Transformation

The breakout of Christianity from its Jewish roots was a momentous occurence. The earliest disciples were not convinced that embracing all the world was God’s plan. But the actions of the Holy Spirit convinced them otherwise. (See Acts 11:1-18). A sermon on just such a topic can be found here.

Consider the experience of Peter.
It was against everything Peter had been brought up to believe to go to the house of a Gentile and eat with him without going through all the rituals that were expected of a Jewish believer. But God had called Peter to embrace a more inclusive way of being, one that pushed him beyond his comfort zone. Who are we excluding? Who are the ‘untouchables’ in our experience? Whom may God be calling us to reach out to who is not currently on our radar?

Consider the experience of Cornelieus.
He was not a Jew. He was not familiar with the ways of the Jews or the conceptions of a Messiah. He believed in his God in his own way. Yet God heard his prayer and pushed him beyond his comfort zone. There would be a steep learning curve ahead! Where are the unfamiliar areas in our own spiritual walk? What will the learning curve look like if we are to enter into a better understanding of our faith? And how do we attack that curve?

Consider the experience of the Council.
For a church body to accept such radical change… without a lengthy process of meetings and discussions… was truly a miracle. It meant a total refocus. But such was the change they allowed the Holy Spirit to work amongst them. And the results were… to say the least… spectacular. As we consider our own church structures there is certainly something to chew on right here!

Prayer: "Lord, we need Your Holy Spirit to change our focus. Like Peter You call us to embrace those we have dismissed. Like Cornelius You call us to be listeners and learners. Like the council in Jerusalem You call us to allow our structures to be transformed that we might embody the mission incentive of going into all the world with Your gospel. Transform us Lord! Amen"!