Troublesome Truth

Scripture – Acts 4:8-12: ⁸Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! ⁹If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, ¹⁰then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ¹¹He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ ¹²Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Reflection: – Once again, Peter is ready and empowered to speak. His message is one he knows these “rulers and elders” will not like. The man was healed “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” – crucified by them, but raised by God. And it is through Him alone that people are saved.

That message is still unpopular today. The common view of our North American culture is that all religions are equal. People are free to believe whatever they want as long as they don’t hurt other people.

I meet people all the time who have worked out some sort of spiritual understanding for themselves. They’ve taken a little from here , a little from there, thrown in a little from Oprah and called it a religious viewpoint that works for them. Generally, it’s a spiritual perspective that doesn’t interfere with their personal lives. As I trust Jesus Christ more and more, I find He does interfere with my personal life. And I’m far better for that.

What do you believe? What informs your belief and faith?