MARK 2
16 And the scribes of[a] the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat[b] with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
When Jesus came down to earth the mission was clear. Save the world. Be a friend of sinners and to call them to righteousness. When Jesus faced criticism from the self righteous people, He never felt guilty. he knew why He was on earth.
Jesus made a call for the church to do the same. The church is called to be a light in the dark world. It means that we are callled to go where nobody wants to go. It means we are called to make disciples not bible studies. I love Bible studies and I have my regular study of the Word but I also know that as a Christian – I am called to preach the gospel, make disciples.
In church we call it the 4E’s of discipleship.
Engage the community.
Establish in Biblical Foundation.
Equip them to minister.
Empower them to make disciples.
Question we need to ask is this: Do we still engage the lost? Do we still have friends who are not from church. We are called to be friends with them so that we can share the love of Christ to them.