"Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to [the scribe], 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' "
I wonder how many people we will speak with today are "not far from the kingdom of God." The Holy Spirit starts a work in souls, often long before they are regenerated. Let us recognize this fact, and act in ac-
cord with it. In other words, some people with whom you are doing evangelism--though they are not "in" the kingdom of God yet--may not be far from it.
Clearly, proximity to the kingdom has something to do with doctrinal understanding. But it must also have something to do with human love and patience. Let us be those who encourage those who are "not far" away. They may soon be in our churches.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Grace is necessary for a Christian; others things are but inconveniences." --Christopher Love, in his sermon, "Uses of Instruction and Trial"]
