Those who come to Christ automatically join the church universal - those who have come to Christ in history past, present and those yet to join the family of God. Those present believers belong to a local expression of the body of Christ, commonly called the church. When I first found Christ in my life - I desperately shared my new found faith with all my friends - inadequate as it was - my desire was for them to find the truth! It is like a fire that burns within.

Sadly - if not nurtured - the fire goes dim and we get on with other aspects of being a Christian. Look at today's verse of Scripture as Paul describes to the leaders in Jerusalem what they have been up to:

Acts 15:4 When they got to Jerusalem, Paul and Barnabas were graciously received by the whole church, including the apostles and leaders. They reported on their recent journey and how God had used them to open things up to the outsiders.

How awesome is that! They were living on Mission for those who were still outside the faith. To me this is the very heartbeat of God.

In all we do - there must be divine activity around our lives where our faith is being lived out for OUTSIDERS becoming INSIDERS!

Keys to helping Outsiders becoming Insiders

1. Check your motives. Love is the greatest (1Cor 13). If what we are doing is not being motivated by the highest concern for our fellow man, then we are open to twisted incentives that eventually will be discovered by those we are trying to reach.

‍2. Be intentional about mixing with outsiders. How can we be salty if the salt remains inside the shaker! The church is often guilty of preaching to the saved. Jesus didn't say COME - He said GO! Ask yourself this question: "Where right now in my life am I purposefully putting aside time to mix and befriend those without Christ?" If you don't like the answer - make a change - start with work colleagues, neighbours - build friendships that will give you a platform at some point to share God's love.

‍3. Belonging precedes Believing. Check your church is not sending a subliminal message to those curious about faith and spiritual things. It goes like this "You can't belong here until you believe the same as we do!" This immediately brings a barrier of isolation. Friends, Jesus modelled to us by being called the 'friend of sinners'.  We must build an atmosphere in our congregations that allow people who have not yet crossed the line of faith to feel like they BELONG. I have seen so many times in our ministry - people who have testified about how they felt loved and accepted even though their lives were twisted and bent, enabling them to then believe and come to Christ.

Remember - Love is the greatest!