Acts 9:26-28
"When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord."
As I read these verses I am reminded of a dear friend of mine, who although I do not know his past, I know he has one, one that he has had to overcome through the blood of Jesus Christ. I remember one day speaking to my friend and he told me how when he had turned his life around, and believed on The Lord Jesus Christ he tried to go back to the church and they basically told him they didn't want him there. Wow, church not wanting a repented sinner to come to their church. I wonder what they would have done if Saul, now Paul had tried to come to their church? Would they have turned their backs and said we don't want you here?
How can we say that Jesus has the power to change lives and then when He does it we doubt the changes? Has The power of God changed someone so drastically and still you are unwilling to believe it? How do we treat new believers when we know their past? Do we try and stay away, shun them, look at them with skepticism?
Maybe we need to check ourselves, first of all do we really believe that God has the power to change people? Or is it just some people, like ourselves, that God to change? Is there anyone to far gone that Jesus on the cross can not save? A murderer (like Saul), an adulterer (like David), a sinner (like you and me)?
So let's say you do believe that God can change anyone do you do something about it like Barnabus? Are you willing to not only friend such a person, are you willing to introduce him to your friends, invite him to hang out with you at Church? To help tell their story, when it may be difficult for them to do alone? The Bible tells us "They will know we are Christians by our love", are we willing to love everyone God brings into our lives?
Please feel free to comment below. God Bless. I am praying for you.
Truth. Thanks for sharing Teri.
ReplyDeleteTerri, this is EXCELLENT and I applaud your efforts to shine a light in a dark place.
ReplyDeleteSadly, many churches are not aligned with the Scripture. When church members refuse to welcome new believers into their fellowship, that is sin, and I would question the leadership and doctrine of this congregation.
If "old things are passed away and all things become new," then this new birth is recognized and this new Christian becomes a part of the worldwide Body of Christ, regardless of what some grumpy church member says.
Going back to your original question, "Can God really change people?" ABSOLUTELY! I am one of those people and I know many others.
Keep writing. This is really good stuff.