Last weekend we unpacked the idea that Jesus Loves the Skeptic (click here to hear that talk).

Some people come to follow Jesus by exploring the tenants of faith and somewhere along the way the experience God and begin to believe in Christ. Others have this mysterious encounter with God and later want to increase their God-knowledge through study and exploration. The key is that it is a journey that includes both event and process – knowledge and experience.

Rather than follow the model that says you need to believe like us and begin to behave like us before you belong with us, Jesus seemed to flip that upside down. Jesus made people feel as if they belonged before they believed or demonstrated behavioral change. Transformation followed the love and acceptance Jesus offered – it was never the litmus test for being loved and accepted.

If you are skeptical of church, religion or even Jesus this is a game changer. He is saying come and ask the tough questions and wade through your doubts as you experience God and explore His claims.

If you are a devoted follower of Jesus this is a game changer. Your job isn’t to worry about who is in or out but rather invite everyone to encounter Christ’s love as you continue to do the same.

You can experience without understanding and you can understand without experiencing. My hope is that you continually have a healthy dose of both.

Wherever you are on the journey, ask God to help you experience His love.

Click here for an article that will help you increase your God-knowledge.