Those who had been scattered moved on, preaching the good news along the way. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and began to preach Christ to them. The crowds were united by what they heard Philip say and the signs they saw him perform, and they gave him their undivided attention. With loud shrieks, unclean spirits came out of many people, and many who were paralyzed or crippled were healed. There was great rejoicing in that city. Before Philip’s arrival, a certain man named Simon had practiced sorcery in that city and baffled the people of Samaria. He claimed to be a great person. Everyone, from the least to the greatest, gave him their undivided attention and referred to him as “the power of God called Great.” He had their attention because he had baffled them with sorcery for a long time. After they came to believe Philip, who preached the good news about God’s kingdom and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. Even Simon himself came to believe and was baptized. Afterward, he became one of Philip’s supporters. As he saw firsthand the signs and great miracles that were happening, he was astonished. (Acts 8:4-13, CEB)
This is one example out of Acts where people were struck with the message of the Gospel and gave their full attention to the message. Is this what you experience when we see the gospel shared today? Are we seeing people give their full attention to God and the message of love we share?
Not really people don’t believe it, and why?
I would venture it is because a lot of people who say God loves say, “God loves everyone, but LGBTQIA+ aren’t welcome because they are sinners.” Any time we say God loves everyone, but, the but means God doesn’t love everyone. So either the first statement is true or the but is.
And I for one know God loves everyone. There is no but to that statement.
When followers say God Loves everyone but, I believe they are saying the truth, followed by their understanding. God loves everyone, but I don’t think those people should be included. They are saying what they wished God would say.
That is why people aren’t listening to the good news. Because they can’t believe it when followers don’t live it or believe it themselves.
Believe it. Live it. Shout it from the mountains!
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 