This week Roots is thinking about the last few sessions that we've had.
We're 9 chapters into Acts now and a lot has happened.
If you've been with us for the whole journey then why not take a moment to think about the various discussions that we've had over the last few weeks. If you've not been with us for the whole journey then take a moment to look at Acts 1-9 and then join us on sunday night or on the podcast through the week!
Just as a thought for you. Check out www.kiva.org if you feel like doing something world changing.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Stop Proving Yourselves
Is it just that we're cynical, untrusting or perhaps a little jealous, but have you noticed how long we take these days to believe someone - everyone has to fight through several inches of hostility before we'll start to become suspicious that they may be 'alright'. From sales people, to friends, to doctors to family.
It's not that it's completely unwaranted, there are plenty of people out there trying to pull the proverbial wool firmly over our eyes - but does that mean that we force everyone into a rigorous programme of proving themselves to us?
And when we start doing it to people who've just started following Jesus, is that when it gets most ugly. Many times I've watched as people make life altering decisions and we make assessments like - 'We'll see if it lasts', 'I wonder if that's genuine'!
Once again (it's a theme on this blog) Not so with the First Church.
Saul (more famous by his middle name Paul) is killing Christians, Many Christians, Many Many Christians, Until...
Day One : Kill Christians
Day Two : Kill More Christians
Day Three : Travel to Damascus to Kill Christians
Day Three PM : Meet Jesus on road
Day Four : Bed ridden due to blindness as result of Day Three
Day Five : Preaching about Jesus as representative of Christians
Acts 9 uses the term 'At once' to describe how long it took the Church to allow Paul to start working with them.
Which is quick for anyone - but especially for someone for Paul's history, right? What happened to the six-month rule then?
You're right, someone could abuse a system like that.
But I hope at least we'll be open to the idea that God might just work faster than us, because he doesn't need us to prove ourselves to him.
Does he?
It's not that it's completely unwaranted, there are plenty of people out there trying to pull the proverbial wool firmly over our eyes - but does that mean that we force everyone into a rigorous programme of proving themselves to us?
And when we start doing it to people who've just started following Jesus, is that when it gets most ugly. Many times I've watched as people make life altering decisions and we make assessments like - 'We'll see if it lasts', 'I wonder if that's genuine'!
Once again (it's a theme on this blog) Not so with the First Church.
Saul (more famous by his middle name Paul) is killing Christians, Many Christians, Many Many Christians, Until...
Day One : Kill Christians
Day Two : Kill More Christians
Day Three : Travel to Damascus to Kill Christians
Day Three PM : Meet Jesus on road
Day Four : Bed ridden due to blindness as result of Day Three
Day Five : Preaching about Jesus as representative of Christians
Acts 9 uses the term 'At once' to describe how long it took the Church to allow Paul to start working with them.
Which is quick for anyone - but especially for someone for Paul's history, right? What happened to the six-month rule then?
You're right, someone could abuse a system like that.
But I hope at least we'll be open to the idea that God might just work faster than us, because he doesn't need us to prove ourselves to him.
Does he?
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
