FreshBread

Good Morning Friends:
This past Sunday we read from Acts 10. One of the interesting things is that Peter was the only one we read about in the passage who came to a realization…..it is found in verse 34….. 34Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. This is a powerful realization on Peter’s part. It is one reason I believe that God main purpose for the meeting was not for Cornelius but Peter.

In his book, Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis makes this statement:
“There are people in other religions who are being led by God’s secret influence to concentrate on those parts of their religion which are in agreement with Christianity, and who thus belong to Christ without knowing it. For example a Buddhist of good will may be led to concentrate more and more on the Buddhist teaching about mercy and to leave in the background (though he might still say he believed) the Buddhist teaching on certain points. Many of the good Pagans long before Christ’s birth may have been in this position” (MC, pp. 176-177).
What do you think about C.S. Lewis’ statement? Agree? Disagree? Why? Is this what Peter was talking about in Acts 10:34?
Love to hear your thoughts…..send them to Scott@freshstartchurch.com . Have a great day and we will talk in the AM.
Scott

Good Morning Friends,
So let me ask you to think of something……when God speaks, how long does it take you to act? Many times people want to talk about, analyze, theologize and “homogenize” the things that God says. For example, God says…..love your enemies! Got one? An enemy, someone who does not like you? How long will it take you to love them? No remember, love may not take the form of inviting them to dinner. Love may just be leaving them alone, refraining from gossip, or hateful comments. You know in your heart what God would have you do to love your enemy, but you must be still or you’ll never hear that still small voice in your heart! Have a GREAT DAY…..DO NOT DELAY…..Respond to God’s voice!

Good Morning Friends,
Yesterday was an exciting day. I thank many of you for your comments about the service. I thank each of you for seeking to live a Kingdom life. I was blown away this weekend with the response of FreshStart people to a number of opportunities to bring the Love of God to others. It is a joy and privilege to be your pastor.
So we raised a number of questions yesterday that I want to look at this week. Can God speak in ways that contradict his Word? As I shared yesterday throughout His Word, God explains His heart to men and women who seek to go deeper in their relationship with him. At times people have pointed to verses like we read in Acts 10 yesterday (were God told Peter to kill and eat) and said that God is speaking outside his word. I am not suggesting that.
The law of God was given for two reasons that I read in scripture. The first was that the people of Israel would be a peculiar people. The nations would look at Israel and see the way they lived differently and the relationship that God had with them. (However, Israel seemed to fail a lot in this venture.) Secondly, Paul teaches us that the law was given to lead us to Christ. Peter realized at Cornelius’ house for the first time that it was not God’s intention to favor Israel but to use them as a witness to all nations.
Please understand God’s word does not change – we change. In the 1700 and 1800, hundreds of pastors would use the word of God to condone slavery. But as men sought to “Grow Deeper” God was the speaker and God explained his heart……where His word taught us how to treat slaves…..His heart is that no man would be a slave. God did not change, but we changed in our maturity and willingness to hear God. Remember this change started with a few faithful people who suffered a great deal at the hands of the “church” to bring us to the place that God desired.
Listen to God’s voice my friends……and remember….FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GROW DEEPER, GOD WILL BE THE SPEAKER!” Have a great day and will talk in the morning.
Scott