Resources/Articles
Get Them in the Door
For anyone who has ever come into the door of this church building, the people who always enter it to worship must TAKE THE LORD SERIOUSLY. Ezekiel 36.23 says God wanted to renew Israel - revive them - and it would only be possible if He was “sanctified in you before their (other nations’) eyes.” What impacts others is how serious you are about God. Do you approach Him with reverence and gratitude?
See if you are as serious about God as you might tell others. People have no desire for holiness if you do not. The church has not been hurt by her enemies as it has by its own lukewarm members.
In Acts 2.42, the fervent love for God among those Christians was demonstrated. They gave it constant attention. You probably could have seen it as soon as you came in the door. People who come in the door of this building can see it here. It is obvious where our attention is focused when you enter. People know if the emphasis is scripture, socialization, love, feelings, truth, or appearance.
Here is something to consider: Some people who enter the door here are tired of gimmicks and games and want to be serious about God. They want serious Bible study.
Does it appear to be a serious Bible study when a teacher asks, “Where did we stop last class? Are we in chapter 3 or 4? Did anybody get their lesson?” Others also know the interest when they enter the door and see people with Bibles in their hands. Then in class, they hear pages of scripture turning. They can tell how serious people are if their direction is toward learning and people are taking notes.
The seriousness the church in Jerusalem had for God was witnessed in Acts 2.46. They had daily meetings. As often as possible, they were together. The more the study, the more the growth, and the more the reverence and appreciation for God. With that attitude, it does not surprise you what happened in Acts 5.42: They were going other places publicly and privately to teach.
Besides the church in Jerusalem, there is the church at Thessalonica. Paul wrote to them and said, “And you became followers of us, and of the Lord...” (1 Thessalonians 1.6). What Paul did with that statement was give a commendation and an implied recommendation. They were an example of a church who could truly sing “To the work, to the work, we are servants of God.” If you could get someone in the door where the church in Thessalonica met, chances are they would learn, study, and obey.
Would anyone want to come through the doors of this building? Would we be embarrassed to invite someone? Would we be afraid of what others would see? Would we have to apologize for inviting them?
Think about this: Some have the mistaken idea that what hinders evangelism is being too strict, too careful - not offering enough entertainment-oriented worship, guitars and drums in worship services, snazzy new methods, or community service opportunities. Over the last few generations, there has been a little less fervor in worship services, a little less effort to reach into the community, a little more focus on the world, a little less caution in interpretation of scriptures, and a little less strictness in dealing with worldliness.
The church of the Bible is distinct and full of different people (Titus 2.4). Distinctiveness is slowly being lost. The seriousness and reverence is fading. Zeal is flickering. We may view ourselves as okay, but all is not okay if we take a lax approach to these matters. The answers often come in the form of pointed statements: “I think our work groups need to do more,” when the real problem is “I need to do more.” Others may say, “We need more elders” or “We need to change the time oand order of services,” when the real problem is “I need to do more.” Our saltiness is what lacks (Matthew 5.13). It is the more salty which has the greatest influence, not the less salty.
When people are brought through the door, will they see saltiness? Will they see lethargic, go-through-the-motions, stick with routine, boredom, head down, uninterested, texting, playing games, etc.? Will they see God seeking people, praying, singing, loving, merciful, and holy?
Every Christian’s saltiness and adorning of the gospel is crucial. Be a part of the solution, not the problem. Be willing to be part of this battle to reach those who do not know God with the gospel. Your neighbor is anyone God puts in your path. Whatever you do to help people in the door, do it with your might (Ecclesiastes 9.10). Take joy in doing it. It is all about lost souls! Let the light shine on them!
