welcoming

“But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’” – Matthew 9:13 I believe one of the biggest challenges generational Christians face is internalizing the truth that Jesus came to save sinners. I know this was the case for me. I grew up in the world of church and in a subculture that was religious and somewhat legalistic. I was a “good kid,” and I wanted to be accepted by the people who surrounded me, but I had no idea that I was missing out on one of the greatest hallmarks of Jesus’ ministry. I think this is why I have often been drawn to the story of Peter, who was originally called Simon. In Hebrew, his name was pronounced “Shimon,” and it means “to hear or obey.” Since monikers in the Bible are often associated