INSIDE OUT

There is a part of my journey that begins... and inevitably always ends with my love for God. Yes, yes, I know... "what is love anyway", I would say. Well, I still have that philosophical question parading around in my mind. However, this post is about how I know God's love for me is absolutely real and he cares for me (and others in similar journeys) along this quest for truth. I go to an amazing "church" called The Meeting House. This "church" is a network of home churches, who meet together on Sundays (the best day our culture gives, when most of us don't work - although we don't consider this "church"). We have a home church, whereby we listen to the teachings on our own and meet together for dinner and discussion. Well, this upcoming week's topic is: "Is God a racist?" I had to smile. It was quite an interesting teaching. The main teacher, Bruxy Cavey, was teamed up with John Campea to discuss how to grapple with Matthew 15:21-28 (remember my previous post)? Most of what I received was in Bruxy's overview of the general theme of the bible. His view is that God first was for the Jewish nation, in order that all nations will be united after the resurrection. John Campea brought up the verse Revelation 7:9. The vision, which John the apostle had of heaven: 9 After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. Hmm... EVERY tribe, nation, people and language. This is good. Bruxy's view on Matt. 15 was that in Jesus' discussions with the religious leaders, beforehand, he was discussing the ceremonial act of cleansing hands. This, for the religious leaders, was to wash their hands clean from those in the city who would be "unclean" such as the Gentiles. They were addicted to law and not grace. Here comes this woman Gentile, who after Jesus ignores, allows to push through with her request. Jesus is pleased with her faith and has grace on her for her daughter. (paraphrased) The overall theme of Jesus was that grace comes before law. I LOVE this!! I love the idea of reading the bible in this way. Of course it still puzzles me when some verses don't line up. However, I do want to continue my search with this in mind. I think I have heard this "read the bible as a 'whole'" bit before. But with this example, it does make sense.Now, do I believe that there is no salvation to the Gentiles? I find it hard to trust Paul, as I've mentioned. But after reading this in Revelation, I feel more at ease with being a Gentile. Yes, I am relieved by this but will still search for the role of a Gentile (in Acts 15:20). This journey for me is hard at times. Yet for me, it is fun to discuss what the bible means to me. I would rather be here than where I was 10 years ago. I was not encouraged to ask "my many questions". I remember as a youth, being told I don't have enough faith. I was saddened by those words for many years; afraid to ask my questions. But, not anymore. I am free to discuss these things together with friends and in earnest prayer with God without being made to feel guilty for my questions. I must say a thank you to Bruxy, for helping me find the freedom to search for truth.