Can people really change? We intuitively know people do change, yet we all struggle to believe this when it comes to certain people or certain areas about our own attitudes, behaviour and character. Paul's Damascus Road experience and the events following also give us some clues on how to make God's invitation for change stick in our lives.
Breaking Barriers - Acts Series #16
After the death of Stephen, many followers of Jesus fled from Jerusalem yet continued to talk about Jesus wherever they went. When Samaritans received the message of Jesus and then received the Holy Spirit, the Jewish leaders realized they needed to break their old patterns of thinking to stay in line with what God was doing. Unfortunately, as we see in the example of Simon the sorcerer, old patterns can be hard to break... Yet, Peter and John's response to the Samaritans show that old patterns can break, if we submit ourselves to Jesus.
Heart of a Mother
We are chosen to be adopted into God’s family. The influence of a mother’s prayer is powerful. The reflection of Jesus is in a Mother’s heart and actions. The Mother’s prayer, “Lord, give me this soul!”
Renewed Confidence - Anniversary Sunday Acts Series #15
God is in the business of using ordinary people for His extra-ordinary purposes and Kingdom. The life of Philip serves as an example and inspiration for us as the same God at work in Philip is looking to be at work through us. For this we need to renew our confidence in God and His ways.