You know when you read a book that changes you? One that really messes you up? I just read that one, Its called Jesus is____? by Judah Smith. He doesn’t give some new theological statement or discovery he just lays some things out plain and simple. One of those things is that Jesus is a friend of sinners. Now I know that may come as a complete shock to you and think im whack but its true- very true. So true that the “religious” ones in the bible had a fit that he would be seen with people like tax collectors (Mark 2:16) or a woman who had been sleeping around (John 4). I really think that if Jesus was walking the earth today churches and “church” people would be freaking out because who he was hanging with.

How many of us have friends outside of our Jesus bubble? Anyone know a drug dealer? Anyone have  friend that’s a stripper? How about a homosexual friend? When’s that last time we had a conversation with some one that wasn’t in your group? We talk about being the church and loving on people but it seems we’re better at loving on the people who are more like us. Yes it’s true and I know I’m guilty. 

Is that what its all about? I’m not talking about standing outside a gentleman’s club with a sign telling them their all going to hell, Heck to the NO!! If we as the church can’t imagine having “those” people in our service then we should just stop now and not plan on having any more services altogether.

Lets be different. Like for real…

We don’t need to talk about, heck we don’t even need to pray about it. Look outside of your comfort zone rather than surrounding yourself with the people that make you feel good.

We’re living in a hurting and dying world.

Talk is cheap.

Lets put actions behind our words.

Loving on them and being a friend to them doesn’t mean you agree or support their lifestyle. ( I know someone will take it that way)

People can tell if your being real to them and if they see Christ’s love coming through you. So don’t try to pick someone as a project… find someone to love on.

Be a friend, a friend to sinners.

Someone took the time to be a friend to you!

Now its your turn.

GO FOR IT!!

J