When did we forget that church is for broken people?

When did we first forget that church is for broken people?

When did we start to think that church is for people who are sorted and OK? 

Two men go to worship God. 

The first is a good man. He is respected by his fellow worshippers. He is familiar with the patterns of worship. Above all, he is confident because he knows that he has done everything expected of him. He is not like the scumbag next to him. No, it is from his confidence and the way he lives that he now prays to God.

The other is not a good man. Everyone else going to worship that day is astonished to see him there. They hate him. This man collaborates with the enemy. He fleeces people of their hard earned money, turning over the bulk of it to those who have invaded their country but keeping a good margin for himself. He is ill-at-ease with worship, for he has not been to worship for oh so long. He is far from confident. In fact, he is quite literally beating himself up, smashing his hands against his chest.

Which of these guys truly encountered and engaged with God in that place?

You can read the story here and listen to the full talk here.