Compare and Contrast
A reading for Thursday, May 4, 2017: Acts 6:8-15.
It's not automatic. In chapter two of Acts, the disciples did "signs and wonders" and the community of God's people embraced them. The Lord added to their number. It was an image of the early church in love and community...
In this chapter, we read that Stephen's acts of "signs and wonders" were threatening to a group who opposed him. False charges are conjured up against him. Stephen is arrested. This time it's an image of a dysfunctional and conflicted church...
Truth is, merely actions even in the name of faith are not enough. Faith requires love and trust, community and mutuality. In comparing two stories, both with signs and wonders, we see some values worth paying attention to.
It's not automatic. In chapter two of Acts, the disciples did "signs and wonders" and the community of God's people embraced them. The Lord added to their number. It was an image of the early church in love and community...
In this chapter, we read that Stephen's acts of "signs and wonders" were threatening to a group who opposed him. False charges are conjured up against him. Stephen is arrested. This time it's an image of a dysfunctional and conflicted church...
Truth is, merely actions even in the name of faith are not enough. Faith requires love and trust, community and mutuality. In comparing two stories, both with signs and wonders, we see some values worth paying attention to.
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