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Acts 11:1-3 You did what!!! Day 205

Hello again friends,

Just a few thoughts on the mission of the church and how easy it is to go off on tangents.  I don't remember where I heard this, but a wise person once said "Where you start will often tell where you will wind up."  The analogy of continental divide.  A two rain drops falling just feet apart along the divide can only end up in the Pacific or Gulf of Mexico.  Circumcision party starts close to the truth but goes astray because of misunderstanding mission of the church.

Blessings

Jeff

The circumcision party in Jerusalem at the very beginning of the church.  Sometimes we think that it takes a long time for error to creep into the church.  But scripture shows us that this is not true.  Galatians was the first letter Paul wrote shortly after first missionary journey.  He is shocked that the circumcision party was already drawing people away.  Acts 20 shows Paul speaking to the Ephesian elders and warning of fierce wolves coming in after Paul leaves.  Calls to mind the Jesus' parable of the wheat and tares.

Church's witness starts in Jerusalem but then Samaria and ends of the earth.  The gospel is not just for people who look like us.  Jesus was focused on the lost sheep of Israel, but church is looking for lost sheep everywhere.  I am confronted by my attitude that doesn't want to go to the unbeliever and eat with them.  I need to hear Peter's rebuke of the circumcision party and remember that even he fell victim to opinion of others.

Remember what we should not forget.  If I find myself arguing with scripture, I have gone astray and need to repent.

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