"It's because of this 'whole world' dimension that the Jews grabbed me in the Temple that day and tried to kill me. They want to keep God for themselves."
(Acts 26:21, The Message)
Isn't it ironic... that a Christians we serve a God of abundant love & grace... a God who loves EVERYBODY and wants ALL to come into a relationship with him... and yet a significant portion of his followers want to keep him just for themselves?
Oh, they may not say so outright. They'll claim they're open and inviting... but a close look at their church "rules" (or polity) discover who's allowed to be "on the inside" with communion & membership. Examine their spending/giving practices a sa church, and see they're not as open & inviting as they'd like you to believe.
Paul met this while he was an ambassador for Christ. He'd been a Jewish pharisee (very strict adherent) his whole life. Then when Jesus grabbed his heart, he tried calling many of his follow Jewish brothers & sisters to the life of a Christian. Some followed. Many refused. Not only refused, but sought to kill Paul to stop his evangelistic efforts. "They want to keep God for themselves," he said. How said.
It still happens today. Why are there so many "haters" within the faith today? God is much bigger than our attempts to control or confine Him. Praise God for that!
No comments:
Post a Comment