Have you ever been to a church where you didn’t feel welcome? Have you gone not knowing anyone and hardly anyone came to speak and welcome you? Could it be they were just a bit shy or was it that the people were just not friendly? Regardless of the reason, a church isn’t the place where people shouldn’t feel welcome or wanted.

At Victory we welcome everyone regardless of who they are. We are all sinners; some of us are just saved by grace. Now I have received criticism for that but I don’t really care. After all, Jesus loves sinners, died for sinners, and still saves sinners.

I recently talked with a man and I brought up the subject of church attendance. He quickly informed me that he loves the Lord but church isn’t for him anymore. During the conversation I gathered that someone in church had hurt him. He knows that people aren’t perfect and he realizes that he shouldn’t judge all churches by the mistakes of this one. He understands the importance of church and church family. But the damage is done and he is not ready to get involved with another body of believers at this time.

There is nothing I could say to convince him otherwise. I’m simply praying that the Lord will convict and draw him back. Outside of fellowship is a dangerous place for a believer of Christ to dwell. You leave yourself very vulnerable for the attacks of the enemy.

I am sickened and I am sure God is not please with these so called churches who are so legalistic they run more people off than they get in. They lose sight of God’s plan and design their own agenda. At Victory Baptist we are going to stay with God’s designed plan.

First, we compel them to come in. Second, we preach the truth from God’s inspired word. Third, we watch the Lord use His truth to set the captive free. And fourth, we disciple and grow in grace. Oh yes, and that main ingredient that the Lord Jesus showed so well; love. We love people. I may not like what they are doing or what they are involved in but I am to love them.

So the next time you go into a place of worship and you feel a coldness, ask yourself, “What’s missing?” When the people aren’t friendly and you feel unwelcome, love is missing. Friend I can assure you that love from God is in the hearts of His people. When people who are filled with the Holy Spirit of God come together, you have a church full of the love of God and it is such a warm, inviting place of help and hope for the ones that are worn and wounded. You will find a warm welcome at Victory Baptist Church.

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.