VOUS CONFERENCE 2022 — Judah Smith: On The Fringe

On the Fringe: A Message by Pastor Judah Smith

Introduction to the Theme

• Pastor Judah Smith introduces his message titled "On the Fringe," aimed at those who feel like outsiders in their faith communities.

• He addresses feelings of inadequacy, questioning one's worthiness to be blessed or used by God.

Personal Reflections on Worthiness

• Smith shares personal anecdotes about feeling unworthy and not fitting into traditional expectations of spirituality.

• He reflects on his journey as a preacher, expressing doubts about maintaining his effectiveness over time.

The Concept of Sneaking Up on Jesus

• The pastor discusses how he once believed that only those with perfect lives could be used by God, but he has since learned otherwise.

• He emphasizes that God can use people who feel they are on the fringe, sharing a story from Luke 8 about a woman with an issue of blood.

The Story of the Woman with the Issue of Blood

• In Luke 8, Jesus is depicted as being in control and surrounded by crowds while performing miracles.

• The narrative highlights how women played significant roles in supporting Jesus' ministry, challenging societal norms.

Understanding Faith and Accessing Jesus

• Smith stresses that God desires open hearts rather than just intellectual understanding when it comes to faith.

• He explains that storms symbolize sin and challenges in life; even during these storms, Jesus remains present and powerful.

The Importance of Being on the Fringe

• The woman with the issue of blood represents those who feel marginalized; she sneaks through the crowd to touch Jesus' garment.

• This act symbolizes desperation for healing and connection despite societal barriers.

Misinterpretations of Courage

• Smith critiques common interpretations that portray her actions as purely courageous; instead, she was motivated by fear and desperation.

• He relates this experience to his own struggles with fear and inadequacy in ministry.

Conclusion: God's Use of Imperfect People

• Ultimately, Pastor Judah Smith concludes that God can work through anyone—especially those who feel they are on the fringe—emphasizing accessibility to divine grace.

The Call to Come Out

Acknowledgment of Struggles

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's struggles, inviting those who feel broken, weak, or weary to come forward.

• A personal narrative is shared about a woman who felt unworthy but reached out to Jesus in her time of need, highlighting vulnerability and desperation.

• The woman's act of touching Jesus' tassel symbolizes faith and the breaking of societal rules; she acknowledges her feelings of not belonging.

Divine Acceptance

• Jesus responds with love and acceptance, calling her "beloved daughter," reinforcing the idea that everyone has value in God's eyes.

• Historical context is provided about the woman building a monument for her healing, illustrating how personal stories can impact community history.

Embracing Weakness

Redefining Strength

• The speaker challenges traditional notions of strength by suggesting that true strength comes from acknowledging one’s weaknesses.

• The connection between the unnamed woman and others who feel overlooked is made; she represents forgiveness and resurrection through Christ's love.

Invitation to Healing

• An appeal is made for individuals feeling weak or broken to embrace their vulnerabilities as pathways to divine strength.

• The speaker seeks out those with traumatic past experiences, emphasizing that God welcomes all who have faced hardships without shame.

Personal Testimonies

Affirmation of Identity

• Individuals are reminded that they are cherished by God despite their current struggles; personal affirmations are shared throughout the message.

• A nostalgic moment occurs as the speaker recalls a long-standing friendship with Doe, connecting past experiences with present ministry efforts.

Call to Action

• A song is introduced as a prayerful invitation for anyone feeling broken or weary to seek God's use in their lives.

• The session concludes with encouragement for viewers to explore more content related to healthy leadership.