Central Truth

God's program will entail shifts in directions, and compliance will always involve embracing something bigger.

---

Reflections

Up until this point, Jerusalem had been the center of the early church's activity. Jerusalem is where it all began. The first believers were all Jewish, which seemed right since they had been the chosen people of God. But it was time for change as the Gentiles could now be incorporated as a people of God with full rights and privileges. This shift would involve Antioch being the church's new center of activity. 

Let's face it, change is hard. Change involves uncertainty and fear of negative outcomes. We can get really comfortable with where we are in lifestyle, work, ministry, and even doctrinal beliefs. I don't think we resist change because we don't want improvements, but because we might fear loosening our grip on the familiar. God's plans will involve changes of some sort whether it be changing jobs, ministry activities, thought patterns, or wrong beliefs. When we decide to let go of the familiar and embrace the change, it will lead to something bigger and better in God's program. But just as it took persecution for the church's center to move, so our change might involve uncomfortable circumstances to get us to move in the right direction.

Some years back, I began to wrestle with my doctrine that was influenced by extra-biblical teaching and an inconsistent reading of the Bible. I had been involved in the music ministry for four years (keyboards and vocals), but was on hiatus for a time. Just before I was due to come back to my position, the doctrinal disturbances made me realize that it was time for a change. That change would eventually lead me to seminary, but it also meant letting go of the music ministry. While I did have some opportunities after I left to participate in music, it became clear that God was moving me in a different direction and one which I now fully embrace. He has opened up amazing doors of opportunities to further His agenda. That change has been tremendously fruitful.

---

Discussion Questions

1. What areas in your life need change right now?

2. What familiar areas do you fear letting go of that is keeping the change from happening?

3. Have you engaged trusted advisers with the change that is before you? If not, who are some people you could turn to for counsel? Pray about seeking out widsom from those people.

4. Think of ways to strengthen your trust in God as you step out in faith for whatever change is in store. Meditate on Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:25-33; and Romans 8:28-31.

---