While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. They heard them speaking in other languages and praising God. Peter asked, “These people have received the Holy Spirit just as we have. Surely no one can stop them from being baptized with water, can they?” He directed that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they invited Peter to stay for several days. (Acts 10:44-48, CEB)
Surely no one can stop them from being baptized since God already gave them the Spirit, right?
In the Lutheran denomination I serve in we have our baptism service and after the baptism of water we have a line said as a cross is drawn in water or oil on the one being baptized head to the effect, “name of person you have been sealed by the Holy Spirit and marked with the cross of Christ forever.” Some would argue this is the point where the Spirit comes, I would argue it is whenever the Spirit feels like coming, or when we are born.
The Gospel of John says, “Jesus answered, “Very truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.” (John 3:5, NRSVue). Everyone is born of water, there is a lot of liquid at birth, and I would argue everyone is born of Spirit as well when God so chooses.
All are a part of the Imago Dei. We all make up the image of God, so no one can stop them/us from being a part. No matter how bad they don’t want someone there, we are not God.
Love like Jesus and know you don’t get to choose. God already did that.
Loving People. Loving God.
aSacredRebel 