"And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the Holy Spirit just as he did us. He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts."
Acts 15:8-9
Is it somewhat reassuring to realize the early Christians squabbled about who was "in" and who was "out," too? Seems like nothing has changed in the two thousand plus years of Christianity. Some of these guys involved in this disagreement actually had walked with Jesus and heard his actual words about wanting all to be One. And yet, here they are, wondering what conditions need to be placed on new followers of Jesus. If Jesus showed them anything it was to be inclusive, as he was inclusive. Human beings are human, though, and we like dividing lines. See this line? I'm on this side and you are on that side. What is it about us? Well, today, this late-April Thursday, let's cross some lines! Let's realize that God made all of us and loves all of us and the dividing lines we find are of our own making. God pours the Holy Spirit on us without distinction, purifying hearts! It certainly isn't up to us to decide who's in and who's out. We are one in the Spirit! Love, heidi
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