Stopped in our tracks

Leading on from my thoughts yesterday, about Saul's Damascus Road experience, I wanted to add the following insight: 

It is easy to see Saul's blindness as a punishment from God, but what if this was actually a moment of God’s mercy? I am sure that God had been trying to get Saul's attention for years, but it was in this particular divine interruption, that we clearly see God's intention. God was calling Saul to see things differently - to realise that the followers of Jesus were not the enemy. 

Thought: Sometimes, God has to stop us in our tracks to help us see what we’re missing or to note what God wants to do in our lives.

Acts 9:11-12 - And the Lord said, “Go over to Straight Street and find the house of a man named Judas and ask there for Paul of Tarsus. He is praying to me right now, for I have shown him a vision of a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he can see again!”

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Unexpected Grace

N.T. Wright writes: "God never wastes anything—not even our mistakes. Saul’s violent past would become a testimony of transforming grace."

As we reflect on the remarkable story of Saul/Paul (Acts 9) it always serves as a reminder to me of God's unexpected grace. We could have imagined any number of punishments for Saul, especially when he was murdering Christians, yet God had other ideas. 

The Lord's way of dealing with an angry zealot was to change his heart and give him new spiritual insight. In time, Paul would become one of the greatest ambassadors for Jesus. 

“He is an instrument whom I have chosen to bring my name before Gentiles and kings...” (Acts 9:15)

Thought: Who are we eager to write-off at times? Is it possible to imagine their lives changed for the Gospel?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

The Conspiracy of Kindness - changing the world by simply being kind

In his book, “The Conspiracy of Kindness,” Steve Sjogren makes an interesting observation. He states that less than 10% of Christians have the spiritual gift of evangelism, but around 90% have the gift of serving. He then goes on to speak about how we can witness to people through our acts of kindness and service. 

I find this a very thought provoking point, especially in the light of sharing our faith. When we speak to congregation members about sharing our experience of Christ, many people glaze over and become very scared. All the excuses in the book are then put forward as to why they can't evangelise and I fully understand how intimidating it can be. However, every person has the ability to 'serve' someone else and to show kindness. 

Imagine if we all ventured out into the world with the idea of sharing God's love with people through our actions and service?

In Acts 9 we read of a woman named Tabitha, who did exactly that. If you are interested in knowing more about her, then please check out our latest sermon on this remarkable woman. 

Living in Grace

D3LM3