Allure. A quick perusal of Google will quickly show you that we use this word to market everything from sleek sports cars and perfume to lingerie and magazines. Dictionaries define allure as the power to entice or attract. Our Scripture passage for this Sunday comes from John 6: 35-51. In the midst of the discussion with the crowds, Jesus explains that nobody will come to believe in Him unless the Father (God) first draws them.
The Kingdom of God is a mysterious thing. It isn’t easily explained. You can’t make a soundbyte out of it. It doesn’t fit with our consumeristic culture, but we are unmistakably drawn to it…it is alluring. There is also a sense of the word “allure” that connotes something that is dangerously intriguing. I’ve just listened to a message from Erwin McManus (Lead Pastor of Mosaic in California) on the subversive intentions of Jesus. Throughout His ministry, Jesus’ harshest words and criticisms confronted the institutional, religious order. As Pastor Erwin says, if Christianity in its contemporary state is what Jesus died to create, then it isn’t worth believing (my paraphrase). What did Jesus want us to believe? What couldn’t the crowds understand in this back and forth dialogue with Jesus? Please join us this Sunday and discover more about “The Allure of the Kingdom.”
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December 17, 2006 at 11:27 am
Bert Amsing
Hello my name is Bert Amsing and I am a Canadian living in Argentina with my family. I contacted you once before in Sept to find out when and where you meet on Sunday mornings……then I went out of town for two months. Now that I am back, I went to visit your church above La Baranda in Martinez and nobody is there…..I can´t find you…..help!!!
December 22, 2006 at 9:15 pm
Brian
I am so sorry you missed us. Mars Hill was active in the Martinez area until the first of October. At that time, the Lord gave us a new direction and we moved to the Capital. Our primary emphasis is now in Spanish. We are ministering in a shantytown in the Capital in Villa Soldati. We welcome any who would like to help us in these efforts. Beginning in February 07, we will have an English-speaking home group for expats and Argentines. We will meet once a week. More details to come after the holidays.