Friday, August 22, 2008

Okay, so I have been emailing a little bulletin for our Sunday School class every Thursday about where we are in our studies just to keep everybody up to date on everything. It's hard in classes when you miss one day and then feel totally out of the loop the next class. So, this is the whole point for sending little mid-week reminders to everyone. I think it has really helped...I've gotten very positive feedback, so I'm all encouraged by it. Anyway, I thought I'd start posting my little things on here, just in case anyone was interested. We're studying Acts right now and I've always kind of enjoyed the book of Acts. It has a lot to do with faith and spreading God's Word...it just encourages me so much. So, here's this week's:

August 17, 2008
Salvation for Every Nation
Acts 9:32-10:48

I always remember my parents lecturing me about being nice to others, treating other as I would like to be treated, love your neighbor as thyself. Did I always follow those tried and true rules? Of course not...I was a teenager who knew it all. Did I allow any barrier -- language, culture, race, geography, economic level, or educational level -- keep me from telling others about Christ or simply being friends with them? Unfortunately so. I'm sure we've all done it at least once in our lives. But in this week's passage, we learn of two very different men, Cornelius and Peter, coming together through Christ. Cornelius was weathy, a Gentile, and a military man. Peter, a Jewis fisherman turned preacher. Jews and Geniles did not mix. Most of the early believers were Jewish and they thought it scandalous to even think about associating with Gentiles. Fortunately, Peter obeyed God's direction to go to Cornelius, putting his biases aside for his faith. (It did take a three-part heavenly vision for God to change Peter's mind (Acts 10:9-17), but you get the point...he still obeyed!) Once Peter joined with Cornelius, they discovered God's plan included their joint effort to further God's kingdom. Cornelius needed Peter and his gospel to know the way to salvation. And Peter needed Cornelius and his salvation experience to know that Gentiles were included in God's plan. Amazing! Two people from two totally different spectrums uniting to spread God's Word. I think sometimes I'm afraid to fully listen to God and where He wants to lead me. I feel like I am comfortable where I am and who I surround myself with. That is going the exact opposite direction! Why would we want to store this awesome news and keep it to ourselves? New that could save a soul! News that would allow us to see our friends, coworkers, and family in Heaven for eternity! We should be like Peter and Cornelius, getting out of our comfort zone and using each other and our combined God-given gifts to tell the whole world of our Savior! We have so many opportunities right here in Pittsburg, Kansas! If cultures/races are a weak spot for you, find some of the foreign college students we see running around church - be an impact in their lives. If it's economic status, we have all different people around town in a different situtation than we are. People outside of your box just may surprise you and impact your life. God works everywhere, through everyone...even ones you wouldn't expect. Just an ending note I was going to leave out, but just can't. I thought is was so interesting in Acts 9:43 that Peter stayed with Simon, who was a tanner. Tanners made animal hides into leather. It is significant that Peter stayed here because tanning involved contact with dead animals, and Jewish law considered it an "unclean" occupation. Peter was already beginning to break down his prejudice against people who were not of his kind and customs that did not adhere to Jewis religious traditions. God works in so many ways. I feel like He is always preparing us for the next step. He is just saying, "Trust me...you will see.". It just takes such faith to take that leap...he sometimes tries to turn those leaps into steps...so walk with Him the rest of this week.

1 comments:

SarahJeanie said...

Thanks for sharing! Keep it up I really enjoyed it!