What Can't Be Stopped

"If their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But, if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God." Acts 5: 38 - 39

From Jeff

Our staff and the Leadership Team is reading the Book of Acts, chapter by chapter, during February. We are sharing our insights along the way.

This verse stood out to me yesterday. If what we find ourselves doing is just our own stuff, it will fail. But, if what we are doing is from God, not even persecution can stop it. Nothing can stop it. Anything that tries will be fighting against God.

I thought more about this verse today as I sat in a meeting with a group of Hispanic Pastors, a police officer, and a few local missionaries. Barb Newman and I were there representing DBC. We were meeting in the hopes of sharing ideas for how we can meet the needs of hispanics along Buford Highway through planting churches.

The information shared was enlightening. The passion in the room was real. The needs in many hispanic communities are great.

One person shared about the confusion over the gospel. Many people come here from very different Catholic backgrounds than we understand. They sometimes combine elements of Santeria - a religion imported from Africa during the slave trade that includes the most notable practice of animal sacrifices - with Catholicism.

We also heard stories of disease, gang violence, poor education and rampant robbery in some neighborhoods. Everyone shared a desire to help meet these needs. But, even greater was the desire to bring people to Christ. These pastors believe in taking the church to the people, not waiting for the people to come to a church. They spoke of the need for seminary training to include actual practice - where aspiring pastors actually start a church with unbelievers before ever being given a job in an established ministry.

We left the meeting educated, challenged and inspired. God is up to something. We are not yet sure what will develop or even if we will be involved officially through DBC. But, whatever does happen, if it be from God, it can not be stopped. The hopelessness will be overcome with the hope of Christ. The violence overcome by the love of Christ. The idolatry overcome by the Lordship of Christ. The needs met by a serving body of Christ.

Our exact role is still unclear. These pastors know better than the suburban gringos. Yet we shared a common dream of seeing God plant communities of those who worship Him, to transform their lives, homes, neighborhoods and this city. Whatever forces might come up against this mission will find themselves not fighting us, but fighting God Himself.

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