I remember these words, often spoken in the inimitable voice of Dr. Boice.  I encourage you to read it until it becomes personally sweet. This statement marries gospel doctrine to gospel culture. May we all chase after Jesus in such a way that it becomes more and more true of us.

To all who are weary and need rest

To all who mourn and long for comfort

To all who feel worthless and wonder if God cares

To all who fail and desire strength

To all who sin and need a Savior

This church opens wide her doors with a welcome from Jesus Christ,

The Ally of His enemies, the Defender of the guilty, the Justifier of the inexcusable,

The Friend of Sinners, Welcome!

Imagine if you lived in a literal war zone.  A place where you had to fear snipers, land mines, bombing raids targeted to cut off your essential supplies, a place where you had to always be on alert.  While thankfully that is not the physical reality in our surroundings, it is what the Bible teaches about the realm we live in right now spiritually speaking.

Wherever we try to build something positive and holy, the devil sets up artillery to shell us with negativity and soul pollution.  Ephesians 6:10-13 “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places’.