but, but, but

Tuesday April 30^th, Acts 11: 15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift as he gave us, who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could oppose God?"  18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life."  If God is sending us into all the world to bring the Good news, who are we to stand in the way?  Peter is trying to explain the no line on the horizon boundary-less kingdom to boundary loving followers.  It is a tough job, full of “Yes, but’s.”  Yes I believe the Kingdom is for all (but) who follow the right path; the kingdom is for all (but) who live as the children of God; the kingdom is for all (but) who have made a profession of faith; the kingdom is for all (but) who pray the believers prayer; the kingdom is for all (but) who follow the Christian faith; the kingdom is for all (but, but, but, but). The Christian church over the centuries hasn't changed much.  Even today there is all manner of “yes, but you surely don’t mean ‘those’ people” among those who claim the title of followers of Jesus.  All living things have within them the living breath of the Holy Spirit.  Our job as kingdom dwellers is to help awaken the awareness of the spirit that is already within them, and in the process awaken the awareness of the spirit that is already within ourselves, to that spirit presence.  Where is God leading you today where you don’t want to go? Perhaps it is time to start packing.