Rethink Their Lives

Scripture: 13 The outsider told us the story of how he had seen a heavenly messenger standing in his house who said, “Send to Joppa and bring back Simon, also called Peter, 14 and he will give you a message that will rescue both you and your household.” 15 Then I began to speak; and as I did, the Holy Spirit fell upon them—it was exactly as it had been with us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what Jesus had said to us: “John ritually cleansed people with water through baptism, but you will be washed with the Holy Spirit.” 17 So, if God gave them the same gift we were given when we believed in the Lord Jesus, the Anointed One, who was I to stand in God’s way? 18 There was no argument, only silence. Circumcised Believers: “Well then, we must conclude that God has given to the outsiders the opportunity to rethink their lives, turn to God, and gain a new life. (Acts 11:13-18 The Voice) So, if God was the One who was in charge of this whole episode of the so-called outsiders believing and receiving the Holy Spirit, what were the circumcised believers to do? It seems the church, or at least some of church, still wants to have those who are insiders, and those who are outsiders. God says that all need to be given the opportunity to rethink their lives, turn to God, and gain a new life. Lord God, I do not want to be one who stands in the way of anyone to have the opportunity to rethink their lives and have a new life in You. You alone are the giver of life! Thank You for my opportunity to have this new life. AMEN I will take joy in doing Your will, my God and Father, for Your law is written on my heart. My hope is in Your unfailing love and faithfulness. Psalm 40
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