Announcement

A quick break from the usual format: from this post onward, I will include an audio file. This will also be available as a podcast on Apple, Spotify, and other platforms.

I personally consume the bulk of my content via podcasts while working, driving, etc. and I think others may be the same. I also feel led to expand the reach of this blog, and a podcast seems like the natural progression.

That being said, please let me know if you would like me to republish older posts as audio as well! Happy to do so. For those that are hearing these as audio only, you are welcome to come to the post page and leave your comments.

Samaria

Back to the study group lessons, September 15, 2024 is Your Church’s Samaria. Remember we are looking at Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Then you will tell people about me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria. And you will even tell other people about me from one end of the earth to the other.

So this time we are looking at Samaria. I’d like to start with paraphrasing the story that the writer leads with. Pay close attention to this and see if you can relate. He starts with his history as a pastor’s son and the importance of missions, with an emphasis on ALL people need Jesus. He would always invite his closest friends.

But there was one family out on the edge of town he refers to as the Thirsty Family. No way he would ever invite them! They were dirty, smelly and obviously poor. There was one boy about his age that soaked up Bible verses and drills like a sponge! He ends with this quote -

The Thirsty family was not like anyone else in our church, and Ralph Thirsty was not like me or my friends. Our children's teachers had to make concerted efforts to reach out to the Thirsty kids. Today I'm sorry I didn't make the same effort.

Has something similar happened to you? I am ashamed to admit this, but it has to me. We tend to gravitate to those that we want to spend time with. Those people need Jesus too, but what about the kid that’s picked last? Or that doesn’t wear the right shoes? Or may not have running water at home to shower? Again, I am ashamed that when I called myself a Christian in middle and high school that I let ANYONE go uninvited to church or even to Jesus.

Cultural History

As a brief background, the Samaritans are part of Hebrew culture. For instance, Jesus met the woman at Jacob’s well in Samaria. They trace their lineage back to Jacob, just like the Jews. Following the Assyrian conquest in 722 B.C., the Samaritans intermarried with the invaders and incorporated some of their religious practices. In contrast, the ‘traditional’ Jews who returned from captivity did not intermarry and thus viewed themselves as more faithful to God’s ways.

I propose that we could look at it as a denominational difference. I happen to go to a Southern Baptist church, but I am no more or less saved than someone at a Methodist or Assembly of God or any title you want to throw out. At least as long as that someone is a blood bought believer in Jesus Christ. We can have differences of opinion on eschatology or women pastors, but as long as we trust in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ to pay for our sins, we are still brothers and sisters in Christ.

Now to be sure there are others that will claim the title of Christianity but preach a false gospel. Think of the Mormons and their works based, or Muslims and their allegiance to their Messiah. You could even say the Jewish people today that reject Christ. Do we ignore them because they are different? Or do we take the Gospel to them as well? Are they not God’s creation too, for whom Jesus died?

Here’s a quick test. Do you believe the truth? Does it agree with what they believe? If not, then they need to hear the truth. Period. Then they can make their own decision. Don’t assume the individuals in these religions have rejected the truth; they may be living the only thing they’ve ever been told.

Intentional

And lastly on this lesson about Samaria (or as a substitute ‘other denominations’) the writer says that “Jesus was intentional in His approach to reach the Samaritans.” Jesus went out of His way to travel through the area. This should be a lesson to us. In this modern day, we are minutes by car from people we may never normally come into contact with. Is God calling you to be a witness there?

And remember to personalize the message, like Jesus did. Keep this in mind as you talk to people. As long as you don’t compromise the message - the Gospel - you can use different techniques and conversation.

This applies to more than just witnessing and conversions. It also applies to discipleship, something we are called to take part in. Remember, everyone is at a different stage of their spiritual growth.

Until next time, be Blessed and strive to do His will!

"Almost New" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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