"Now the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter [of Gentile conversions]. And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose and said to them: '....God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.' "
Acts 15:6-9
Same song, second verse. The leaders of the Church had already been through this issue of accepting the Gentiles when the house of Cornelius was saved (Acts 11:17-18). They were slow learners. I am sometimes like the Jews. I know God accepts all who repent and receive Christ. Yet I struggle with the salvation of some people, not because of race but because they have done such horrible things – as Ted Bundy. God lumps us all together as sinners who need salvation. Everyone is saved by faith, just as I am. Today, God reminds me that He knows the hearts of people, and I dare not reject someone He has acknowledged [margin: bore witness to]. He is the judge and Savior, not I.
Today's Thought: God knows the hearts of people.
Have an "acknowledging" day. Love you.
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