“Adam won’t amount to much. He didn’t grow up in church leadership so he’ll never really fit on.” ~ A former friend said this to a search committee member once.
You’ve probably heard similar things said about you. Hurtful, hateful, religiously big but theologically infantile words said to you or about you.
These are the words of a gatekeeper. They think it’s their job to stand there and help others figure out who is in and who is out. All-too-often I hear people describe their experience with church by comparing it to a country club.
May it never be.
This is not what Jesus wanted.
With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last. The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. Mark 15:37-38
With his last breath, Jesus lifted the power from religious gatekeepers and opened the Kingdom to all– Jews, Gentiles, saints, sinners, royals, and slaves. Every human was given the power to stand as an equal before their God.
Jesus longed for a truly open Kingdom of God. He gave his life making it possible. His resurrection and ascension guaranteed he was for real.
Never allow a religious gatekeeper to hold you back.
Their power is from another source.
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