The first week, we looked at Luke 6:12-19. These verses record the calling of Jesus' disciples. Thanks to a pastor from England, Mike Breen, we looked at these verses through the actions of Jesus.
Jesus was first connected to his Father in prayer (UP), then went to the disciples and created a group that he could grow together with spiritually (IN), immediately he went (OUT) into the city and began to heal and cast out demons.
This is a principle that we will focus on as we begin our transforming work. We strive to connect up to God, in with others that we meet with regularly, and also out with the city that surrounds us.
We asked the question, "What will our out be?" because it would be a lot easier to sit around and let what we discuss never leave the conference room.
Week 2: Acts 3: 1-10
John and Peter go to the Temple and heal a crippled beggar. We discussed some of the descriptive words in the reading, "Beautiful Gate, Leaping and Praising God, Beggar, No Gold or Silver."
This story struck home to those gathered around for study, the issue of homelessness is a daily conversation in San Diego. "How many times have we passed by a stranger asking for help without even paying attention to them?"
Peter and John told the beggar to look at them, and when he did, Peter takes him by the hand and says, "Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give to you. In the name of Jesus of Nazareth, walk." Then a glorious transformation happens, the man leaps up and praises God. Then comes my favorite part, the people were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.
Out for the week? we have something far more valuable than gold or silver, the saving hope of Jesus crucified and risen. That news transforms people, makes the spiritually blind to see and the dead to life. When we share the Gospel with people, lives are changed and those around them are filled with wonder and amazement.
Share this hope with people!!!
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