In a world that is intent on building taller walls, we believe as a community of faith that following Jesus is about following his lead to actually destroying walls and building bigger tables.

As we celebrate our 3rd birthday at Mid-City Vineyard, we took this week to once again revisit who we believe the Divine has called us to be as a community of faith, in the community, for the community.

Sometimes making decisions seems pretty easy. Other times, not so much. But how do we really discern which way the Divine is leading us in some of the bigger decisions in our lives. This week we look at Acts 15 as we look for a little better understanding of how we might discern the will of the Divine.

Jesus tells his disciples that it is actually easier for a camel to walk through the eye of a needle than for a wealthy person to experience life. To which the disciples of course ask, "well then, who can attain this life?" In classic Jesus fashion, he is once again using hyperbole to make a very important point about how we live our lives.

Jesus refers to hell a number of times when teaching. The question has to be asked though, what exactly did Jesus mean? It turns out that much of our modern day thoughts about hell are more heavily influenced by Greek and Roman mythology than they are actual Christian thought.

Jesus says that it would be better to tie a millstone around your neck and drown yourself in the sea that it would be to disregard those in society who are most often disregarded. In God's reality, the world as we understand it is turned upside down and Jesus' invitation into real life consists of humility and learning to love all people.

One time a Gentile woman approached Jesus literally begging Jesus to heal her daughter. Since the woman was not Jewish, Jesus first ignored her and then resorted to calling her a dog. And then, suddenly, Jesus came face to face with his mistake, changed his mind and found the deeper will of God in the situation.