GOD OF VARIETY
Last weekend we had eight people raise their hands to make John 3:16 their way of life. One was a lady in her upper 70s, another was a kindergartner. God is a God of variety. He isn’t just a God who connects with one generation or another, but He connects with everyone. The problem in the church world is that we humans tend to want to narrow the presentation of the gospel down to our own cultural group, which limits who will respond.
As the pastor of New Hope, I have tried my best not to focus our message to one focal group, but to broaden the message to all cultural groups. Which causes some angst among some believers who feel their way is the only way. I believe we should find ways to involve all ages in the message of the gospel. In using that strategy, we have lost hundreds of people over the years who want a particular style of music (contemporary or traditional or southern gospel or Christian rock), volume control (too loud or too sleepy), style of preaching (topical v. expository), appropriate attire (dress your best or laid back), or those who want to do everything v. those who want to do nothing.
When Jesus chose His disciples, He selected Simon the Zealot (ultra conservative) and Matthew the Publican (ultra liberal). Peter was likely the oldest Disciple and John was likely still a teenager when Jesus invited them. He is a God of variety and we will be wise to expect variety in the church of Jesus Christ.
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