Visitor Finds More Than Information
On July 11, I experienced a beautiful reminder of why our churches exist.
A man visited one of our churches for the very first time. Although he had driven past the church many times before and had even received invitations to attend, this was the Sabbath he finally decided to walk through the doors.
When someone asked him why he had come, he simply replied, "I came to get information." What happened next is a picture of what every church should strive to be.
One of the church deacons warmly welcomed him, chose to sit beside him, and began a genuine conversation. Together they opened the Bible and discussed Scripture, including a passage about Elijah. The visitor listened with interest and curiosity.
Later, as the worship service continued, I began preaching. To the visitor's surprise, I referenced the very same passage that he and the deacon had just been discussing. It immediately caught his attention. Then, during the sermon, one of the presentation slides displayed a simple statement: "We'll settle for information when God is offering revelation."
At that moment, something changed. With genuine excitement, the visitor exclaimed, "I didn't come for information. I came to meet Jesus!" What a powerful testimony.
His words reminded me that people aren't ultimately searching for more facts, more opinions or even more religious knowledge. Deep within their hearts, many are searching for hope, purpose, forgiveness, and a Savior. They may think they're looking for answers, but what they truly need is an encounter with Jesus Christ.
As I reflected on this experience, I couldn't help but ask myself an important question: How many more people like this man are all around us?
The deacon who welcomed this visitor may not have realized the eternal impact of a simple conversation. Yet through that act of hospitality, God was already preparing a heart before the sermon even began. The Holy Spirit had woven together the conversation, the Scripture, and the message into a divine appointment.
This is a reminder that every handshake matters. Every smile matters. Every conversation matters. Every member has the opportunity to participate in God's work of drawing people to Himself.
