Unfortunately, the internet is filled with misinformation and lies and one must be very discerning about what one believes and accepts. And so when somebody sent me the following story, I enjoyed it but I have no idea if it really happened. I personally suspect that it didn't actually happen, but I share it with you because I think it is at least very thought provoking.
A preacher transformed himself into a homeless person and went to the church where that morning he was to be introduced as the head pastor. He walked around his soon to be church for 30 minutes while it was filling with people for service .... only 3 people said hello to him. He asked people for change to buy food .... NO ONE in the church gave him change. He went into the sanctuary to sit down in the front of the church and was told by the ushers he must sit in the back. He greeted people but was greeted back with stares and dirty looks, with people looking down on him and judging him.
As he sat in the back of the church, he listened to the church announcements and such. When all that was done, the elders went up and were excited to introduce the new pastor of the church to the congregation ........ "We would like to introduce to you our new Pastor" .... The congregation looked around clapping with joy and anticipation ..... The homeless man sitting in the back stood up ..... and started walking down the aisle ..... the clapping stopped with ALL eyes on him .... he walked up the altar and took the microphone from the elders (who were in on this) and paused for a moment .
Then he recited: "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' "Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?"
"The King will reply, 'Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'
After he recited this, he looked towards the congregation and told them all what he had experienced that morning ... many began to cry and many heads were bowed in shame .... he then said .... "Today I see a gathering of people ...... not a church of Jesus Christ. The world has enough people, but not enough disciples ... when will YOU decide to become disciples?" He then dismissed service until next week .
Being a Christian is more than something you claim. It's something you live by and share with others. 2 Timothy 2:15, "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth."
Would this be any different if it happened in your church?
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