Phillip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joesph.” And Nathanel said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Phillip said, “Come and see”. John 1:45-46

 Most larger cities have neighboring towns that are small and people believe not much good comes from them, whether it’s the people, lack of businesses, or issues with crime. Many people have a prejudice towards those smaller towns without really knowing the people of those communities. Truth be told, there are probably many good people in them and their lives are much better off than those in the big cities.

 That was exactly the case in today’s verses. Prophets foretold that a Savior would come out of Nazareth, yet when Phillip told Nathanel he found Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the Savior of mankind, Nathanel had doubts because of where He came from. In Nathanael’s mind, nothing good could have come from that community.

 The same could be said of some people’s view of churches and the people who attend their services.  Unchurched people have a prejudice towards church attendees because of what they’ve heard through other’s opinions, actions of those who claim to be “Christians”, or bad news published in the media about church leaders who’ve fallen prey to worldly lusts. Because of their prejudices, they don’t’ want any part of a church or the people who attend them. Sadly, this is the case for millions of people, some who live right across the street from a church. Maybe you fall into this category.

 If church attendance is not on your Sunday morning agenda, I encourage you to stop relying on your personal opinions, and be like Nathael, come see for yourself what really goes on in that church building. You might be pleasantly surprised by the love that greets you upon entry, and the sound doctrine that is preached from the pulpit. You might actually see those half-hearted Christians kneel at the altar, seeking God’s forgiveness. They are no different than yourself, people just living life in this world, trying to be better people for God to bless. Why not make plans to attend a church this Sunday and see it for yourself.