If you haven’t noticed,

There’s a pattern that many sermons and Christian books follow
– the preacher or author begin with a problem:
• what Christians or churches are doing wrong – or not doing
• then in the sermon or book they set out to solve the problem
◦ for instance, what we’re supposed to do and how to do it right
– every week people hear their preacher begin by pointing out their shortcomings
• not praying enough, giving enough, their faith isn’t strong enough, etc.
• people go to church or read books, because they hunger for God
◦ they are burdened, worn out, anxious about their family and future,
◦ some are unemployed, or perhaps a single mom, a lonely senior, a confused teen
• and in the first minutes of listening or reading, they get beaten down
– the way of Jesus is not to condemn people or place heavy yoke on them
• but he welcomes, clothes, feeds, heals, reassures, and loves them