WHY WE SAY “COME AS YOU ARE”

North Pointe is known as the “come as you are” church on 167 Avenue in Edmonton.

Why do we say, “Come as you are?”

More Than A Welcome

We take our cues from Jesus. He said, “Come to me all who are loaded down with burdens and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

That’s an invitation to anyone and everyone – the burned out, the discouraged, the overachiever, the non-religious, and the _________ (you fill in the blank).

“Come as you are” is an invitation to freedom because that’s what Jesus offers. He doesn’t give added burdens. He gives rest.

The kind of “rest” Jesus provides is more than the refreshing of a good night’s sleep. Its rest for your soul.

Its called “‘grace.”

5 Things That Make Grace So Amazing

1. Grace is God’s best idea. Grace means we can stop trying to be perfect. We can rest.

On the cross Jesus said, “It is finished.” Grace is not about what I need to do for God – its about what God has done for me. Its all one-sided – God to you.

2. Grace offers me forgiveness, helps me forgive others, and helps me forgive myself. Is there anything more powerful than forgiveness? “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

3. Grace is completely accepting. Grace means I can come to God just as I am. God accepts me just as I am. I live for God just as I am. I accept others for who they are. Acceptance is transformational.

Grace creates vulnerability, color-blindness, and joy in abundance. Grace-based families grow relationships where people are consistently loved unconditionally.

4. Grace is getting more than you deserve. Grace is the opposite of mercy. Mercy means we get less than we deserve when it comes to punishment. Grace means we receive more than we deserve…more favor, blessings, provision, ministry, opportunities, etc.

5. Grace seems too good to be true. “I want desperately to know that this can be true for me, but I don’t now how to believe it or how to live in it. It seems to be good to be true. I don’t really know how to receive such love.”

“God demonstrates His own love for us in this: while we were still sinners Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:8 That means before you did anything for Jesus He did everything for you. He died for you and was raised from the dead for you. He offers his grace freely.

Grace is yours to receive, freely.

And then give away, freely.

APPLICATION: Drop in any Sunday morning at North Pointe or at North Pointe’s mid-week’s ministries. You will find rest for your soul. Please leave a comment below. Thank you.

I write to inspire people to be real, grow an authentic faith in Jesus, enjoy healthy relationships and discover their life purpose. If this material is helpful to you, please follow me.

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