Then and Now

Job 13, 14
Acts 17, 18

SOAP - Then and Now

Scripture
Acts in general.

Observation (umm... this is just a bunch of totally rambling thoughts that didn't come together to make any sense! :-) )
We talked last night at Bible study about the difference between the time period of Acts and the present day. What is the difference? Wish I could remember all of what was said. I think I might be making the mistake of reading Acts only as a history lesson, not really being open to applying it to my life now. Christianity is not new now. And I'm not at risk of being flogged. I don't see myself performing any miracles in trying to tell people about Christ. I don't face opposition like they did if I talk to someone about what I believe. But I think the world now is more similar to the world then than I realize... maybe? I really just don't know. There are definitely differences now. But I'm sure there is a lot we can learn from Paul, Silas, etc that would help us now. They faced the opposition of angry Jews who wanted them to go away. We face the scenario of trying to get through to people who feel like they already know all about God and Jesus and don't want any part of it. Or they want to be a part of God and Jesus but they've been to church and don't want any part of that. It seems like when it was new, Christianity was pretty well defined, people understood what to do and took action, helping each other, praying, studying. Now it seems like there is such a broad spectrum of what counts as Christianity, people who in theory believe in Jesus but yet their lives don't look any different before Christ and after Christ. So we see by example that we can be saved and then sit back and do nothing. If I can sit back and do nothing, do I really believe in Jesus? Have I really acknowledged him with all my heart? I doubt it. Anyway, I guess my main thought is that at first glance it seems that Christianity in the time of Acts was new and more straight forward, easier to convey and easier for people to embrace. And now it seems like such a jumbled mess that to most people it looks like there is nothing solid for them to grasp. But is it really that different? If it's such a jumbled mess now, what can we do to make it more straightforward? How can we live our lives and tell people about Christ in a way that they feel like it's worth being a part of?

Hah, I have no idea what I'm saying. I've even been one of those people looking at the church and saying "God, yes I like God... but church, no thanks, don't want any part of that". And I have no idea what changed other than God telling me I needed to go to church whether I liked it or not. So, to add to the rambling thoughts here, can we even reach people and get them into church if God hasn't put on their hearts to be there? This is all kinda confusing, but kinda exciting too.

Prayer
Dear Lord, take all these jumbled thoughts in my head and make them make sense! Hah. I picture you listening to my thoughts and going "yay, she's almost got it... oh no, that wasn't it. bummer. maybe next time." Umm, wow, I don't know what to say to you Lord. We want to love you. We want to love each other. Our love is nothing without your love. Your love is amazing. Lord I know that I don't embrace Christianity with all that I am. I am ashamed to say that I'm not sure I'm willing to. Dear Lord, forgive me for clinging to "my life" and give me strength to follow you with all my heart. Help me see clearly what I should be doing in my life. Lord I pray that you would help us all see what our roles are as Christians in today's world. Help us learn from the stories in Acts. Help us take that knowledge and apply it here today. Thank you Lord for loving us, for guiding us, for hearing our prayers. Amen.