WORSHIP
All are welcome to join us this Sunday!
“But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men;
you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” Acts 5:39
This week we are brought to the story of the Apostle Paul, a remarkable story that begins with a violent man as he revelled in his hatred for Christians, a sinner, and a blasphemer to say the least. Paul attempted to silence the early Christian’s by persecuting them, stoning Stephen to death (Acts 7:54-60), and pulling them from their homes and placing families in prison for their faith in Christ.
We have much to reflect upon as we fear sharing our faith with others and the world. But what we do stand strong upon is the knowledge that you cannot stop the people of God, for we will only grow stronger. For whatever is from God, you will not be able to stop. You will only find yourself fighting with God himself.
This is where Paul found himself…fighting against God himself…and God won the heart and soul of Paul and transformed this violent man. In the end, apart from Jesus, this Paul shaped Christianity like no other. He is responsible for many books of the New Testament, he is a leader, a warrior and slave for Christ.
Paul is the example of grace beyond measure that was given to him by our loving God. God used this zealous man for his church. Paul’s story reminds us that regardless of what you have done, nobody is beyond hope. God can do a good work in you! Even though your past might be stained, everyone can find a new beginning with Christ. Don’t get stuck on yesterday, fix your gaze ahead and take the next step and do the right thing. The devil likes to remind us of all our shame and shove our nose into it, but Jesus says that we
do not need to remain in that pit of shame the devil tries to keep us in.
Instead, we can choose to rise in the grace of God!
-Rev Lisa
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