

Because I’m a sinner, but that’s not the end of it all.

I knew I was home when she hit us with the Gospel: “Hello, Sinners who are saved and becoming Saints!”

Scripture says that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). That’s not subtle; it means you and I are sinners.

Scripture also says that it is by grace you have been saved, through faith–and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God. (Ephesians 2:8). That’s not subtle, either; it means God’s grace-full gift of new life really is amazing.

…and we’ll pick up right here tomorrow.