This a.m. as I continue into the Book of Acts and the treatise laid out by Deacon Stephen, I hear more than just some historical accounting of the patriarchs.
Our life journey should be one of spiritual milestones and forward movement, as described by Stephen, not some ritual rehearsal of an inherited faith.
If we read scripture simply to be able to recite a few jarring verses, better tell Bibilical stories or to justify our fixed beliefs, perhaps we are stuck in the same status quo that has now crippled the American church, and likely also to have been disempowered of personal influence.
Now I'm in trouble!
Yet at 74, I feel this strongly as I read. Spiritual growth is not learning more about Abraham, Jacob, Joseph or Moses. It's about what's happening in me!
God forbid that I be stuck in the same spiritual mud of religion that can surround and suck the life from all of us, if we dare not daily seek a new and fresh revelation of the Christ in us!
How much does your daily walk excite others, even incite religion?
"When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
Acts 7:54-55 NIV