Therefore I judge that we should not trouble those from among the Gentiles who are turning to God …
Acts 15:19
I am grateful for those who were tolerant of me when I first turned to God. I am also thankful for James’ leadership under the Holy Spirit’s guidance. The leadership of the day chose only a few key things to abstain from for the sake of not offending the Jewish believers. Eating things offered to idols or things with blood was just too gross for those raised in the Jewish culture. Abstaining from sexual impurity still stands because the relationship of marriage is a picture of Christ and the church.
With this in mind I don’t want to impose unnecessary burdens on those who are new to the Faith. Jesus was pure and holy yet sinners flocked to be around Him. It isn’t good to “churchify” people instead of let Jesus lead them through relationship, the Spirit and His Word. We, by all means, want them to grow and progress into maturity. We don’t want to trap people in our own personal interpretation.
I am thankful for a church that is more interested in hearts than behaviors. I know that sometimes this makes thing more interesting and challenging than making everyone march along to the same tune. I know that the believers at the church I attend are the kind of people who only require the most basic truths and are not offended by every little annoying problem that comes along.
Newcomers Welcome,
Pastor Jason
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